Year after year, small towns to the largest cities across America celebrate Independence Day by lighting up the skies, from the backyard to the super stadiums and everything in between as we continue to follow the orders given to us by John Adams who once penned that “illuminations from one end of the Continent to the other from this time forever more.”
Today as we relive history once again, Folsom and our surrounding communities have numerous Independence Day celebrations to choose from. Those of us at Folsom Times have once again hand-picked a few events close to home for those of you that want to go say ah and ooh to some red, white and blue. Here’s our crew’s top five picks to plan your patriotism in the coming days.
Fireworks each night at the Folsom Pro Rodeo
In Folsom, the 63rd Annual Folsom Pro Rodeo offers a great fireworks display at the conclusion of Rodeo competition on July 3,4 and 5 as well as after the Sheriff’s Rodeo on July 6.
The Rodeo takes place in Dan Russell Arena in Folsom. The best viewing of the fireworks is in the arena itself When the last cowboy rides out of the stadium the fireworks begin with both ground level and aerial displays just after dark.
This year’s Folsom Pro Rodeo is already sold out all but on July 4 so far, however, the aerial displays can be seen from various vantage points outside of the arena and throughout Folsom, including nearby Lions Park. For more information on this option visit www.folsomprorodeo.com
Fireworks and Freedom in EDH Town Center
On ,July 3, the El Dorado Hills Town Center will host Fireworks and Freedom. This event is open to the public starting at 6 p.m. and will include live music in the amphitheater and a variety of events for all ages. For its second year, it even includes a kids zone. Admission is $25 per child, $20 per toddler for the kids zone feature that is in the west end of the Target parking area. Ticket sales to the kids zone feature benefit the Hands 4 Hope Youth Making a Difference organization.
The Freedom Concert starts at 8 p.m. in the amphitheater with music by Island of Black and White until 11 p.m. Funk Shui Band plays in the Theater Plaza 6-9 p.m. and the evening will conclude with a spectacular new fireworks display. Note that Outside alcohol is no longer permitted at Town Center events. For more information on this event visit www. edhtowncenter.om
Rancho Cordova continues two day tradition at Hagen Park
In Rancho Cordova, the Cordova Community Council presents the 39th annual Fourth of July Celebration at Hagen Park on both July 3 and 4. Gates open at noon on both days. The fireworks launch at dark. The July 3 display will be a warm up to the July 4 grand event. Admission to the event is $5 for tickets purchased online or $10 at the gate and $10 for parking, cash only.
The event features a variety of fun events, games, live music, performances by the Los Moralitos Circus twice each day and a carnival with a variety of rides. Guests can purchase a $30 unlimited ride one day wristband when purchased in
advance through July 2 or do so to $40 when purchased at gate)
For details of everything from the parade, the daytime activities to the fireworks that wrap up the night and buy tickets visit www.ranchocordovajuly4th.com.
Family Blast in Placerville
In Placerville, the annual Family Blast at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds is the grand event for the Fourth of July.
This event hosts kid’s activities, bounce houses, water slides and live music leading up to the celebration. The gates open at 4 p.m. with the fireworks launching just after dusk.
Admission is $5 per person or $30 per car load, $75 per RV which includes overnight camping and admission for up to 6 people, in case you celebrate a little too much. The event also offers carnival rides or youngsters at an additional cost. The event is presented in conjunction with Placerville Speedway and auto racing is also on tap for the evening for an additional admission that includes grandstand seating for the races and the fireworks. For more information, visit www.eldoradocountyfair.org. and www.placervillespeedway.com.
Fourth on the Field at Sutter Health Park
If you are looking to head west this Fourth of July, West Sacramento offers the 11th annual Fourth on the Field at Sutter Health Park. The event will feature live music, food and activities throughout the night while families are invited to bring chairs and picnic blankets to sit out on the field and enjoy the festivities.
Food offerings will consist of nearly two dozen food trucks around the stadium, including Cousins Maine Lobster, Drewski’s, The Lumpia Truck and more.At 9:30 p.m., a fireworks show will light up the sky.
Ticket prices star at $12.50 and go up for different levels of experience and can be purchased through Sutter Health Park’s website and gates for the event will open at 6 p.m.