Come one, come all: old Americans, new Americans, prospective Americans.
This is our Independence Day. A day to be proud. It’s a day to celebrate our country, which was “born” on July 4.
The San Jose Wind Symphony is marking its 31st year entertaining Los Gatans.
And the Town has been planning for the festivities at Oak Meadow park.
There will be a bouncy house and inflatable games, a beer and wine garden, train rides, a merry-go-round—not to mention the beauty of Vasona Park.
Attendees can bring dogs. Food trucks will be ready to satisfy hungry revelers.
However, the schedule has been altered, due to the heat advisory.
Things were to kick off at 10:30am, with the Children’s Bike & Baby Stroller Parade at 11am.
But now, things will begin at 10am, with Mayor Mary Badame giving her welcome at 10:30am, followed by a message from the Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation, the raising of the flag ceremony and the Children’s Bike & Stroller Parade at that time.
Organizers say, “No E-Bikes in the parade please.”
The San Jose Wind Symphony performance was set for 12:15pm, but has been moved up to 11am.
The wine and beer area is being organized by Kiwanis Club of Los Gatos.
There will be plenty of tables and umbrellas set up for folks to relax, sip on their beverage and enjoy the day, a spokesperson for the event said.
Plus, Uncle Sam is also going to be making an appearance.
Then, after dark, you may wish to view the many Fourth of July spectacular professional fireworks and one drone display around our area. Why not make it a “Star Spangled” Fourth of July?
The drone show is to go from 6:30 to 9:30pm in Sunnyvale, at Baylands Park, located at 999 E. Caribbean Drive.
The viewing area is at the “Great Meadow” section.
The event starts at 6:30pm. A live DJ begins at 7pm. And the drone show is set for 9:15pm.
Organizers suggest bringing a flashlight so you can walk safely in the dark.
The park will close right after the 10-minute drone show.
Leave Fireworks to the Pros
Great America, at 4701 Great America Parkway, in Santa Clara, is known for its wonderful professional fireworks show with synchronized music. Perfect for all ages, it’s best viewed at the midway plaza in front of the Flight Deck or in the Redwood Amphitheater.
That starts at 9:40pm.
There will be an “all you can eat” Backyard Cookout within the park.
Gilroy has a fireworks display being planned for Gilroy High School at 750 W. 10th St. at 9:30pm.
In San Jose, fireworks start at 9:15pm at Almaden Lake Park, at 6099 Winfield Blvd, and 9pm at Lake Cunningham Park, at 2305 S. White Rd.
At 9pm, Milpitas Sports Center, at 1325 E. Calaveras Blvd., will play host to fireworks, as Morgan Hill Sports Center, at 16500 Condit Rd, does the same.
Shoreline Amphitheater, at One Amphitheater Parkway, gets its fireworks started early—at 8pm, in Mountain View.
City of Santa Cruz recently posted on social media reminding its residents—as well as visitors to the coast—of its strict regulations.
“In the City of Santa Cruz, all fireworks are illegal,” a spokesperson posted. “This ban is in place to prevent injuries and fires, as well as to avoid distressing individuals with certain health conditions, veterans, and pets. Let’s keep our community safe and peaceful. Fireworks are not allowed on the beach.”
The Santa Cruz County Sheriff Office says, “With the extreme fire danger we are facing, we are urging people to leave the fireworks to the professionals.”
On this side of the hill, Seth Schalet, of Santa Clara County FireSafe Council, echoed these concerns.
“Nearly twice as many wildfires are recorded on July 4 as other days, in the West,” he said.
Capt Roger Shu, with the Santa County Fire Department, says all it takes is a single spark. Because it’s their busiest day, they make sure to staff up.
“Every Fourth of July over 10,000 firework fires are started across the country,” he said. “Even at the professional fireworks displays—where it is carefully planned way ahead of time—we are well-prepared for them and have plans in place if a fire event should happen.”
Keeping Rover Calm
Many veterans find fireworks challenging. The sounds of exploding gunpowder sounds like wartime to many, even though they know there’s no nefarious intent.
And as far as pets go: Yikes! Many will even try to run away in fear.
Clinton Hickey at Pet People recommends CBD oils for dogs.
By the way, Los Gatos has a new animal services provider.
As of July 1, Silicon Valley Animal Control Authority is responsible for responding to animal-related incidents in Los Gatos (contact SVACA at 408-764-0344 during business hours and the Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department after hours; for more information, visit their website at svaca.com).
In case you didn’t know, home fireworks displays are illegal in Santa Clara County.
If found in violation, you could face a $2,000-$5,000 fine—or even jail time.
And don’t forget to drink water.
