Celebrate Independence Day the Marin way! Communities across the county observe the
4th of July in their own unique ways. Here’s what’s going on in Marin next Wednesday:
Corte Madera-Larkspur
Don’t miss this year’s 42nd Annual Corte Madera - Larkspur Chambers of Commerce 4th of July Parade! This year’s theme is
Old Fashioned Fourth, with elaborate floats, precision drill teams, and the
classic cars and the Corte Madera Town Band. Post-parade festivities at Corte Madera's Town Park include arts and crafts, food and drink, carnival games, children's activities and live entertainment. The parade leaves Redwood High School in Larkspur at 10:30 am, moves down Magnolia into Corte Madera and continues down Tamalpais Ave. to the Town Center. Free. Info: (415) 924-0441.
Marinwood Fire Department’s 48th Annual 4th of July Pancake Breakfast
Join the Marinwood Firefighters for pancakes from 8:30-11:30 am at the Marinwood Community Center at 775 Miller Creek Road, San Rafael. For more info, call (415) 979-0775.
Novato 4th of July Parade and Breakfast
Come one, come all to Novato’s 15th Annual 4th of July Parade at 10am in Downtown Novato, at the corner of Grant and Railroad. This year's theme is "Novato, Spirit of America," a celebration of teamwork. Every year Novato hosts fifteen to twenty thousand spectators and over 100 entries ranging from classic cars to vehicles from a military museum, Irish bagpipers to a Chinese drum and bell corps, and basset hounds to horses. Along the parade route, you will also find food and refreshment booths, and souvenir t-shirts. For more info, call (415) 899-8900.
The 54th annual Buckaroo Breakfast will be part of 4th of July festivities in Novato served from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the old Pini parking lot on Grant Avenue. The event is presented by the Presbyterian Church of Novato. There is a suggested donation of $5 for adults, $3 for kids and free for children 4 and under. Proceeds will be donated to the Marin Community Food Bank. About 1,150 breakfasts were served last year using 220 pounds of eggs, 40 gallons of orange juice and 2,400 sausage links.
San Rafael Fair and Fireworks
Marin County Fair at Marin County Fairgrounds, Civic Center Drive. Admission $11 to $13. Free carnival rides, exhibits, music. Fireworks at 9:30 pm. Info: (415) 499-6400,
www.marinfair.org.
Sausalito 4th of July Parade and Fireworks
Sausalito’s one-of-a-kind 4th of July will begin at 10:00 a.m. and starts on the corner of Second and Main. The parade moves along Bridgeway to Caledonia Street and ends at Dunphy Park. Following the parade is a town picnic in the park with food, entertainment, raffles, tug-of-war and egg toss. This year’s parade will include the Cal Alumni Marching Band, floats of all shapes and sizes, and the Sausalito Fire Department. Fireworks follow after dark. Free. For more info, call (415) 289-4152 or go to
http://ci.sausalito.ca.us
Ross Parade & Picnic
Come one come all to the annual Ross Commons picnic that will begin at noon, with hot dogs, chips and drinks. Residents can also pre-order two kinds of prepared lunches for $12. There will be live music by the Goat Island Griddle Poppers. The parade begins at 1:00 pm, and participants are asked to meet at 12:30 p.m. in College of Marin's parking lot 9. Decorated cars, bikes and pets are welcome. The parade will honor veterans, and representatives of the American Legion. To order lunch or register for the parade, e-mail ross.events@gmail.com or leave a message at 453-1453, ext. 176.
Sleepy Hollow Parade & BBQ
A day of activities centered at the Sleepy Hollow Clubhouse, at 1317 Butterfield Road, will begin with a fun run at 9 a.m., followed by a parade at 11 a.m. One lane of Butterfield Road between Oak Knoll Drive and Irving Drive will be closed to accommodate the parade. Festivities include a barbecue lunch and dinner, pool games and evening dancing. For more information, call 457-4815.
Tiburon Fireworks Cruise
The Angel Island-Tiburon Ferry Co. will offer Fourth of July fireworks cruises, beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Tiburon ferry dock off Main Street. Tickets are $40 for adults; $20 for children. For more information, call 435-2131.
Inverness 4th of July
The annual footrace, a rite more than a century old, will begin at 10 a.m. on the village green outside the firehouse at 50 Inverness Way. The traditional reading of portions of the Constitution will take place at the event.
Woodacre 4th of July Parade and Breakfast
Bring the family to Woodacre's Independence Day parade on July 4th. The parade begins at noon at the Woodacre Improvement Club (1 Garden Way) and follows Railroad Avenue to the Dickson Ranch, where a good old-fashioned celebration takes over. It's family affair with games, face painting for the kids, competitions (including the men's ugly leg contest), horse rides, plenty of music, barbecue, bingo, and everyone's favorite, the flea market. Bring the babies, bring the old folks, it's truly a celebration for everyone.
The pancake breakfast is from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Woodacre Fire Station, 33 Castle Rock Road. Breakfast fee is $7 for adults; $3 for children.
Bay Area Independence Day Fireworks Displays
Everyone has their own favorite fireworks display. Here are a few worthwhile spectacles in and around the Bay Area:
Berkeley:
4th of July Fireworks, Berkeley Marina, 9:35 pm. Info: (510) 981-6737.
Napa:
4th of July Celebration, Downtown Napa. Fireworks at 9:30 pm. Info: (707) 815-1074.
Petaluma:
July 4th Fireworks 175 Fairgrounds Drive. Free. Fireworks begin at dusk. Info: (707) 778-4380,
www.cityofpetaluma.net.
Oakland:
Jack London Square at the foot of Broadway. Free. Live music, food, and children's activities. Events start at 1 pm. Fireworks at 9:15 pm. Info: (866) 295-9853,
www.jacklondonsquare.com.
San Francisco:
4th of July Waterfront Festival; Pier 39. Free. Live music from 1:30 pm-9:30 pm. Fireworks at 9:30 pm. Info:
www.pier39.com.
Sonoma:
4th of July Fireworks Display. Vallejo's Field, West Spain St. Free. Fireworks at dusk. Info: (707) 938-4626.
