To see 4th of July Celebrations throughout Sonoma County, go to Page 2.
Independence Day at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds -- July 3:
The big Fourth of July celebration (also called Red, White and Boom) that’s held each year at the fairgrounds in Santa Rosa isn’t so big this year, and it’s not on the Fourth. Due to the economic downturn, it’s been scaled back, and moved to the Third of July so that the police and firefighters won’t need to be paid time-and-a-half for working on a holiday. That’s a huge savings. Plus, there’s the added benefit that you can view the fireworks on Thursday the 3rd, and then leave town during the 3-day weekend. Of course, not everyone agrees that the celebration of the birth of our nation should be messed with. When I called to check on the Healdsburg event, which is sponsored by a veterans group, I asked if they would be celebrating on the fourth. The vet I spoke with answered, "It's a Fourth of July celebration, of course it's going to be celebrated on July 4th." When I explained that Santa Rosa would be celebrating it on the 3rd, he was not amused. He ended the conversation with a grunt and said, "Well, that's just the wrong date."
The other change to the Santa Rosa events is that the celebrations won’t feature the live music and other entertainment at the fairgrounds that we’ve grown accustomed to. Aside from some food vendors and perhaps a bouncy house, there won’t be much in the way of organized activities. But there's still the big fireworks display at dusk (around 9:30pm).
6pm – 10pm; Fireworks begin just after 9:30pm; Free admission to the lawn area; Parking is $10 per vehicle. (707) 545-4200.
Picnic baskets, blankets, lawn chairs welcome. No alcohol, glass containers, pets, tents or canopies.
Reminder: Within the City of Santa Rosa all fireworks are illegal. People caught with them will be issued a citation and the fireworks will be confiscated.
5th Annual Bicycle Santa Rosa 4th Of July Festival And Bike Ride – July 4
Although the fairgrounds event is scaling down a bit, the cycling event seems to be growing each year. The celebration begins with a bike ride with elected officials and candidates, 9am at Juilliard Park (map) and will return around 11am in time for the festival. The festival will feature live music and vendors, a bike decorating contest and parade for kids, a slow bike race, a flat tire changing contest, a preview of the Santa Rosa Handcar Regatta (set for September), water balloon toss, a jump house, various art activities, drawings for prizes and more. SCBC will provide free valet bike parking. 11am to 3pm. (707) 545-0153.
See Page 2 for 4th of July Events throughout Sonoma County.