A Peninsula Way to Celebrate the Fourth

Maybe it’s the cost of gas, or maybe it’s the recession – but whatever it is, “staycations” remain popular this summer. And if your choice for a mini-vacation this Independence Day will be keeping you on the Peninsula, here’s a rundown of events you can be a part of:

Baseball

San Bruno: Pee Wee Baseball 2011 Dale Wilson Memorial 4th of July Tournament (June 30th – July 4th)
The city’s Pee Wee Baseball squads throw, hit, and run their way to glory in this annual tourney.

Celebrations

Foster City: 4th of July Celebration
Events at Leo J. Ryan Park – a parade, games, dog show, live music – begin at 8 a.m. and run all day until the end of the fireworks show at about 10 p.m. In the park, you can purchase food, visit booths of local artists, and check out the children’s rides. Fireworks begin promptly at 9:30 p.m. over the lagoon.

Harbor Village: Freedom, Independence and America! (July 3, 4)
Live music both days, along with top gourmet and specialty catering trucks, kite-flying, horse shoe toss, and face-painting. Princeton Yarns will be launching their month-long knit-off dedicated to local heroes.

Menlo Park: 4th of July Parade and Celebration
The parade begins at 11:30 a.m. and ends at Burgess Park, where from 12 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. there will be music by NuDay, carnival games, crafts, bounce houses, rock climbing wall, face painting, contests, food and more!

Pacifica: 4th of July Celebration at Frontierland Park
Hair coloring, temporary tattoos, a rope pull, sack races, a watermelon-eating contest and lots of other good food at the event from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Redwood City: Independence Day Festival
Events all day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., including the 73rd annual parade at 10 a.m., a Battle of the Bands show at 1 p.m., artist booths and lots of food. American Legion Post 105 invites Veterans, their families, and friends to for a barbeque that includes hot dogs and hamburgers following the parade. Also included is the “Go For It” Car Show from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Court House Square.

Fireworks

Foster City: Leo Ryan Park @ 9:30 p.m.
The fireworks display over the Lagoon begin at 9:30 sharp. The firing line site for the July 4th Pyrotechnic Show is located at the west end of the park. This area can be dangerous and will be fenced off. The community is encouraged to take advantage of the entire park, as well as the vacant lot across from the Recreation Center, for fireworks viewing. The synthetic turf field at Catamaran Park will be closed; however the boardwalk and surrounding grass areas will be open and available for fireworks seating.

Half Moon Bay @ Sunset
About $40,000 was raised to fund the return of a Fourth of July fireworks show this year by the American Legion Coastside Post 474, using events at various local businesses including Sam’s Chowder House, the Half Moon Bay Brewing House, and the Oceano Hotel and Spa.

Music

Burlingame: Music in the Park (July 3, 1 - 3 p.m.)
Mambo performs Tropical Salsa. Free. Washington Park, 850 Burlingame Ave.

Parades

Foster City: Family Parade (July 4, 11:05 a.m.)
Parade begins at the Recreation Center (Shell Blvd. entrance) and goes across Ryan Park to the amphitheater. Prizes awarded for the most creative and patriotic wagons, bikes, and costumes. Early registration at 10 a.m.

Floats, music, antique cars are exhibited in this parade on Main Street. Also included in the Half Moon Bay Parade is the third annual Pooches on Parade. Walk your four-legged friend along in tandem with the big parade. Don’t have a dog? No worries. A stuffed animal also works for parade purposes. And afterwards, enjoy the Bark BQ at Cameron’s Inn Outback to enjoy pupcakes, barking with the band, and play time.

Menlo Park: 4th of July Parade (11:30 a.m.)
Decorate a bike, trike, wagon, golf cart or float and head down Santa Cruz Avenue from the parking lot near Santa Cruz and Chestnut Street to Burgess Park.

Redwood City: Independence Day Parade (10 a.m.)
This year’s theme is “Redwood City Fire Department 150 Years of Service.” Eighty groups have signed up to be a part of the parade. Starts on the corner of Winslow and Brewster Avenue, down Veterans Boulevard, down Main Street, down Marshall to Arguella, and ends at the corner of Arguella and Alden Street.

Runs

Pacifica: Rocket Run 5-mile run (July 4)
The annual coastside run begins and ends at the Pacifica Community Center. It begins at 9 a.m.

Redwood City: Fourth of July Parade Run
The 36th annual 3.5-mile fun run takes place along the route of the parade so you’ll have lots of people cheering you on. Business sponsorships allow all proceeds from the race to benefit the Redwood City Education Foundation’s Save Our School Music campaign.

And if you celebrate too much ...
AAA’s Tipsy Tow Program offers a free tow for drinking drivers in Northern California – both members and non-members – from 6 p.m. on July 4 until 6 a.m. the next morning on the Peninsula. To reach Tipsy Tow, call (800) AAA-HELP – that’s (800) 222-4357.