Fourth of July weekend packed with Petaluma, Penngrove events

Your guide to the festivities, which range from a pyrotechnic show to the infamous “Biggest Little Parade,” with plenty of opportunities to celebrate Independence Day locally.|

Petaluma and Penngrove are gearing up for a weekend of Fourth of July festivities ranging from a pyrotechnic show to the infamous “Biggest Little Parade,” with plenty of opportunities to celebrate Independence Day. Here’s a look at what’s going on around town.

Fire department pancake breakfast

The Rancho Adobe Fire Protection District will host its annual pancake breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m. July 2 at the station, located at 11000 Main St. in Penngrove.

The breakfast will feature pancakes, ham, eggs, fruit and juice, and proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the fire district. Admission is $7 for adults and $5 for children at the door.

For more information, call 795-6011.

Penngrove parade

The 40th annual “Biggest Little Parade” steps off at 11 a.m. July 3 on Main Street in downtown Penngrove. Ellen Harris, the author of “Penngrove Past and Present” historical book, will be this year’s parade grand marshal.

After the parade, a barbecue, kids’ games and music by Charley Baker will be featured in Penngrove Park from noon to 4:00 p.m. Desserts will be provided by Penngrove 4-H. Tickets may be purchased at the barbecue and no pets are allowed.

Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit trains will also be open for tours from 9 a.m. to noon.

Proceeds from the barbecue support maintenance and improvements to Penngrove Park, the club house and Penngrove 4-H.

Parade entries will be accepted until 5 p.m. June 30. There’s no entry free of theme. Applications are available at JavAmore Cafe, 10101 Main St. in Penngrove or by calling 794-1516, or emailing mrsjjava@hotmail.

Fourth of July breakfast

Veterans of Foreign Wars Petaluma Post 1929 will hold its annual Fourth of July breakfast from 8 a.m. to noon July 4 at the Petaluma Veterans Memorial Building, 1094 Petaluma Blvd. South.

The breakfast features French toast, scrambled eggs, sausages, pastries, coffee and juice. Admission is $6 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and under; tickets can be purchased at the door.

Bell-ringing ceremony

In keeping with longstanding tradition, The Petaluma Museum Association will commemorate Independence Day with its annual bell ringing ceremony at the steps of the Petaluma Historical Library and Museum, at 20 Fourth St.

The ceremony begins at 10:30 a.m. July 4 with a presentation of the colors and the Pledge of Allegiance from the Elim Boy Scouts Troop No. 9 as well as various songs and speeches, including an appearance by Mayor David Glass. The bell ringing is at 11 a.m., and lemonade and cookies served afterwards with historical group the Petalumans of Yesteryear on hand.

Petaluma’s bell ringing ceremony was first started in 1962 by the late Helen Putnam, the city’s first female mayor, who each year mounted the bell on an A-frame in her front yard and invited residents to attend a bell ringing ceremony at 11 a.m. each July 4 to coincide with a nationwide effort. The bell, which was later donated to the museum, originally belonged to the Korbel Lumber Company.

‘Rock and Rockets’ fireworks show

Gates to Petaluma’s “Rock and Rockets” annual fireworks show at the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds open at 5 p.m. July 4. The event will feature food and beverages, as well as activities for all ages and live music. British rock cover band Invasion and funk party band Pride and Joy are scheduled to perform before the fireworks show, which begins at dusk.

Parking is free and admission is $5 for adults, but children 10 and under get in free. For more information, call 778-4380.

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