Guide to Fourth of July fireworks, fun in Sonoma County
The Fourth of July falls midweek this year, but the fun begins this weekend with live music, fireworks and a flotilla of lighted floats on the Russian River.
Patriotic festivities continue through Wednesday, from old-fashioned hometown parades to a rousing stage production celebrating the spirit of America with the Santa Rosa Symphony and Transcendence Theatre Company.
For those who really love gazing skyward to say “oooh” and “ahhh,” it’s possible to catch fireworks shows on four separate nights.
Several events are free; proceeds from others support local service projects and charities.
Most events prohibit tailgating, outside alcohol, pets and personal fireworks. Check venues for details. Here’s a look at Independence Day festivities:
Wednesday, July 4
Calistoga
Visit Calistoga in Napa Valley for the town’s “Star-Spangled Social” on Wednesday), sponsored by the Napa County Fair Association.
Festivities begin at 11 a.m. with a parade through downtown Calistoga. At noon, gates open for a carnival, live music, contests and food at the Napa County Fairgrounds, 1435 N. Oak St., Calistoga. A fireworks show follows when it gets dark.
Admission is $15 advance, $20 at the gate. Children under 5 admitted free.
Details: celebratenapavalley.org/social
Cloverdale
The Cloverdale Lions Club Fourth of July fireworks display gets underway at dusk Wednesday at the Cloverdale High School football field, 509 N. Cloverdale Blvd.
A decades-old tradition, the show is free of charge, with donations accepted.
Details: 707-894-4470, cloverdalechamber.com
Forestville
The Forestville Certified Farmers Market holds a holiday pig roast (with oysters, hotdogs and more) from 1 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Forestville Downtown Park, 6690 Highway 116.
Joy Ride and Dog Gone Ornery will provide live music. Admission is free.
Details: 707-481-3565, forestvillefarmersmarket.com
Healdsburg
The holiday fun begins with the Rotary Club of Healdsburg Sunrise and the City of Healdsburg’s “Kid’s Parade and Duck Dash” from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the downtown Healdsburg Plaza. The parade kicks off at 11:30 a.m., with sign-ups an hour before.
Admission is free.
Prizes will be awarded for best costumes and best bike decorations. The Russian River Ramblers and the Healdsburg Community Band will provide live music.
Baseball fans can catch the all-American pastime in action as the Healdsburg Prune Packers takes the diamond at 5 p.m. Wednesday at historic Recreation Park, 515 Piper St. Tickets are $5 general, free for kids under 12.
Fourth of July celebrants can gather Wednesday night at the baseball field at Healdsburg High School, 1024 Prince Ave., for the American Legion Sotoyome Post 111 fireworks show that begins at 9:30 p.m.
The 40-minute show is free of charge, with donations accepted.
Details: rotaryclubofhealdsburgsunrise.org, prunepackers.org, healdsburgfireworks.org
Kenwood
The Independence Day fun in Kenwood begins with the 30th annual pancake breakfast and silent auction from 7 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Kenwood Community Church garden, 9637 Channing Row.
Watch or join the Kenwood 3K and 10K footrace departing at 7:30 a.m. at Kenwood Plaza Park, 200 Warm Springs Road.
The “Kenwood Fourth of July Hometown Parade” begins at 10:30 a.m., circling around Plaza Park, followed by live music and food at the “Rotary Club Barbecue and Family Fun” celebration at 11:30 a.m. Admission is free.
Details: kenwoodparade.com
Petaluma
Petaluma’s Fourth of July observance begins with patriotic readings, a traditional ringing of the “Liberty Bell,” and a proclamation at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Petaluma Historical Library and Museum, 20 Fourth St.
The free event offers everyone a chance to ring the large bell, once used to alert workers to emergencies at the Korbel Lumber Company; cookies and lemonade provided in the museum’s Garden Court.
Afterwards, stop by the second annual “American Dream” auto show from noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday at 101 North Brewing Company, 1304 Scott St. The event includes beer and food and retail vendors. Admission is free.
The Exit Plan, The Den Brothers, Derek Irving and His Combo and a DJ will provide music.
Proceeds, including a raffle for a 1954 Chevy 210 sedan, benefit Sonoma County fire relief. Check out the beauty or purchase tickets in advance at the tap room.
Details: americandreamautoshow.com
Later Wednesday, the “Petaluma Fourth of July Celebration” opens for kids’ activities and food and beverage sales at 5 p.m. at the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds, 175 Fairgrounds Drive.
The Petaluma Music Festival presents local bands The Grain and Highway Poets on stage. A fireworks display follows at dark.
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