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Fourth of July in SB
updated: Jul 02, 2011, 9:45 AM
By the dedicated staff, photos by Edhat subscribers
The Fourth of July is a fun holiday to celebrate in Santa Barbara. What better way to celebrate national independence than a trip to the beach for some fireworks? Here are some highlights that happen annually and details about this year's festivities, as well as two other popular local celebrations.
 The Parade. The theme of this year's Fourth of July parade is Spirit of America: Liberty, Opportunity, and Achievement begins at 1:00 p.m. at Micheltorena Street and proceeds down State Street to Old Town Santa Barbara, concluding at Cota Street. If you don't want to stake out your spot to watch the parade ahead of time and hate fighting crowds, the organizers offer reserved seating. (link: http://spiritof76sb.org/donations.php) Costumes and floats are often patriotic and historic.
The Fourth of July Concert. The free concert will take place Monday July 4, 2011 at 4:30 p.m. after the annual 4th of July parade, at the Courthouse Sunken Garden. The Santa Barbara County Historic Courthouse is at the corner of Anacapa Street and Anapamu Street. The garden is grass, so bring folding chairs (with low backs), towels or blankets for your group to sit on while you enjoy the concert featuring prominent musicians from the community, including artists from The Music Academy of the West.
The Fireworks. Santa Barbara's annual fireworks display takes place at West Beach and is organized by SPARKLE and the City of Santa Barbara. Fireworks produced by Pyro Spectaculars will launch from West Beach and last approximately 18-20 minutes. This is always an impressive display. Spots on the beach fill up early, so get there early if you want to stake a claim in the sand. Food and beverage vendors will be set up along Cabrillo Boulevard (between State and Castillo) beginning at 11am through the start of the fireworks display. Starting at 7 p.m., a 50-piece combo band from the Air National Guard Band of the Southwest will play.
The post-firework walk up State Street - a parade of a different sort. If you watched the fireworks on the beach, you'll likely be walking back up State Street afterward to get to the faraway place you had to park your car. (Alternative transportation options, like bikes, are highly encouraged.) Going under the Hwy. 101 underpass in a huge crowd of people is quite a memorable experience. See the photo at the end of the story to get an idea of what it is like.
Montecito Pancake Breakfast. The Montecito Firemen's Association hosts an annual community breakfast. Pancakes, eggs, sausage, juice, coffee, and milk will be served by your local firefighters from 7:30 am to 10:30 am at Fire District Headquarters, 595 San Ysidro Rd. Tickets are $8 each and can be purchased at the door, and the public is welcome. Proceeds go to the Montecito Firefighter's Benevolent Fund.
Fireworks at Girsh Park in Goleta. Goleta has three major Fourth of July events. From 11 to 5 p.m. there's the Family Fun Fair at Santa Barbara Elks Lodge #613, located at 150 North Kellogg, with BBQ, food, music, crafts for kids and games. At Stow House and Rancho la Patera, 304 N. Los Carneros, there's the Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration with music, hay rides and classic cars from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Girsh Park event begins at 4 p.m. and includes lots of kids' activities, contests like watermelon eating, local bands including the Rockshop Academy and Area 51. Goleta city councilman Eric Onnen is the emcee. Details here
Parade and fireworks in Solvang. Solvang may have been settled by Danes, but it's an All-American community on the Fourth of July. A parade through the heart of downtown starts at 11 a.m. and circles through Mission and Copenhagen Drives. BBQ after the parade in Solvang Park. The fireworks display is held at Old Mission Santa Ines, 1760 Mission Drive. Gates open at 1 p.m. and live entertainment begins at 6 p.m. Beer and wine garden, food, and raffle prizes. Fireworks begin at 9 p.m.
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I would like to hear some local tips and tricks for navigating the 4th of July fireworks at the waterfront. Best parking? Best time to arrive? Other advice?
(06/30/10)
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Cliff Baldridge's 60-second video is from last night's fireworks display. If you missed the show, here's a great way to feel like you were there. [vid]
(07/06/10)
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A subscriber made a video of the mass of people walking home from the fireworks on State Street underneath the freeway. [vid]
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Planning your Fourth of July? Here is the info on the beach fireworks display and other city events.
(06/22/11)
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On July 4th, all Santa Barbara MTD buses will be on a Sunday schedule, while some
services will be affected by the July 4th Parade and fireworks at the beach.
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Waterfront Department staff begins the cleanup of the wharf, harbor and marina areas immediately following the end of the fireworks on July 4.
(07/01/11)
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