July 4th fireworks pop in Redding, Anderson, Mount Shasta, Burney, Weaverville and Los Molinos
The North State is gearing up to party on Independence Day with music, parades, festivals and plenty of fireworks.
New music artists will be performing this year, while some beloved food vendors and fairs are back, event planners announced.
Here's what is happening for the Fourth of July starting Friday, June 30, through Tuesday, July 4, plus insider tips about how you can best enjoy everything from event planners.
Times and venues may change, while high fire danger could cancel some events. Be sure to check the websites provided for the latest updates before you go.
Redding rings in the Freedom Festival
Redding lights up the sky over the Sacramento River with its annual fireworks display at 10 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4.
Funded by the McConnell Foundation, Redding’s fireworks show is one of the largest in California and features more than 1,700 shells, according to a Redding Parks and Recreation Department announcement.
Tune in to Today’s Country Q97 FM on the radio to hear the show's soundtrack, or stream it from the radio station’s website at q97country.com.
Best views of the fireworks are at the Redding Civic Auditorium grounds, 700 Auditorium Drive in Redding, where the city hosts events starting at 6 p.m. Other places to watch the fireworks include spots along the Sacramento River near the Sundial Bridge and the bluff along Hilltop Drive.
Live entertainment at the Civic include Journey tribute band Journey’s Edge, performing at 7 p.m. A food and vendor fair runs from 6 p.m. to 9:55 p.m. Admission is free. No RVs, alcohol, pets or drones are allowed, according to the city’s website.
The Sundial Bridge closes at 9 p.m. Other closures include the Redding boat ramp, which will close on July 3 and reopen on July 5. The Park Marina Bridge from the Civic to the opposite side of Park Marina Drive will close to vehicles as soon as the Civic's parking lots fill up on July 4 and will reopen after all pedestrians have crossed the bridge at the end of the fireworks display. The top floor of the Civic Center will close at 9 p.m. on July 4.
For more information go tohttps://www.cityofredding.org/departments/parks-recreation/freedom-festival.
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‘Anderson Explodes’ lifts off on Independence Day eve
The town of Anderson celebrates Independence Day early with its annual celebration “Anderson Explodes” on Monday, July 3.
Gates open at 5 p.m. on July 3 at the Shasta District Fair grounds and Event Center, 1890 Briggs St. in Anderson. The fireworks start at 10 p.m., following the town’s annual concert.
This year’s music artist is country singer-songwriter and North State native Chad Bushnell, who performs at 7 p.m.
Other activities include a fair with 35 food trucks and vendors, said Barron Browning, president of Community for Anderson Explodes!
Attendees can bring lawn chairs and blankets, but no outside food or beverages. No pets are allowed.
Admission is free. Parking at the fairgrounds costs $5.
For more information go to the Anderson Explodes! Community Facebook page at facebook.com/events/258427843437579.
Mount Shasta continues its 40-year fireworks tradition
Mount Shasta's 4th of July fireworks display sparkles over Lake Siskiyou starting at 9:45 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4 ― as it has for more than 40 years.
Fireworks get launched from the north shore at Spini Point/Lake Siskiyou Meadow, according to mtshastafireworks.com.
For that reason, North Shore Road along the lake is closed during the event for public safety, said Tom Haistings, president of the Mount Shasta Community Fireworks. Instead, people can gather at other points around the lake to watch the show.
One good spot to see fireworks is Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort, he said. The resort sells day passes for $3 per person, with food available. People who leave and return to the resort on the same day must pay the day-use fee again. Go to lakesiskiyouresort.com for details.
People are advised to bring lawn chairs and blankets or jackets to the beach, Haistings said.
The Mt. Shasta Resort is no longer a fireworks viewing spot since tall trees block the view.
People can download music that accompanies the fireworks display at mtshastafireworks.com. Download the app at pyrocast.com/download-app.
The chamber of commerce’s downtown street festival takes place from July 1 to July 4, with the annual parade through downtown starting on July 4 at noon.
Also on July 4, runners take their marks before 8:30 a.m. at the corner of Castle Street and North Mount Shasta Boulevard for a Siskiyou County Independence Day tradition: The Mountain Runners Fourth of July Walk/Run. People of all ages and athletic abilities are welcome to participate in a 5-mile race, a 2-mile youth race or a 2-mile fun run. Cost to run is $39 per adult, $29 for ages 17 and younger if you register online by July 2. Registration afterward costs $44 per adult, $34 per child/youth. To register go to mountainrunners.org.
Los Molinos rocks out with parade, carnival at Mill Creek Park
Take a 16-mile drive south of Red Bluff to the small town of Los Molinos for the community’s annual Fourth of July parade on Tuesday, July 4.
This year’s parade theme is rock-and-roll: "Rockin’ Los Molinos." Past entries included horses and riders, floats, tricked-out bikes, marching bands and classic cars.
Parade lineup and registration begin at 8:30 a.m. at the parking lot of the Los Molinos Veterans Memorial. The parade starts at 10 a.m. along Highway 99 East.
“There’s plenty of parking at the Nu-Way Market shopping center," Los Molinos Chamber of Commerce spokesperson Ranita Fox said. Spectators can pick a spot on the sidewalk to watch; they're welcome to bring lawn chairs, water and snacks, she said.
The town’s annual Play Day at the Park is happening at Mill Creek Park after the parade ends. The event takes place at Mill Creek Park, located one mile west of Highway 99 on Tehama Vina Road. The event includes games and an awards ceremony for parade float winners.
Go to the Los Molinos Chamber of Commerce website at losmochamber.com for more information or call 530-384-2251.
Weaverville hosts 5-day celebration
Weaverville in Trinity County packs a five-day event schedule with concerts, games, breakfasts, barbecues, open houses, bull riding, a destruction derby and dozens of other events starting on Friday, June 30.
Highlights include a fireworks display at 10 p.m. on July 3 at Weed Union Elementary School, 575 White Ave.
On July 4, a parade marches along Main Street at 11:30 a.m. while an arts and crafts fair fills the Highland Arts Center meadow from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 691 Main St.
Park along the street on Highway 3 near the school for the fireworks; or park along Main Street and walk to festivities throughout town, said Trinity County Visitors Center spokesperson Pat Zugg.
A full schedule of events is on the Weaverville Lions Facebook page at facebook.com/weavervillelions. For more information call the Weaverville Visitors Center at 530-623-6101.
Eastern Shasta County celebrates Burney Basin Days
Burney Basin Days happen Thursday, June 29 to Sunday, July 2.
Most big events are on July 1: The town’s annual parade marches out that morning and fireworks happen that evening, according to Burney Chamber of Commerce staff.
Other events planned include the Burney Lions Club breakfast on July 1 and July 2, the Burney VFW barbecue, a cornhole game and an arts and crafts fair.
The Chamber of Commerce posts event information on its Facebook page at facebook.com/burney.chamber.
Jessica Skropanic is a features reporter for the Record Searchlight/USA Today Network. She covers science, arts, social issues and news stories. Follow her on Twitter @RS_JSkropanic and on Facebook. Join Jessica in the Get Out! Nor Cal recreation Facebook group. To support and sustain this work, please subscribe today. Thank you.
This article originally appeared on Redding Record Searchlight: How Redding, Anderson, other cities will party on the Fourth of July
