Every city will celebrate the Independence of the United States with their own touch. I have selected one event in the Lake Tahoe, Sacramento, San Francisco, South Bay, East Bay, and North Bay areas to share with you. As for our family, there will be no 4^th of July parade as we will be in Bordeaux, France but we will certainly have a talk about the history behind the celebrations for the Independence from Britain. Being immigrants ourselves, we certainly can relate to the people who left their country in search for a better or different life.

LAKE TAHOE
From the Lake Tahoe Tourism Visitors Website:

Fourth Of July Fireworks Celebration Light's Up Lake Tahoe
The American Pyrotechnics Association rates South Shore’s spectacular Fourth of July fireworks celebration one of the Top 5 displays in the nation. They feature a wide variety of patterns, lights, designs and shapes. Scheduled to begin at approximately 9:45 PM.

The fireworks are visible from all over town. Below are some of the sweet spots to get a front row seat.

The Tahoe Queen and M.S. Dixie II: South Shore’s two Mississippi paddle wheelers offer a unique opportunity to view the light show from the water. Board the Tahoe Queen for a Dinner Dance Cruise or the M.S. Dixie II for a Fireworks Cruise. Both feature live entertainment and fantastic views of the evening’s display. Log onto www.laketahoecruises.com.

Nevada Beach: Located about two miles east of the Nevada casinos on Elk Point Road, Nevada Beach is the ideal setting for a family barbecue at the beach. A wide, sandy shoreline leads down to the sapphire waters of Lake Tahoe. Charcoal barbecues and picnic tables dot the beach. The view across the lake to the West Shore and Desolation Wilderness is unsurpassed. And the view of the fireworks display is one of the best in town.

Regan and El Dorado Beaches: Located right where Highway 50 meets the Lake, these connecting stretches of narrow beach are front and center for the fireworks. Arrive early! These beaches fill up with people who love to be right under the action.

SAN FRANCISCO
Fourth Of July Waterfront Celebration
Saturday, July 4 1:00 pm to 9:30pm at Pier 39
Rock out with 'Take 2' from 1-4pm followed by San Francisco's favorite 80's cover band, 'Tainted Love' from 6-9:30pm. Immediately after the entertainment look to the sky as the City of San Francisco lights up the night with it's Firework's Spectacular, accompanied by a musical simulcast from Kiss FM 98.1.

Celebrate the Fourth of July with the San Francisco Symphony at the annual concert at Shoreline Amphitheatre. The evening concludes with a spectacular fireworks show and raffle, set to stirring patriotic songs and marches. Fun for the entire family begins at 5pm with pre-concert entertainment.
Click here for tickets.

Program:

John Williams - Liberty Fanfare
Charles Strouse - "Tomorrow" from Annie
Thomas - I Hear America Singing
Dvořák - Cello Concerto
Courage/Custer - Star Trek Through the Years
Holst - "Mars" and "Jupiter" from The Planets
Berlin/Healey - God Bless America

EAST BAY
Alameda City Parade

Coming at a little bit more than 3 miles long, the Alameda 4^th of July Parade is one of the longest in the country. It features marching bands, horses, carriages, the locals merchants and associations and is very entertaining for the family. You will find the route here.

You can finish the day at the USS Hornet Aircraft Carrier at Alameda Point. Celebrations will start from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm. You will be able to visit the museum and enjoy Visit the USS Hornet Aircraft Carrier on July 4 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Live music on the flight deck, interactive games for all ages, a bounce house for kids, tours throughout the day. At night, panoramic views of Bay Area fireworks from the flight deck. Food, beer and wine will be available for purchase during the event. read more

All-day admission is $25 for adults ($22 in advance) and $10 for children ages 5-17; museum members receive free. Tickets 510-521-8448 x 282 or visit http://www.uss-hornet.org

NORTH BAY
Fourth of July in Calistoga from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm
Lincoln Ave at Cedar St., Calistoga

Calistoga's main street will be filled with horseback riders, native dancers, inventive floats, vintage firetrucks, live bands, motorcycle riders, and much more.The Napa County Fair at the Calistoga Fairgrounds (1435 N. Oak St.) is old-fashioned fun and excitement for the whole family, with fireworks on the 4th; carnival rides, daily music headliners, Great American Petting Zoo, exhibits and more.

SACRAMENTO AREA
Rancho Cordova Independence Day Party
Hagan Park, 2197 Chase Drive, Rancho Cordova

During two days, you will enjoy making craft projects, ride steam trains, listen to live music (with Pablo Cruise as the leading performer), carnival rides at the Kids Zone and food and drinks booth and of course the parade and the traditional fireworks!

Click here for the full schedule of festivities.