South Bay Fireworks and Fourth of July Celebrations for 2011

UPDATE: This list is for 2011!  Follow this link for all of the South Bay celebrations going on for Friday, July 4, 2014.

With fireworks, parades, picnics, and festivals, Independence Day is the essence of patriotism and summer-time celebration.  Communities around the South Bay, Long Beach, and Los Angeles will be in full swing recognizing our country’s 235 years of independence.

While there are plenty of celebrations going on this year, several communities have cancelled their parties for just this year or indefinitely.  The common theme seems to be tight budgets.

Sad to say it, but fireworks shows are a luxury and not a necessity.  I’m only hoping for two things:  First, I hope the cities that have chosen to cut out their celebrations can find the funds for future events; and second, I hope the cities that are having their parades, firework shows, and festival can keep up the momentum.

With that said, here’s a list of Independence Day celebrations going on in and around the South Bay.  Happy Fourth of July!

Marina Del Rey – NO CELEBRATION FOR 2011 🙁
http://file.lacounty.gov/dbh/docs/cms1_161853.pdf
http://marinadelrey.patch.com/articles/no-4th-of-july-fireworks-in-marina-del-rey-in-2011

• The Department of Beaches and Harbor recently made a quiet announcement on its Web site that there will be no fireworks display July 4, 2011, “due to budget curtailments.”

Lawndale – NO CELEBRATION FOR 2011 🙁
http://www.lawndalecity.org/home.asp

• “Due to extensive construction and renovations at Lawndale high school locations, the City will not be able to hold its annual 4th of July fireworks show this year.”

Torrance – NO CELEBRATION FOR 2011 🙁
http://www.torranceca.gov/Parks/7652.htm

• “In light of…economic challenges, the difficult decision was made to discontinue hosting Torrance’s Old Fashion Fourth of July Celebration at Charles H. Wilson Park…”.

El Segundo
http://www.elsegundo.org
July 4, 10 AM – 2 PM; 5 PM – 9PM; 9PM – Until…

• In stellar “Second to None” fashion, El Segundo continues its Independence Day tradition with events going on all day long, ending with a blazing display of fireworks.  The morning will feature family friendly events including pie and watermelon eating contests along with food booths benefiting the community.  The afternoon and evening sessions will feature concerts and a spectacular finish.

Redondo Beach
http://www.redondofireworks.com
July 4, 2 PM – 10:30 PM

• Redondo does it big for the Fourth, with a beach party, concerts, a parade, and of course and kick ass fireworks show.  Centered around the Seaside Lagoon in Redondo Beach Harbor, tickets are required to access to the day-time events near the lagoon but the evening fireworks show can be seen from points all around the harbor and pier.  Don’t forget that one of the best spots for viewing the show is the roof-top pool deck of the Crowne Plaza hotel right across the street from Seaside Lagoon!  Book a dinner there and you’ll get three hours of free parking, a fabulous meal, and a great view of the fireworks show.

Palos Verdes
http://www.pvjuly4.org
July 4, 9:30 AM

• Here’s a family friendly Fourth of July celebration taking place up on “the hill”.  While the PV show dosen’t feature any fireworks, it does offer plenty of flag waving and patriotic celebration.  On the schedule is a homemade apple pie contest and a bicycle parade for the kids.  Plan on this one for the morning then head to another celebration to see fireworks!

Carson
http://www.lagalaxy.com
July 4, 7:30 PM

• The LA Galaxy will take on the Seattle Sounders in Carson this Independence Day.  After the game — whether the home team wins or not — the Home Depot will light up with a “fireworks extravaganza”.  If you want to get into the game, tickets start at $20 and parking goes for $15.  You could also consider parking on the streets around the Home Depot Center but expect for traffic and parking to be gnarly!

San Pedro — 4th of July Celebration in San Pedro at Cabrillo Beach
July 4, Noon – 10 PM

• “Live music, U.S. military exhibits, tours of a Navy frigate, armed forces, and U.S. Coast Guard demonstrations, displays by the LA City Fire Department’s firefighting boat, and the Washington Artillery Reenactment group followed by fireworks.”  This is a free event.  Call 310-548-7401 for more info or dig through www.laparks.org; I couldn’t find much info there!

San Pedro — Koren Bell Ringing
July 4, 10:30 AM

• Although its not a part of a fireworks show, you can find a really cool experience when they ring the Korean Bell at Angels Gate Park on Sunday morning at 10:30 AM.  Its one of the few times each year that they actually ring the bell!

Long Beach — Red White and Blues at the Queen Mary
http://www.queenmary.com
July 3 & 4, 11 AM – 9 PM
July 4, 9 PM for Fireworks Show

• The historic Queen Mary will present its Independence Day celebration with  old-fashioned BBQ.  Carolina, Texas, Kansas City and St. Louis BBQ styles will be represented along with the sides you would expect for such a feast: corn-on-the-cob, baked beans, funnel cakes and more. Entertainment will include live music, strolling entertainers and a children’s area.  The event wraps up fireworks show on the 4th but the party goes on into the night with a DJ on the back of the ship from 7 PM – 11 PM.  PLEASE NOTE: Tickets are required to get into the event and the cost of tours, food and parking ($15) is additional. Prices range from $24.95 for adults and $12.95 for kids ages 5-11.  Seniors and military get discounts.  Civilians and folks without grandkids should check this Goldstar.com link for discount tickets!

Long Beach — 4th of July BBQ at the Aquarium of the Pacific
http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/newsevents/eventsdetail/4th_of_july/
July 4, 5 – 10PM; Dinner 6 – 8 PM

• “Enjoy the Aquarium at night and get a fish-eye view of the Queen Mary fireworks. Combo tickets include admission to the aquarium plus an Independence Day B-B-Q buffet with home-style grilled entrees and decadent deserts.  Aquarium Admission is $12.95 for everyone after 5 pm. Advance reservations required for dinner.”  BBQ tickets include admission and are $35 for adults and $27 for kids; aquarium members get a $10 discount on each BBQ ticket.

Long Beach — 4th of July Party on the Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier
http://belmontpier.com/4th-july-party.html
July 4, Noon til the Fireworks are over!

• “4th of July Party on the Pier from Noon ’till the fireworks are over. There will be live music featuring the Black Party Politics and King Salmon, a BBQ & Beer Garden, boat rides, and reserved seats available for a great view of the fireworks show”. Tickets are $20 each.