A Fourth without fireworks? We offer virussafe options for the holiday.
Mass gatherings and fireworks shows that bring communities together have always been at the heart of Fourth of July celebrations across the country. But as the U.S. continues to grapple with the COVID19 pandemic, this year’s commemoration of Independence Day will not be business as usual.
Most annual fireworks displays, carnivals and other events in the Bay Area are canceled this year, such as the popular fireworks show off Pier 39 in San Francisco, even as illegal displays have grown into a puzzling trend throughout the country. But that doesn’t mean one
can’t celebrate Independence Day around the Bay Area. Here are some socially distant options, along with ways to celebrate with the community from home.
In-person offerings
While options for gatherings are limited in 2020, there are plenty of possibilities to enjoy the July Fourth weekend near the water, from your front porch or at a distance. (When venturing out, wear a mask, keep at least 6 feet away from other parties and wash or sanitize your hands as much as possible).
Fourth of July on the Pier
The U.S.S. Hornet plans to mark Independence Day by displaying some wares from the mighty aircraft carrier on its neighboring pier, including a jet cockpit. A DJ is set to play a selection of big-band music to properly reflect the Hornet’s
World War II legacy, and food and drink will be available for purchase. 1-5 p.m. July 4. Pier 3, 707 W.
Hornet Ave., Alameda. Free. bit.ly/ usshornet4thofjuly
Pleasant Hill Fourth of July Celebration
Starting at 10 a.m., locals are encouraged to step outside and bang pots and pans or play musical instruments. There are also plans for an aerial flyover and banner, and a version of
Pleasant Hill’s annual downtown parade will wind through its various neighborhoods on a route that’s being kept secret to discourage congregating. An
Independence Day house-decorating competition (with a July 1 submission deadline) will award gift certificates to a local restaurant to the top five competitors, and the holiday’s activities will stream live on the Pleasant Hill Fourth of July website.
10 a.m. July 4. www.ph july4.com
Fremont Fourth of July ‘Porch Parade’
Just as some neighborhoods are famously decorated for Halloween and Christmas, Fremont has extended that tradition to Independence Day. Residents are encouraged to follow the Porch Parade Map on foot, by bike or motorized vehicle to see their neighbors’ festive creations.
A group of official judges — who have been keeping score of decorated porches in the town since June 20 — plus crowdsourced votes will determine which homes or businesses will receive the award in the categories “Most Patriotic,” “Most Outstanding,” “Spirit of Freedom” and “Neighborhood Spirit” decor, along with the stand-alone “People’s Choice Award.”
Through July 4. Fremont. Free. Registration, porch parade map and contest rules available at fremont4th.org/porch-parade.
Los Altos Hills Independence Caravan Parade
This hour-long caravan of fire and police vehicles, plus 10 to 15 classic vehicles, can be viewed from the street or at either Purissima Park or Gardner Bullis Elementary School.
10-11 a.m. July 4. Purissima Park, 27554 Purissima Road, Los Altos Hills; or Gardner Bullis Elementary School, 25890 W. Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills. 650-947-2518. bit.ly/losaltos hills4th
Virtual Get-Togethers Orinda Parade
“Orinda celebrates together (apart)” is the theme for this year’s virtual midmorning affair. The event is set to begin with a 12-minute video commemoration of past Orinda Fourth of July parades before segueing to a virtual decorating contest with home, pet, vehicle and costume viewings. The festivities will culminate with two actual events — five minutes of noontime noise-making celebrating local essential heroes and front yard socially distant barbecues starting at 12:15 p.m.
10:30 a.m. July 4. Free. www. orindaparade.com.
Foster City Virtual Fourth of July Celebration
Festivities include a virtual dog contest, home decorating contest and a virtual family parade on the city’s parks and recreation department’s Facebook page. There are also plans for live-streamed family concerts at 1 p.m. by singer-songwriter Andy Z, vocalist Tony Lindsay (former member of Santana) and keyboardist and singer Janice Maxie Reid at 6 p.m.
10:30 a.m. July 4. Free. 650286-3390. Participate and access live stream at www.face book.com/FosterCityRecreation. Full schedule and updates available at bit.ly/fostercityfourth.
Moraga Virtual Fourth of July Celebration
There’s a Moraga’s Independence Day slideshow, which starts on the morning of the Fourth and runs through July 11, plus plans for virtual kids’ bike and dog parades on the holiday, followed by an invitation to celebrate from your front yard with a barbecue to bring neighbors together while staying at a distance.
9:30 a.m. July 4. Free. bit.ly/ moragajuly4
2020 Concord July Fourth Virtual Festivities
Starting at 5 p.m., the virtual festivities will stream highlights of past parades, the Virtual Neighbor Parade, local music performances and a “patriotic tribute.”
5 p.m. July 4. Free. Streaming on Concord TV (Comcast Channel 28, Wave Channel 29 or U-Verse Channel 99) or www. facebook.com/CityofConcordCA. More information at www.con cordjuly4th.com.
2020 Kiwanis Club of San Ramon Valley Fourth of July Parade
The Kiwanis Club of San Ramon Valley has held its annual Fourth of July parade in Danville since 1975. The theme to this year’s live-streamed version honors the 100-year anniversary of women’s suffrage with the Museum of San Ramon Valley as the parade grand marshal.
Preshow footage begins around 8 a.m. with a slideshow mixing pictures of 2020 graduates and promotion yard signs, flags and shots from previous Danville Independence Day parades.
10 a.m. July 4. Free. www.srv kiwanis.org/parade
Saratoga July Fourth Virtual Parade
The annual gathering at the South Bay city’s Kevin Moran Park is being taken to Facebook. The half-hour virtual parade will feature a collection of photos previously submitted by residents.
9:30 a.m. July 4. Free. 408838-0502. www.facebook.com/ CityofSaratoga