Celebrating the Fourth of July in Sacramento, California

This year, the 4th of July falls on a Saturday. Many will begin celebrating the weekend on Friday and continue through Monday. We will go camping or have backyard barbecues. We'll stuff ourselves with hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, potato salad and apple pie. Then, we will go out on Saturday night and "ooh and ah" at our local fireworks show.

In the Sacramento area, there are many choices for viewing these pyrotechnical displays.

1. Cal Expo: This is the largest fireworks show in the area. The gates open at 6:00 PM and the show starts at 9"30 PM. Admission is free, but parking is $8.00. Please bring lawn chairs.

2. Carmichael: The 4th of July parade will begin at 10:30 AM. La Sierra Community Center will host the fireworks. Come at 6:00PM, the show begins at 9:15 PM.

3. Citrus Heights: The Sunrise Mall will have live music, beginning at 7:30 PM. They offer 3-D glasses for viewing the fireworks. The display starts at 9:40 PM. This event is free.

4. Elk Grove: Elk Grove Regional Park will host a Salute to the Red, White and Blue. This is and all day event, beginning at 6 AM. There will be food, games and fireworks. The show starts at 9:45 PM. Admission is free and parking is $10.

5. Folsom: The Folsom Pro Rodeo in the Dan Russel Arena will have fireworks. Running from July 2 - 4, admission is $15.00 - $22.50 and is at 7 PM.

6. Rancho Cordova: Hagen Park will have fireworks on July 3rd and July 4th. There will be parades, food and concerts. Displays will start around 9 PM.

So there are plenty of opportunity for locals to see the sky light up on July 4th.