Celebrating the Fourth of July in Simi Valley

As simple and small town as Simi Valley is, the summer holidays are always a blast! This Fourth of July, there are several different ways to have a good time.

The Annual Simi Valley Fourth of July Festival and Fireworks Extravaganza

Every year, the Simi Valley Rotary Club sponsors this event, which is always the biggest thing going on in Simi Valley on the Fourth of July. For decades, the event was held at the Simi Valley High School stadium. Last year, the event was moved to Rancho Santa Susana Park. It was such a success, that the event will be held there again this year. (Incidentally, for those who show up at Simi High School anyway, there will be shuttled parking). Another great plus to the transition to the fireworks show being at the park is that the show is now free.

The gates open at 3 p.m., and guests will be able to enjoy three live bands, special kids activities (I believe free bounce houses and other related stuff), Polynesian dancers, and just an overall good time, while waiting for sundown for the fireworks show.

The Daily News also reported that many Los Angeles are firework shows risk being shut down this year due to the drought, but the Simi Valley fireworks show is sure to go on. Unlike areas like the Hollywood Bowl and Dodger Stadium, the park in Simi Valley is not surrounded by areas of high fire risk, and so authorities will let the fireworks show happen, regardless of the drought.

Channel Islands Harbor

Okay, so it's not in Simi Valley, but it is not too far too drive either! If you want to do something a little different than the same old Simi Valley fireworks show this year, then consider driving out to the Channel Islands Harbor to watch the fireworks show. The Channel Islands Harbor (which is located off of Victoria, a few miles from the 101 freeway), sets off the fireworks from the harbor over the ocean.

The closest spot to view the fireworks is from the harbor parking lots, but they also get pretty full pretty early. One of the most enjoyable ways we have found of viewing this show is from Silver Strand beach. If you drive all the way down to the end, past the harbor, you can get yourself set up on the beach, where you will still have a great view of the show. Although you cannot sleep on the beach overnight, it can actually be a good idea to set up "camp" on the beach for the entire day. If you bring a tent, cooler, barbecue, food, chairs, warm clothing, and blankets, then you can spend the day tanning and playing on the beach, and stay for the fireworks show that night.

A few things to note- it does get chilly on that beach at night, so pack warm clothes and blankets. Also, don't get packed up too quickly. Hang out in your tent, play some board games, roast marshmallows over your barbecue, or whatever, but don't bother trying to drive away right away. The traffic coming out is so bad, you will likely be stuck for hours anyway; it's best to wait it out in comfort, while having fun.

Private Parties

If you prefer the more intimate, less public gathering, for the Fourth of July, then ask around to see who is having a party. Many people in Simi Valley have wonderful backyards with pools, and chances are you know someone who is having a party. Sans the fireworks (due to the fact that they are prohibited by law in Simi Valley), you are likely to have some good old fashioned Fourth of July fun!