For a Real Fourth of July Parade and Celebration, Visit Mount Shasta, California

If you're looking for a real celebration of our nation's independence, it's hard to beat the city of Mt. Shasta. The festivities begin on Sunday, July 2nd, and don't end until the last of the fireworks finale on the Fourth of July. Of course, just visiting this city is a memorable experience. The city of Mt. Shasta sits in the shadow of majestic Mount Shasta, the second largest volcano in the United States. You can climb it if you like... all 14,162 feet of it. Mount Shasta is famous for the snow that is visible all year round, even when the temperatures in the valley below are well over one hundred degrees.

With the Fourth of July falling on a Tuesday this year, the city of Mt. Shasta decided to make it a three-day celebration. So if you're looking for a place to go, this might be it.

What will you find there on the Fourth of July long weekend? (Remember, the festivities begin Sunday, July 2nd, not Saturday.)

All-you-can-eat breakfast/brunch. Street vendors all day long. Crafts. Sidewalk sales. Wine tasting. Need more than that?

How about a hypnotist, a quilt show, live bands, a walk-run?

Then on the Fourth of July itself, there will be a parade on Mt. Shasta Boulevard, beginning at noon. The theme of this year's Fourth of July parade is "A Star Spangled Spectacular."

Area vendors and individuals have raised funds to present a Fourth of July fireworks show, as has been the tradition for over 40 years. The show will begin at dusk, about 9:30. You can see the fireworks from many spots around town. But the best viewing sites are the Mt. Shasta Resort ($2 admission) and the Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort ($1 admission).

Please note, there are no dogs permitted at either location. And remember, pets don't understand the sights and sounds of fireworks and can be terrified. Many times they break free and run for safety, only to run into oncoming traffic. So leave your pets at home and secure.

If you are traveling to Mt. Shasta, the city is 60 miles north of Redding, California, and 60 miles south of the Oregon border, easily accessible from I-5. If you're coming from south of town, take exit number 737 and you'll be right on Mt. Shasta Boulevard, the site of the parade. If you're approaching from the north, take exit number 738, turn left on Lake Boulevard, right on Mill Street, and right on Mt. Shasta Boulevard.

For a complete schedule of activites, go to shastahome.com, then arrow down to Local Square, and click on Fourth of July.