Where to Celebrate the 4th of July in Los Angeles County

If you've never celebrated the 4^th at Hansen Damn you are in for a big treat. This celebration is in its 15^th year and it's awesome. Festivities start on the 4th so if you have plans for the night of the 4^th this a great way to kick things off with some old fashioned fun. This year they are commemorating Richie Valens, Buddy Holly and The Big Bopper. So get you poodle skirts and saddle shoes out! Oh did I mention its free, so that's an even better reason to come. Starting at 10:30 am on the 3th there is the 4^th of July Battle of the Bands followed by Valley Idol, salute to the military. All of the Special Guest performances start at 3pm and fireworks start at 9 to 9:30 pm. There is a backyard blues event and the John Mueller Winter dance party with a member from Buddy Holly & the Crickets!

Hansen Damn Park is Located in Lake View Terrace and the phone number for more info is (818) 891-9399 call for more info and directions. There will be vendors, games and booths too.

If you'd rather be by the beach and be in an atmosphere that is free of fireworks you should definitely think about heading to Long Beach's Belmont Shore for the Great American Kids Bike parade. Your kids can enter too just as long as you register by 9:15 in the morning; registration is free just like the event. It a great opportunity for get the kids involved in 4^th of July activities that are focused just on them and you could have a picnic breakfast by the water later. The parade starts at 10:00am and it is located at 5200 E. 2^nd Street in Long Beach California. Call for more info (562) 434-3066.

If you feel like venturing south in Los Angeles county you could definitely head to the beautiful Pacific Palisades for another great free event for the Family it starts at 2pm and Sunset is shut down so plan your route accordingly. There are marching bands, drummers, and even a skydiver too. The skydiver gets things started at 1:50 so don't miss that. Make sure you visit their site for more information and to get the parade map too. http://palisadesparade.org/parade.php .

There are so many choices for celebrating the 4^th of July all over Los Angeles County and its even better when you can find great free events too. Happy 4^th of July to you all and I hope to see you around the city.