Celebrating Independence Day – parades, fireworks, barbecues and more

On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress unanimously adopted the Declaration of Independence, heralding the 13 colonies’ separation from Great Britain and establishing the United States. John Adams wrote, “This will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.”

  The first fireworks were used as early as 200 BC. The tradition of setting off fireworks on the Fourth of July began in Philadelphia on July 4, 1777, during the first organized celebration of Independence Day. The ship’s cannon fired a 13-gun salute in honor of the 13 colonies. 

  According to Cal Fire, “safe and sane” fireworks are allowed in Calaveras County this year, with the exception of the Ebbetts Pass area, where no fireworks are allowed. Sadly, the Ironstone Vineyard’s Fireworks are not taking place this year.

 Whether your weekend will include barbecues, fireworks, music or sports, there is certainly no shortage of choices for ways to celebrate this Independence Weekend in Calaveras.

June 28

  It’s time again for Fireworks over New Hogan Dam, with the celebration starting at 6 p.m. Tickets, which are $60 per person and available solely at Umpqua Bank in Valley Springs, provide covered areas with tables and chairs for all, music played throughout the evening with a special score for the fireworks and a New York Steak dinner including, corn on the cob, baked potato, baked beans, salad, rolls and assorted ice cream products for dessert. There will be hot dogs for kids, and soft drinks and water. 

Bring a lawn chair and sit out under the stars after dinner to watch the fireworks show accompanied by music starting at 8:30 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring a cooler with beverages, as no alcohol will be sold at the event. There will also be a raffle, silent auction and 50/50 game. Roadside parking is available for those who do not wish to purchase a ticket but is limited! The event takes place at the Observation Point Picnic Shelter at New Hogan Lake, 2713 Hogan Dam Road.

July 3

  The Annual Freedom Cruise in Murphys features patriotically decorated vintage, classic, muscle, trucks, jeeps, new cars and motorcycles down Main Street on Thursday, July 3, starting at 7 p.m. Participants should meet at Albert Michelson Elementary School at 6:30 p.m.

  Hotel Leger in Mokelumne Hill will host a street dance from 7 to 10 p.m. with music provided by GK12. Specialty drinks and late night snacks will be available at the hotel.

July 4

  Mokelumne Hill’s 175th Annual (now, that’s impressive!) 4th of July Independence Day Celebration begins with a pancake breakfast at the Town Hall from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The patriotic parade starts at 11 a.m. on Main Street. Afterward, there will be games for the kids in the park. There is free parking near Wendell’s with a free shuttle. Follow the signs off of Highway 49.

  Murphys First Fridays will feature the talents of B-Side from 5 to 8 p.m. in Murphys Park. Bring your lawn chair; food and drink will be available.

  Also on July 4, Copper Town Square is hosting “Stars and Stripes” from 4 to 9 p.m. with food, drink, water slide and fireworks starting at 8:30 p.m.

  Jeff Chadwick and Smoothease will take Brice Station’s outdoor stage from 4 to 7 p.m. Tickets at bricestation.com.

July 5

  The Arnold Independence Parade hits the highway from Arnold Byway to Cedar Center on Saturday replete with patriotic floats, cars and kids. The parade usually starts at 10 a.m.; however, the poster reads 11 a.m. and there is no contact information to clarify the start time. Highway 4 will be closed from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

  Brice Station just above Murphys features Hot Buttered Rum on Saturday at 7 p.m. Tickets are $35 and available at bricestation.com.

Many venues will be hosting live music, including Jazz Cellars with Steve Hayward and Friends 4 to 7 p.m. at 380 Main Street. The Blowbacks will be featured at Cameo Plaza in Arnold starting at 6 p.m. Bring chairs and snacks. In addition, The Fabulous Off Brothers take the stage at Sequoia Woods, The Flashbacks at the Lube Room in Dorrington and Jimbo Scott and Yesterday Biscuits at the Beer Garden in Camp Connell. 

  For the most comprehensive Calendar of Events, visit gocalaveras.com/events, managed by the Calaveras Visitors Bureau. Happy Independence celebrations to all!