| Fourth of July Fun in Los Angeles |
 One of the great things about living in Los Angeles is there’s never a shortage of things to do – especially on a holiday weekend. Here are some ideas of how you can celebrate America’s 233rd birthday. 4th of July AmericaFest at the Rose Bowl  Of all the über fireworks shows taking place in Southern California on July 4, the AmericaFest at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena claims to be the biggest and best . If you really want to make a day of it, the parking lots open at 8 a.m., you can stake out your space early and eat a picnic lunch. The food and fun court activities open at 2 p.m. The fireworks start at 6:50 p.m., kicked off with a US Air Force flyover and the Pasadena Fire Department Color Guard accompanying the National Anthem. For the second year, Drum Corps International (DCI), marching music's major league, with five of the nation’s best drum corps units will perform their field shows and music. The tickets cost $13 for adults, with children 7 and younger admitted free. Parking is $15 per car. Advance general admission tickets may be purchased from Ticketmaster (enter Rose Bowl in the search box) or by calling (800) 745-3000. Tickets may also be purchased at the Rose Bowl ticket booths June 29- July 4. Preferred seating in a reserved area can be purchased at www.dci.org and cost $25 each. Information is available at http://www.rosebowlstadium.com or by calling (626) 577-3101. July 4th Palisades Americanism Parade  This old-fashioned Independence Day parade is about as close as you can get to taking a time travel visit to Mayberry RFD. The parade starts at 2 p.m. and runs along Sunset Blvd in downtown Pacific Palisades. You’ll see parade horses, beauty queens, high school marching bands and an occasional elephant. The evening entertainment and fireworks display takes place at Palisades Charter High School starting at 7 p.m. with the fireworks show starting at 9 p.m. For more information visit: www.palisadesparade.org Fogerty and Fireworks at the Hollywood Bowl  An all-American hero headlines the annual Fourth of July birthday bash at the Hollywood Bowl. John Fogerty, the guitar and voice of Credence Clearwater Revival and a master craftsman of classic rock ’n’ roll, is enjoying an enormously successful solo career. Don’t miss an electrifying night of “Fogerty and Fireworks” — favorite American orchestral classics performed by the L.A. Philharmonic conducted by John Morris Russell and a rocking set from John Fogerty. A wide range of ticket prices are available at Ticketmaster. Queen Mary -- 4th of July Weekend Celebration  Why wait until Saturday if you can start the celebration on Friday night? The Queen Mary is kicking off the holiday with a dance party in three different areas of the ship. There’s Karaoke and a DJ Dance Party in the Art Deco styled Observation Bar, there’s a DJ and a live performance in the Queen’s Salon, and an outdoor dance party on the Sun Deck. Tickets cost $25/adult, $12.50/child (5-12), kids under 5 are free. On Saturday, July 4, the party starts again at noon and last until 2 a.m. Entertainment includes street performers and dance parties. Radio station KIIS FM will broadcast live and fireworks start promptly at 9 p.m. Tickets cost $25/adult, $12.50/child (5-12), kids under 5 are free. You can even wind down on Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. with a 4-level pool party with a DJ spinning the latest tracks on the stern of the ship. Tickets cost $20/adult, $10/child (5-12), kids under 5 are free. Three-day passes are available for $60 per person and a VIP Admission for $100 includes access to the VIP lounge and pool party, an open bar and buffet dinner. Mr. & Mrs. Muscle Beach Contest at Venice Beach  What celebrates the idea of summer in Los Angeles more than a day at Venice Beach? On July 4th, besides the usual kaleidoscope of food vendors, bikini cleavage and street performers, you can gaze in amazement as body builders strut their stuff as they compete for the title of Mr. and Mrs. Muscle Beach. The contest runs from 9 - 5 p.m. with pre-judging at 10 a.m. and finals at 1 p.m. It’s free to watch and costs $80 to complete. Go to 1800 Ocean Front Walk in Venice Beach to see the rippling, tanned muscles. For more information visit musclebeachvenice.com or call 310-399-2775. July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza, Marina Del Rey  One of the best ways to watch a fireworks display is from a boat slowly floating along the Marina del Rey channel. Not only do you get the spectacular fireworks show overhead, but also the beauty of the lights reflected in the dark water. There are several charter cruises, like Hornblower, that offer 4th of July packages that include dinner, drinks and a cruise through the channel. Or if you prefer to stay on land, you can watch the fireworks from Chase Park while listening to patriotic music broadcast over FM radio station KXLU and relayed over loudspeakers. The fireworks start at 9 p.m. and can be viewed as well from Fisherman's Village and the Marina del Rey Beach. For more information on the land view option call 310-305-9545 or visit: visitmarinadelrey.com. Hansen Dam 4th of July Spectacular featuring Ritchie Valens Tribute  The 2009 annual Hansen Dam Fourth of July Celebration offers a “day in the park” and this year, will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the loss of hometown hero Ritchie Valens, and rock and roll legends Buddy Holly, and the Big Bopper. Along with the celebratory festivities and fireworks, the day will be highlighted with performance by Tierra performing some of Valens’ greatest hits. Other performers and attendees are actual family members, such as Maria Elena Holly, wife of Buddy Holly and Mario and Ernie Valens. Also performing: John Mueller, the only officially sanctioned Buddy Holly tribute performer, with Tommy Allsup, an original Buddy Holly band member, plus other surprise guests. Hansen Dam Park is located at 11770 Foothill Blvd, Lake View Terrace, CA 91342. For more information visit: www.hansen4th.com. The event is free. Do you have any more ideas for Fourth of July fun? Please add to our list below.
Julie Spira
I may check out muscle beach during the day and watch the fireworks in Marina del Rey! Always an enjoyable event.
Tuesday 30 June 2009, 11:24
kim
I think I'm going to a family picnic and then watching fireworks from my balcony.
Tuesday 30 June 2009, 20:36
Brandy
This girl will be working, saving all the dogs that jumped the fence at the sound of fireworks and were hit by cars :(
Tuesday 30 June 2009, 20:50
Linda Sherman
Check out Brandy (Animlgrl)'s Blog on our SingularCity community. (Click on Community on the orange bar above and then go to the right hand column called "Recent Blogs" on the Community). Brandy's stories about her experiences as the manager of an ER/ICU department in a busy 24 hour surgical/referral veterinary hospital are definitely worth a read.
Tuesday 30 June 2009, 21:17
Brandy
(hugs) Thanks Linda! :)
Tuesday 30 June 2009, 23:07
Kim
Now I'm going to the SingularCity party! Thanks Julie!
Wednesday 01 July 2009, 16:40
Adryn
I'll be spending a good old fashioned 4th with parade, cookout, booths, fireworks and friends in Anaheim! Happy 4th everyone!!!!
Thursday 02 July 2009, 17:33
Cynthia
I've got a cookout to go to, but I'm so fireworks-deprived. My dog totally freaks out so I've had to forgo them for years. I'm so jealous!
Friday 03 July 2009, 11:05
tom bunzel
Going to a house party with close friends in West Hollywood - barbeque in back yard and good vibes.
Friday 03 July 2009, 20:31
Linda Sherman
Going to what will surely be an immensely fabulous SingularCity.com party in Marina Del Rey. Very much looking forward to it. Looks like we will escape the marine layer tomorrow.
Friday 03 July 2009, 21:37
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