Friday is the Fourth of July, a national holiday celebrating the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Some call it a historic act of rebellion, but most people know it as a chance to party.
Once again Healdsburg throws itself wholeheartedly into the holiday, starting at 10am with the Fourth of July Kids Parade and Duck Dash in the Healdsburg Plaza. Arrive on bikes, tricycles and wagons adorned with red, white and blue decorations. There will be live music and activities for all. Duck Dash Races are organized and promoted by Healdsburg Sunrise Rotary. More information at healdsburg.gov/910/Fourth-of-July-Kids-Parade-and-Duck-Dash.
Road closures include Plaza, Center and Matheson streets, on three sides of the Healdsburg Plaza, from 7am to 4pm on July 4, to give celebrants room to move.
Surmounting concerns of pandemic or fire risk, the city is moving forward with a 9:30pm launch of this year’s American Legion Post 111 Fireworks show, with help from the Tourism Improvement District. The fireworks are designed for a viewing “stage” of 200 feet elevation, so don’t get too close.
Spectator seating will not be available at the high school, but the best viewing areas are close by at Fitch Mountain Elementary or in the small school parking lot on Prince Street. Both University Avenue (from Badger to Monte Vista) and Sanns Street (between University and Harold) will be closed to vehicle traffic and parking, so many people just walk the neighborhood, enjoying the show. No personal fireworks, including so-called “safe and sane” fireworks, are permitted and enforcement is expected. healdsburg.gov/1054/Independence-Day-Fireworks
Cloverdale
Neighboring cities also have celebrations this Fourth, which may reduce the number of spectacle-hungry viewers coming to town. Cloverdale promises “good old fashioned family fun,” which includes a parade starting at 10am followed by a downtown celebration in the Plaza, with Wonder Bread 5 playing from 11am to 1pm.
Cloverdale will also hold a “street faire” at the Cloverdale Citrus Fair from 4:30-8pm with free admission, games, contests and two stages of live music. However, the city’s fireworks display was canceled due to the tragic explosion at the Esparto fireworks facility.
Is that old 1896 photo flipped 180? Last time I checked, the sun was in the southern part of the sky. Look at the shadows. At least the horses didn’t have to dodge parklets.