Quick Take
Independence Day is a big deal all across Santa Cruz County, even though there will be no fireworks shows in the county this year. There are, however, parades and other celebrations in Scotts Valley, Felton, Aptos, Boulder Creek and at Wilder Ranch State Park.
We’ve moved into the post-fireworks era of Fourth of July celebrations, but parades, ice cream, corn on the cob and party music are still a big part of Independence Day in America, and especially in Santa Cruz County. The following is your guide to Santa Cruz County’s Fourth of July activities, sans fireworks:
Aptos
The claim might be specious, but the “World’s Shortest Parade” in Aptos is still a blast. The annual event begins at 10 a.m. at State Park Drive and Soquel Drive, moving on toward Aptos Village. The whole thing leads to Party in the Park at Aptos Village Park, featuring food trucks, vendors, games, a kids zone, adult beverages and live music, which this year includes the great Santa Cruz act The Joint Chiefs. The parade is free, and there’s a $5 donation for the Party in the Park.
Scotts Valley
The Fourth of July Parade & Flyover in Scotts Valley begins with kids activities and games at 9 a.m., followed by a parade along Scotts Valley Drive at 11 a.m. The post-parade party features singer-songwriter Anthony Arya and his band at the Boys & Girls Club, 5060 Scotts Valley Dr., until 3 p.m.
Boulder Creek
The traditional Independence Day celebration in beautiful Boulder Creek starts with a pancake breakfast at the Boulder Creek firehouse. Then comes the parade through downtown, ending up at a big neighborhood bash at Junction Park from noon to 5 p.m.
Watsonville
The city of Watsonville goes all-out for its annual Fourth of July celebration, attracting thousands of spectators from south Santa Cruz County and north Monterey County. The “Spirit of Watsonville” parade is scheduled to begin at 12:30 p.m. down Main Street, from St. Patrick’s Church to First Street.
Wilder Ranch State Park
— The nostalgic and the patriotic alike will find a lot to love about Wilder Ranch State Park’s celebration of an old-fashioned Fourth of July. The day will feature lawn games and blacksmith demonstrations, living history presentations, hand-made ice cream and a sing-along of “The Star Spangled Banner.” 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. There’s even a parade through the ranch, beginning at noon. It’s a free event, but it’ll cost $10 to park.
Roaring Camp
The old-fashioned Americana vibe is strong at Felton’s beautiful Roaring Camp. As always, the camp will have two trains running with live music and family-friendly stuff to do.
Firecracker 10K
For those more interested in exercising than gorging on picnic food, this Fourth of July there is the stalwart Santa Cruz Firecracker running race, divided into 10K, 5K and 1K (for the kids) distances, all at Harvey West Park in Santa Cruz. The event, presented by the Rotary Club of Santa Cruz Sunrise, is a morning affair, with staggered starting times beginning at 8 a.m. Runners on the long course will explore the trails of Pogonip adjacent to the UC Santa Cruz campus.
Beyond the county
If you insist on a Fourth of July with fireworks, you can find it. Gilroy, for example, hosts a big fireworks display at Gilroy High School. Almaden Lake Park, near Los Gatos, will have fireworks too, as will Great America in Santa Clara, Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View, downtown Morgan Hill and after the San Jose Giants ballgame at Excite Ballpark in San Jose.
This year, more than ever, it’s crucial to mark our country’s birthday with expressions of love and kindness with everyone you love, be they Americans or otherwise. Have something scandalously delicious to eat, watch a ballgame, and take a moment to steep yourself in the Ray Charles version of “America the Beautiful” at some point during the day. You’ll be glad you did.
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