San Diego 4th of July

DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: FOURTH OF JULY FESTIVITIES

By Miriam Raftery

Fireworks are back—along with many traditional Fourth of July festivities in San Diego’s inland region, from parades to picnics to patriotic music, rides, games, and more. Find Indepedence Day events and/or fireworks in El Cajon, Julian,Poway, Ramona, Santee and Valley Center.


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FIREWORKS ARE ILLEGAL TO OWN OR USE IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY: HERE ARE SAFE ALTERNATIVES

 

By Miriam Raftery

July 2, 2020 (San Diego) -- Fireworks are illegal in San Diego County. Yet East County experienced a recent fire due to illegal fireworks, says Sonny Saghera, public information officer with Heartland Fire & Rescue.

Fireworks are often used to mark special events and holidays. However, the only safe way to view fireworks is to watch a professional show.

Here’s where to view live fireworks shows in East County and elsewhere in the San DIego region from a safe distance, as well as local online fireworks displays and patriotic shows:  https://www.eastcountymagazine.org/where-find-fireworks-east-county-july-4th

“With many professional firework shows being canceled this year, it is important to know that fireworks are not safe in the hands of consumers. Fireworks cause thousands of injuries each year,” Saghera notes.

Heartland Fire offers few other ideas to get into the patriotic spirit, without fireworks, a well as some fireworks safety facts:


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DEERHORN VALLEY’S INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE

 

 

East County News Service

June 29, 2018 (Deerhorn Valley) – “If it moves, it can parade!” say organizers of the 6th annual Deerhorn Valley Independence Day Parade.  That includes wagons, carts, tractors,  bikes, strollers, joggers, horses, dogs, emus and other animals in a parade that reflects small town Americana at its best.

Staging for the parade in Deerhorn Valley, a small town south of Jamul, begins at 9:30 a.m. at McNeil’s Field at the junction of Elena Way and Mt. Elena (accessed off Deerhorn Valley Road: see map) with the parade rolling out at 10 a.m. A picnic follows, with hotdogs, chips, ice cream, water and free popcorn. There will also be face painting and vintage autos on display.


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EL CAJON’S 4TH OF JULY PICNIC AND FIREWORKS INCLUDES LIVE MUSIC, KIDS’ FUN AND MORE

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

June 28, 2018 (El Cajon) – The city of El Cajon will present its annual Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration at Kennedy Park (1675 East Madison Ave.) starting at noon Wednesday and ending with a 9 p.m. fireworks show synchronized to music.  1675 East Madison Avenue. Bring  a picnic or buy food from vendors, plus enjoy live music by two bands, inflatables, crafts, games and a “kiddie train.

Schedule of events:


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DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: TOP FESTIVALS AND EVENTS JUNE 1 - JULY 4

 

By Miriam Raftery

May 31, 2018 (San Diego's East County) -- This week’s Destination East County includes the Blue Breeze Band in El Cajon, La Mesa’s Flag Day parade, Our Secret Garden Party at St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center, and the Lego Ninjago movie playing at Stelzer County Park in Lakeside.

Plus we’ll have a preview of coming attractions including Lavender Day at Summers Past Farms, Fido Fest in Santee, a firefighters pancake breakfast in La Mesa, the San Diego Concert Band in La Mesa, a Taste of La Mesa, Art in the Park in La Mesa’s McArthur Park, Santee’s summer concerts, the Jamul Wine Tasting Festival, a historic quilt show, Santee Salutes and Julian’s Fourth of July parade.

So scroll down for all of these events and many more!


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Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

FOURTH OF JULY FESTIVITIES IN EAST COUNTY

 

 

Updated with more special Independence Day events.

East County News Service

June19, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) – Julian’s Fourth of July Parade, El Cajon’ Independence Day picnic with fireworks and the  Santee Salutes patriot celebration are cherished annual traditions in East County.  Below are details. If you know of an East County Fourth of July activity we’ve missed, please email editor@eastcountymagazine.rog and post details in our comments section below.


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DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: JUNE 20-JULY 11

 

By Miriam Raftery

June 16, 2015 (San Diego’s East County)--This week’s Destination East County includes some amazing events to delight dad this Father’s Day weekend, from an air show to a vintage train ride and a brunch with Cowboy Jack. Plus we’ll have a preview of coming attractions including 4th of July Festivities, a country music concert in Santee, and the annual Descanso Days fair and parade.  So stay tuned for all of these events and much, much more!

Now for a preview of coming attractions…


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DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: TOP FESTIVALS, EVENTS, AND ATTRACTIONS FOR JUNE 27-JUNE 29, 2014

 

 

By Ariele Johannson

June 24, 2014 (San Diego’s East Count)--Summer is officially here – and this week’s Destination East County brings you plenty of sizzling summertime activities – from concerts and movies under the stars to night fishing, a chili cook-off, and a Firefighters Appreciation Day event to support our local heroes!


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VIEJAS ANNOUNCES FULL WEEKEND OF INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATIONS JULY 4-7

 

July 3, 2013 (Alpine) – Viejas is planning four full days and nights of activities, all free, to celebration Independence Day this weekend. Activities include fireworks on the 4th, as well as music, outdoor movies, and the new ICONS show in the Viejas Outlets Show Court throughout the weekend. For a schedule of events, scroll down.


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PIONEERS HONORED IN 4TH OF JULY “BEST LITTLE SMALL TOWN PARADE” IN HISTORIC JULIAN

June 28, 2012 (Julian)—The historic gold rush town of Julian honors stars, stripes and pioneers at this year’s 4th of July parade.

Known far and wide as the “best little small town parade in America,” Julian presents a homegrown event that celebrates the town’s gold rush era history, the dedication of veterans and active duty military who serve our country, and local residents who cherish the special qualities of the little town tucked into the Cuyamaca Mountains east of San Diego.


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65th ANNUAL 4TH OF JULY PARADE IN CREST

July 2, 2011 (Crest) -- For the past 65 years, the small town of Crest has hosted a 4th of July parade that's like a scene from a Norman Rockwell painting. 

 

Festivities include floats, decorated horses, wagons, and bikes. A young girl and young boy are the reigning royalty. Sometimes there are bands from schools. Often you'll see the Lawnchair Brigade of ladies marching with folding lawn chairs, spinning them around their heads, and sitting down on them as they parade. People line up along the street wearing red,white, and blue, waving flags as dignitaries drive by.


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THE SHOW WILL GO ON! LAKE MURRAY FIREWORKS & MUSIC FEST SAVED


BAND SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED

East County News Service

July 2, 2010 (Lake Murray) – It’s official! Fourth of July fireworks show and Lake Murray Music Fest will be held. While $3,000 is still needed to cover expenses for East County's biggest Independence Day extravaganza, organizers announce that the show will go on—much to the community’s delight.

 

Entertainment starts at noon and continues throughout the afternoon and evening, with a fireworks finale starting at 9:15 p.m. (or whenever the last band finishes performing). Scroll down to view the band schedule:


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SPECIAL BUS & TROLLEY SERVICE INDEPENDENCE DAY WEEKEND

 

San Diego – Those wanting to see the fireworks light up the sky on July 4 won’t have to worry about the hassle of traffic and parking. Metropolitan Transit Service (MTS) has extended service for the holiday. All three trolley lines will operate expanded service after the fireworks end--whether you're heading to the beach areas or relishing 4th of July fireworks displays in East County.   There are also special rates and hours throughout this holiday week.


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Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.