FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATIONS ANNOUNCED IN EAST COUNTY & SAN DIEGO'S INLAND REGIONS

 
June 28, 2011 (San Diego's East County) -- Communities across San Diego's inland regions will host a variety of events celebrating Independence Day on Monday, July 4th including festivals, parades, picnics, an ice cream social, Western-themed events, and of course, fireworks. 
 
 
Below are highlights of celebrations planned in numerous East County and inland San Diego areas:

 
 
ALPINE: The 14th Annual Crown Hills 4th of July Parade starts at 10:00 a.m. Crown Hills is located at Victoria Park Terrace and Gentian Way in Alpine. The Marine Corps Band will be featured and veterans honored as parade marshalls. Veterans who wish to participate in our Parade, please call the Crown Hills Office at  659-3520 or Snake Houghton at 445-5271. All children are all invited to participate in this parade. If you would like to participate, please call Hilde at 659-8707. Prizes will be awarded for the best patriotic presentation. There will be free ice cream and prizes for all children 17 years and under. http://www.alpinecommunitynetwork.com/2011/06/crown-hills-4th-of-july-parade-alpine-ca-july-4-10am/  
 
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. Crest is located just east of El Cajon. The parade starts at the South Park at 9:30, and ends at Nancy Jane Park on Crest Drive, where there is a band and booths with food and craft items--and usually watermelon.
 
EL CAJON: The city hosts its annual 4th of July picnic and fireworks at Kennedy Park, located at 1675 East Madison Avenue in El Cajon. The family-oriented picnic begins at 12 noon, followed by a fireworks display at 9 p.m.  
 
 
ESCONDIDO: Independence Day Celebration at Grape Day Park and the Escondido Performing Arts Center is among the largest 4th of July celebrations in San Diego’s inland region. Live music on multiple stages includes folk, rock, jazz, blues, and chorale performances, as well as the Marine Band San Diego. Festivities start at 3 p.m. and include educational and patriotic exhibits and activities at facilities including the Escondido Children’s Museum and Escondido History Center. Food and beverages will be sold; no barbecues or alcohol will be allowed. A fireworks display will be held at 9 p.m.  For more information, see www.escondido.org/independence-day-celebration.aspx   
 
 
JULIAN: This historic gold rush town’s annual 4th of July Parade and celebration begins at 10 am with flyovers by vintage Naval aircraft, musical presentations, and remarks by elected officials including Congressman Darrell Issa. From 12 noon to 1:30 p.m., the parade rolls out form Julian High School on Main Street to Washington Street, followed by a 1:30 barbecue at the American Legion and entertainment on Main Street. For more info, see http://www.julianparade.com/  
 
 
LAKE MURRAY: A fireworks show will be held over Lake Murray, however the annual music festival has been cancelled for lack of funding. Fireworks display will begin at 9:15 p.m. Note: Though the fireworks show will go on, donations are still needed to fully cover the cost. Donate online at www.navajoevents.com.
 
 
POWAY: An Old Fashioned 4th of July celebration takes place from 10 am. To 4 p.m. at Old Poway Park. This event is free to the public and features lives musical performances in the gazebo, children’s activities, model trains on display, blacksmiths demonstrating iron-making, and more. Lunch and treats will be on sale, including an old-fashioned ice cream social. Also see the Heritage Museum and Nelson H ouse displays of quilts and patriotic memorabilia, buy handmade crafts from the Poway Arts Guild, and for a nominal fee, ride the Poway-Midland Railroad’s 1907 Baldwin Steam Engine. Watch for mock train robberies and gunfights along the way! For more info, see http://www.poway.org/oldpowaypark.org .  In the evening, a fireworks show at Poway High School will begin at 9 p.m. There is a $2 admission for ages 11 and up; children 10 and under are free with adult.
 
 
SANTEE: The City hosts “Santee Salutes” from 3:30 to 9:30 p.m. on July 4th. This free celebration will be held at the Town Center Community Park West, 9409 Cuyamaca in Santee. Festivities include a kid’s zone with carnival rides, games and inflatable jumps (small fee for rides) , “rockin’ contemporary country” music by the Danielle Tucker Band, patriotic songs and presentation of the Marine Color Guard, and The Mighty Untouchables performing Motown through today’s Top 40 hits. There is a food court (cash only) and fireworks at 9 p.m.    For schedule of events and details, see http://www.ci.santee.ca.us/?page=8&recordid=1304&returnURL=%2findex.aspx.  Patch.com has posted videos of past Santee fireworks displays:  http://santee.patch.com/articles/santee-fireworks-displays-of-years-past?ncid=M255#youtube_video-6851844