Residents of East County and surrounding communities can look forward to an abundance of festivities and celebrations in anticipation of the 4th of July for the whole family to enjoy in the coming days.
On Saturday July 1, the City of Oakley will celebrate their 15th annual Cityhood Celebration at the Freedom Basin Park located on the corner of O’Hara Avenue and Neroly Road from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Festivities include music, children’s activities including rides, numerous food vendors, and a fireworks show beginning at 9:30.
“We really try to make the event accessible to everyone so families can enjoy the music and the fireworks without spending any money,” said Recreation and Events Coordinator Cindy Coelho. “A small cityhood celebration was held in 2003, and that has evolved into a large, annual event to commemorate the incorporation of Oakley as a City.”
Admission is free, but $5 wristbands will be available for purchase for rides and activities. Children five and under will receive a free wristband. Wristbands may also be purchased in advance this week at Oakley City Hall to save time from standing in line on Saturday.
“For activities, there will be something for all ages,” added Coelho. “These include giant slides, a rock climbing wall, obstacle courses, bounce houses, face painting, glitter tattoos, and the popular mechanical rides; the shark and skateboard. New this year will be the “Wizzer” carnival ride and the “Vortex” which will appeal to teenagers and adults in attendance.”
Guests may bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the fireworks, but personal fireworks, firecrackers, and alcohol are prohibited.
Both the cities of Antioch and Brentwood have planned their own separate parades celebrating the Fourth of July in their respective Downtown’s.
The City of Brentwood will celebrate their Fourth of July Parade from 9:00 AM-1:00 PM in the downtown area.
A children’s parade will begin at 9:00, immediately followed by the main Fourth of July Parade at 9:10. Following the parades, this family oriented celebration will continue from 10:00-1:00 at City Park with musical performances by local musicians, along with plenty of good food and games for the family.
“We’re looking forward to an old fashioned Fourth of July,” said administrative assistant Linda Stadlbauer. “Just fun, families, good food, and good music.”
The City of Antioch, meanwhile, will celebrate their Fourth of July Parade at 11:00 AM. Festivities will continue at the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds at 4:00 PM, with a car show presented by the Midnighter’s Car Club, along with food, beverages, games, live entertainment, and a fireworks celebration from 9:30-10:00.
Those interested in participating in the parade or festivities are advised to RSVP by July 1, and may apply at www.celebrateantioch.org. Parade participants will meet for check in at 3rd and H Street before 10:00 AM, with the parade beginning at 11:00 at West 2nd Street and E Street.
Additionally, the Hannah Nicole Vineyards and Winery in Brentwood will feature a concert entitled “Red, White, and Blues” honoring Independence Day. All ages are welcome to this special admission-free concert.
“We will be having music on the Fourth of July from 1 to 4 PM,” said a Hannah Nicole Vineyards spokesperson. “Jefferey James will be playing solo that day. He plays great blues on his electric guitar. We welcome our friends to bring a picnic and enjoy the day with us.”
Lastly, Brentwood is also set to host The Harvest Time Festival, a two-day festival taking place at City Park in Downtown Brentwood. The festival will take place from 10:30 AM to 9:30 PM on Saturday July 8, and from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Sunday July 9.
Admission is free and will feature plenty of food, cooking demonstrations, and entertainment, including musical guests and contests to be on display on the main stage.
“Harvest Time in Brentwood has been putting on this festival for four years now,” said Harvest Time Vice President Jessica Stonebarger. “A lot of our food vendors are using Brentwood grown produce in their menus. We will have tractor races for kids, planting produce, games of the 1800’s courtesy of the historical society, and other games hosted by FFA and 4H. We expect about 18,000 people to attend over the two days.”
For more information on Harvest Time, visit them at www.harvest4you.com
The following was provided by Sean Tongson
1 comment
Nice article Sean!!
Valerie Denning
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