See Three Free Fireworks Shows this Fourth of July (without being in two places at once)

By Bruce Ueno

Looking for family activities in the Western Inland Empire for the Fourth of July?  Here's a synopsis of local events!  Note: This article contains information from third party sources; please contact the respective sponsors for additional information.

Eastvale

June 27 to 29:  Get in the summer spirit in the lead up to the 4th with the JCSD Parks and Recreation Department's 10th annual Picnic in the Park, to be held this year in it's new location at Eastvale Community Park, 12750 Citrus Street in Eastvale. The 3-day celebration will include fun activities for the entire family, including carnival rides, water slides, food, community information booths, merchandise vendors and more!  Events kick off at 5 PM Friday June 27th, and will feature a live concert at 7 PM.  Saturday evening's program includes a not-to-be-missed, spectacular fireworks show at 9 PM.

• Admission is FREE.
• Pre-sale tickets for carnival rides can now be purchased for $10 for 8 rides at the following locations: Eastvale Community Center, 13820 Schleisman Avenue and Neighborhood Center at Harada Heritage Park, 13099 65th Street.
• Tickets can also be purchased online at www.parks.jcsd.us
• On the day of the event, carnival ride tickets will be $1.25 per ticket, $20 for a sheet of 20 tickets, or $25 for a sheet of 32 tickets. Each ride will require between three and four tickets.
• For inflatable attractions (regular and water activities), wristbands will be $5 for Saturday only and $8 for both days.
• The cost of carnival games will vary from booth to booth.
• There will be numerous vendors selling food and merchandise.
• For more information call the JSCD at (951) 727-3524

Riverside

July 3:  The Riverside National Cemetery will be hosting it's annual Concert for Heroes, a much beloved event and Inland Empire tradition featuring a selection of patriotic and classical music performed by the Riverside County Philharmonic Orchestra.  The concert will begin at 7:30 PM at the cemetery's amphitheater and will conclude with a fireworks display. The event is free to the public but the amphitheater has limited seating, so plan to arrive early.  Blankets, lawn chairs and flashlights are highly recommended.  Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.  The Riverside National Cemetery is located at 22495 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, CA 92518. (951) 653-8417

July 4:  The city of Riverside Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department hosts fireworks at 2 locations. The largest show takes place at the foot of Mt. Rubidoux at the Evergreen Memorial Historic Cemetery located at 14th and Pine Streets, where fireworks will by synchronized with music playing live on KOLA 99.9 radio. Day-long festivities include food, music, children's activities and fireworks at dusk.  Admission is $5.00 for those 12 and up, and $1.00 for children 3 to 11.  Children under 2 are free. Aerial fireworks begin at 9 PM.  For those in Western Riverside, a show will also be held at La Sierra Park, 5215 La Sierra Avenue.  For Information contact the City of Riverside Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department (951) 826-2000

  

Corona

July 4: The city continues a proud civic tradition with its annual 4th of July celebration.  Day-long festivities begin at 10 AM with a parade down Main Street.  Bring your lawn chair and a cool drink and watch the procession along Main Street between Ontario and Olive Avenue.

The celebration continues at Santana Park, 598 Santana Way, with games, food vendors and entertainment for the entire family.  The event culminates at 9 p.m. with a fabulous fireworks display.  Admission to the festival is free, but alcohol, smoking, RVs, tailgating, charcoal grills and pets are not allowed in the park.  For more information, contact the Recreation Services Division at (951) 736-2241.

Lake Elsinore

July 4:  The city on the lake celebrates the 4th as only Lake Elsinore can, with a spectacular fireworks show launched from the T-Peninsula on the southern end of the lake.  Fireworks will begin at 9:00 PM.  Free viewing locations include  Lakepoint Park, Elm Grove Beach, Davis Fishing Beach, Whiskers Fishing Beach and a portion of levee system.  Paid viewing locations include all the commercial campgrounds, including the La Laguna Resort.  Boaters can partake of a special treat- watching the show on the water! Special nighttime boating passes are available for sale at $10.00 each from qualifying commercial boat launch facilities.  Vessels must be motorized powerboats greater than 12' in length that are registered and displaying CF insignia. No personal watercraft are allowed.  Participation is limited to 350 vessels.  http://www.lake-elsinore.org/index.aspx?recordid=594&page=26

Norco

July 4:  Festivities begin with the Rotary Club's All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast from 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM at Nellie Weaver Hall, 3737 Crestview Drive, Norco 92860.  $5.00 with proceeds to benefit the George A. Ingalls Veteran's Memorial.

At 10 AM, equestrians saddle up for the Mayor's patriotic scenic ride.  Riders will meet at Ingalls park parking lot 2. Dress is Red white and Blue with prizes awarded to the most patriotic horse and rider.  Helmets required for riders under the age of 18. Saddles required. Stallions, and riding double are prohibited. No steep trails, no river crossings. 

The annual Picnic in the Park will be held at Pike's Peak Park from noon to 3 PM.  Festivities will include games, music, a water slide and crafts for kids. BBQ food and refreshments will be available for purchase.  Alcoholic beverages are prohibited and ice chests are subject to search.

There are no fireworks shows in Norco to scare the horses, but this year's events will be highlighted by a new concert, laser show and movie night to be held at Moreno Arena at the George Ingalls Equestrian Event Center.    Food and refreshment will be available for purchase.  Ice chests and alcohol are prohibited.  Admission is $5.00 per person (12 and under free).  Gates open at 5:30 PM.  At 6:30 PM, enjoy country tunes by Sterling Sylver.  At 7:30 PM, kick up your heels for Norco's longest line dance.  The laser show will begin at 8:45 PM, and will be followed at 9:30 PM by a special screening of Independence Day.  (951) 270-5631

Did you find the fireworks shows on June 28 (Eastvale), July 3 (Riverside National Cemetery) and July 4 (Corona, Lake Elsinore)?  If you go to all three, let me know!

Looking for a home in the Inland Empire?  Give me a call at (951) 310-0397 today!