EVENTS & TRADE SHOWS
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O.C. cities, restaurants gear up for busy Fourth of July
Huntington Beach's celebration is slated to draw some 200,000 attendees.
By Casey GomezPublished: July 02, 2010
While the Fourth of July holiday is known for fireworks, parades and barbecued cuisine, this weekend also marks the start of the busy summer tourist season in Orange County, as travelers from across the nation flock to vacation spots to catch some fun in the sun.
The region's tourism employers have been beefing up their staffs in preparation for the season – and the holiday – according to Dr. Wallace Walrod, the Orange County Business Council's vice president of economic development and research.
"Orange County’s tourism sector grew by 2,000 jobs in May as employers continued to ramp up employment for the summer tourist season, which the Fourth of July weekend kicks off," said Walrod. "Advances in hotel and restaurant jobs accounted for 65 percent of the growth. Additionally, tourism employment in O.C. is up 8,300 jobs in the last year, by far the largest job growth sector."
Also growing this year is the number of people attending some of the region's Fourth of July celebrations, such as Huntington Beach's 106th annual Surf City Fourth of July Parade and Celebration. It's touted as "the largest parade west of the Mississippi.”
An estimated 50,000 people attended the city’s first parade on July 4, 1904. This year’s event, themed A Star Spangled 4th, is likely to attract about 200,000 people, according to Huntington Beach spokeswoman Laurie Payne. The attraction will feature floats, horses, student bands, veterans, Boy Scouts and – as always – the mayor of Huntington Beach.
“It’s a tremendous boost to our economy,” said Payne. “We appreciate people enjoying the holiday with us, as well as enjoying our hotels, food and shopping.”
For the early riser, the festivities begin at 6 a.m. at Lake Park with breakfast, and the Surf City Run and Fitness Expo.
The parade begins at 10 a.m., but eager spectators can begin staking out their place along Main Street as early as 7 a.m. on July 3. For those who prefer to sleep in, the parade will also be televised at 2 p.m. on HBTV-3, and at 3:30 p.m. on KOCE-TV and the OC Channel.
The spectacle is also likely to bring out some local celebrities, such as renowned pianist Roger Williams, this year’s grand marshal. Special celebrity guest Gary Bryan of K-EARTH 101 FM will also be in attendance, as will Jesse Sapolu, former San Francisco 49er and this year’s sports grand marshal.
The parade is expected to last about two hours. Afterward, attendees can head over to the Pier Festival for all kinds of family fun. The festival, which begins Saturday, July 3, and ends Monday, July 5, includes live entertainment, exhibitors, prizes and a U.S. Navy traveling simulator. The festival will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on July 4.
The day comes to a close with the fireworks “spectacular,” which is slated to begin at 9 p.m. The show will last approximately 30 minutes and include 1,300 rounds of fireworks, 500 of which will explode during the 40-second finale, according to the event's website.
For more information on ticket prices, street closures, parking and events, visit hb4thofjuly.org.
But, there's more taking place elsewhere the county, as cities, restaurants and businesses offer Fourth of July celebrations and specials aimed at drawing in visitors, and boosting revenue – and the patriotic spirit.
Here's a breakdown of other local events:
• July 3
Freedom Celebration in Anaheim
The city of Anaheim, along with the Canyon Hills Community Council and the Anaheim 
Hills Rotary Club, is hosting the 22nd annual Freedom Celebration festivities. The day will kick off at Canyon High School with the Mary Castle Memorial “Firecracker” 10-K run. There will also be a 5-K, a 2-K walk, and a product and health fair. Afterward, the Anaheim Hills Rotary Club will host a pancake breakfast, followed by the annual Yankee Doodle Dog Show. Around noon, attendees can head over to Peralta Park for food, games and entertainment. The night ends with Pyro-Spectacular’s fireworks show at 9 p.m. There will be no parade associated with the event this year.
Date: Saturday, July 3
Time: Festivities begin at 6 a.m.
Address: Canyon High School, 220 S. Imperial Hwy.; Peralta Park, 115 N. Pinney Drive
Web: anaheim.net
Orange Salutes the Red, White and Blue
The city of Orange will host its 15th annual 3rd of July Celebration at El Modena High School’s Fred Kelly Stadium. Featuring the Orange Community Master Chorale, the celebration will also include activities, games, live entertainment and nonprofit food booths. The music program and fireworks show begin at 8 p.m. Tickets are $7 for adults and free for children under the age of two.
Date: Saturday, July 3
Time: Festivities begin at 4 p.m.
Address: 3920 Spring St.
Web: cityoforange.org
• July 4
Independence Day deals at Wildfish Seafood Grille
The Newport Beach seafood bar and restaurant is offering two 
deals on July 4. The All-Night Happy Hour, which is only available in the bar and lounge area, includes appetizers ranging from $5 to $8, and $6 drinks. Wildfish is also offering a Dinner on Us special, where guests can buy one entrée and get another lower-priced selection for free. This special is available in the dining room, as well as in the bar and lounge area.
Date: Saturday, July 4
Time: Bar and lounge opens at 4 p.m.
Address: 1370 Bison Ave.
Web: eddiev.com
SOL Cocina Liberty Tacos
This Newport Beach restaurant is offering a free SOL signature Carne Asada Street Taco, no purchase necessary, to those who come in between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. There will also be $3 Pacifico beers. Independence Day customers can enjoy SOL’s regular weekend brunch from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., as well as the eatery's daily happy hour specials from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m.
Date: Sunday, July 4
Time: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Address: 251 E. Pacific Coast Hwy., Newport Beach
Web: solcocina.com
Mission Viejo Fourth of July Street Faire and Fireworks Spectacular
The city of Mission Viejo will host a Fourth of July Street Faire on Olympiad Road. Admission is free and includes live entertainment on two separate stages, rides, food and game booths, a wine and beer garden, rock climbing, contests and prizes, and a dunk tank. A shuttle service will be provided to the event from 12 locations beginning at 1 p.m. The fireworks show will start at 9 p.m.
Date: Sunday, July 4
Time: Festivities begin at noon
Address: Olympiad Road between Marguerite Parkway and Melinda
Web: mvactivities.com
The Irvine Police Association’s Annual Concert on the Green and Fireworks Festival
The Irvine Police Association will host its 26th annual event at Irvine High School Stadium, complete with field games and activities, food vendors, bounce houses and live music from the Derek Bordeaux Group. In the evening, the Irvine Police Color Guard will give its presentation of the colors, followed by a sky concert and fireworks extravaganza at 9 p.m. Tickets cost $12 for adults 14 years and up, and $7 for seniors and children under 13. Family presale packages are also available for $40.
Date: Sunday, July 4
Time: Festivities begin at 3 p.m.
Address: 4321 Walnut Ave.
Web: irvinepa.org/fireworks.php
Dana Point Harbor Fireworks Cruises
The city will honor this Fourth of July with fireworks shot from just outside Dana Point Harbor at 9 p.m. Spectators can also tune in to 88.5 FM KSBR for music synchronized to the show. Limited tickets are available to watch the fireworks while enjoying refreshments aboard the sport-fishing boat, Sum Fun. Registration is required, and tickets sell out quickly. Adult admission costs $15, seniors and youths age 4-17 are $5, and children 3 and under are free. The boat boards at 7:30 p.m. and cruises until 10 p.m. The Dana Pride boards at the same time for those who want to enjoy a patriotic BBQ buffet before fireworks begin. Tickets are $79 for adults, $39 for youths, and free for kids four and under.
Date: Sunday, July 4
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Address: Both Sum Fun and Dana Pride depart from the Dana Wharf located at 34675 Golden Lantern
Web: Sum Fun, danapoint.org/recreation; Dana Pride, danawharf.com/cruises
A complete list of public fireworks displays can be found on the Orange County Fire Authority’s website at ocfa.org.
Related headlines
Major League Baseball dishes it out during All-Star Game
OC METRO, July issue: 'Baseball heaven'
OC METRO, July issue: 'Catch "The Beat"'
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While the Fourth of July holiday is known for fireworks, parades and barbecued cuisine, this weekend also marks the start of the busy summer tourist season in Orange County, as travelers from across the nation flock to vacation spots to catch some fun in the sun. The region's tourism employers have been beefing up their staffs in preparation for the season – and the holiday – according to Dr. Wallace Walrod, the Orange County Business Council's vice president of economic development and research. "Orange County’s tourism sector grew by 2,000 jobs in May as employers continued to ramp up employment for the summer tourist season, which the Fourth of July weekend kicks off," said Walrod. "Advances in hotel and restaurant jobs accounted for 65 percent of the growth. Additionally, tourism employment in O.C. is up 8,300 jobs in the last year, by far the largest job growth sector." Also growing this year is the number of people attending some of the region's Fourth of July celebrations, such as Huntington Beach's 106th annual Surf City Fourth of July Parade and Celebration. It's touted as "the largest parade west of the Mississippi.” An estimated 50,000 people attended the city’s first parade on July 4, 1904. This year’s event, themed A Star Spangled 4th, is likely to attract about 200,000 people, according to Huntington Beach spokeswoman Laurie Payne. The attraction will feature floats, horses, student bands, veterans, Boy Scouts and – as always – the mayor of Huntington Beach. “It’s a tremendous boost to our economy,” said Payne. “We appreciate people enjoying the holiday with us, as well as enjoying our hotels, food and shopping.” For the early riser, the festivities begin at 6 a.m. at Lake Park with breakfast, and the Surf City Run and Fitness Expo. The parade begins at 10 a.m., but eager spectators can begin staking out their place along Main Street as early as 7 a.m. on July 3. For those who prefer to sleep in, the parade will also be televised at 2 p.m. on HBTV-3, and at 3:30 p.m. on KOCE-TV and the OC Channel. The spectacle is also likely to bring out some local celebrities, such as renowned pianist Roger Williams, this year’s grand marshal. Special celebrity guest Gary Bryan of K-EARTH 101 FM will also be in attendance, as will Jesse Sapolu, former San Francisco 49er and this year’s sports grand marshal. The parade is expected to last about two hours. Afterward, attendees can head over to the Pier Festival for all kinds of family fun. The festival, which begins Saturday, July 3, and ends Monday, July 5, includes live entertainment, exhibitors, prizes and a U.S. Navy traveling simulator. The festival will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on July 4. The day comes to a close with the fireworks “spectacular,” which is slated to begin at 9 p.m. The show will last approximately 30 minutes and include 1,300 rounds of fireworks, 500 of which will explode during the 40-second finale, according to the event's website. For more information on ticket prices, street closures, parking and events, visit hb4thofjuly.org. But, there's more taking place elsewhere the county, as cities, restaurants and businesses offer Fourth of July celebrations and specials aimed at drawing in visitors, and boosting revenue – and the patriotic spirit. Here's a breakdown of other local events: • July 3 Freedom Celebration in Anaheim The city of Anaheim, along with the Canyon Hills Community Council and the Anaheim Hills Rotary Club, is hosting the 22nd annual Freedom Celebration festivities. The day will kick off at Canyon High School with the Mary Castle Memorial “Firecracker” 10-K run. There will also be a 5-K, a 2-K walk, and a product and health fair. Afterward, the Anaheim Hills Rotary Club will host a pancake breakfast, followed by the annual Yankee Doodle Dog Show. Around noon, attendees can head over to Peralta Park for food, games and entertainment. The night ends with Pyro-Spectacular’s fireworks show at 9 p.m. There will be no parade associated with the event this year.Date: Saturday, July 3 Time: Festivities begin at 6 a.m. Address: Canyon High School, 220 S. Imperial Hwy.; Peralta Park, 115 N. Pinney Drive Web: anaheim.net Orange Salutes the Red, White and Blue The city of Orange will host its 15th annual 3rd of July Celebration at El Modena High School’s Fred Kelly Stadium. Featuring the Orange Community Master Chorale, the celebration will also include activities, games, live entertainment and nonprofit food booths. The music program and fireworks show begin at 8 p.m. Tickets are $7 for adults and free for children under the age of two. Date: Saturday, July 3 Time: Festivities begin at 4 p.m. Address: 3920 Spring St. Web: cityoforange.org • July 4 Independence Day deals at Wildfish Seafood Grille The Newport Beach seafood bar and restaurant is offering two deals on July 4. The All-Night Happy Hour, which is only available in the bar and lounge area, includes appetizers ranging from $5 to $8, and $6 drinks. Wildfish is also offering a Dinner on Us special, where guests can buy one entrée and get another lower-priced selection for free. This special is available in the dining room, as well as in the bar and lounge area.Date: Saturday, July 4 Time: Bar and lounge opens at 4 p.m. Address: 1370 Bison Ave. Web: eddiev.com SOL Cocina Liberty TacosThis Newport Beach restaurant is offering a free SOL signature Carne Asada Street Taco, no purchase necessary, to those who come in between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. There will also be $3 Pacifico beers. Independence Day customers can enjoy SOL’s regular weekend brunch from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., as well as the eatery's daily happy hour specials from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. Date: Sunday, July 4 Time: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Address: 251 E. Pacific Coast Hwy., Newport Beach Web: solcocina.com Mission Viejo Fourth of July Street Faire and Fireworks Spectacular The city of Mission Viejo will host a Fourth of July Street Faire on Olympiad Road. Admission is free and includes live entertainment on two separate stages, rides, food and game booths, a wine and beer garden, rock climbing, contests and prizes, and a dunk tank. A shuttle service will be provided to the event from 12 locations beginning at 1 p.m. The fireworks show will start at 9 p.m. Date: Sunday, July 4 Time: Festivities begin at noon Address: Olympiad Road between Marguerite Parkway and Melinda Web: mvactivities.com The Irvine Police Association’s Annual Concert on the Green and Fireworks Festival The Irvine Police Association will host its 26th annual event at Irvine High School Stadium, complete with field games and activities, food vendors, bounce houses and live music from the Derek Bordeaux Group. In the evening, the Irvine Police Color Guard will give its presentation of the colors, followed by a sky concert and fireworks extravaganza at 9 p.m. Tickets cost $12 for adults 14 years and up, and $7 for seniors and children under 13. Family presale packages are also available for $40. Date: Sunday, July 4 Time: Festivities begin at 3 p.m. Address: 4321 Walnut Ave. Web: irvinepa.org/fireworks.php Dana Point Harbor Fireworks CruisesThe city will honor this Fourth of July with fireworks shot from just outside Dana Point Harbor at 9 p.m. Spectators can also tune in to 88.5 FM KSBR for music synchronized to the show. Limited tickets are available to watch the fireworks while enjoying refreshments aboard the sport-fishing boat, Sum Fun. Registration is required, and tickets sell out quickly. Adult admission costs $15, seniors and youths age 4-17 are $5, and children 3 and under are free. The boat boards at 7:30 p.m. and cruises until 10 p.m. The Dana Pride boards at the same time for those who want to enjoy a patriotic BBQ buffet before fireworks begin. Tickets are $79 for adults, $39 for youths, and free for kids four and under. Date: Sunday, July 4 Time: 7:30 p.m. Address: Both Sum Fun and Dana Pride depart from the Dana Wharf located at 34675 Golden Lantern Web: Sum Fun, danapoint.org/recreation; Dana Pride, danawharf.com/cruises A complete list of public fireworks displays can be found on the Orange County Fire Authority’s website at ocfa.org. Related headlines Major League Baseball dishes it out during All-Star Game OC METRO, July issue: 'Baseball heaven' OC METRO, July issue: 'Catch "The Beat"' |
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