4th of July Events across the Central Coast

CENTRAL COAST, Calif. (KION) - The 4th of July is on Friday with the Central Coast ready to celebrate the holiday. Here are some events going on across the Central Coast

MONTEREY COUNTY

• Celebrate America - Fireworks Extravaganza @ Salinas Sports Complex
  The free family Festival begins at 3 p.m. with a food truck, vendors, carnival games, and more. At 7:30, a Patriotic Service will be held with a medal ceremony honoring local heroes, live music from Charles Billingsley, Emmy winner John Wineglass, and a skydiver coming in with an American flag. The night will come to a close with a large Fireworks finale.
  
• Pacific Grove Independence Day Celebration @ Jewell Park
  Locals in Pacific Grove can head to Jewell Park for an early celebration from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be a reading of the Declaration of Independence from the Pacific Grove Rotary, a barbecue, and a free T-shirt giveaway at 1 p.m.
  
• Red, White, and Blues Festival @ Seaside City Hall
  The annual event will be outside of City Hall with a petting zoo, arts & crafts, a bounce house, food vendors and more from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is free for everyone.
  
• Marina Fourth of July Block Party @ Marina Airport
  The block party will feature a beer garden, food vendors, a kids zone, and an area to light safe and sane fireworks. Live performances include bands Dirty Cello and The Money Band.
  
• Monterey's 4th of July Parade @ Alvarado Street
  Alvarado Street will be the place to be once the annual parade rolls on down to Jefferson Street. After the parade will be the Celebrations & Food Fest from 11 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. with a variety of food to choose from and live performances from local bands.
  
• 4th of July @ Old Fisherman's Wharf
  Old Fisherman's Wharf will be decked out with red, white, and blue for those looking to stroll through and shop for some goodies for the festivities in the county.
  
• Soledad 4th of July Celebration @ 401 Andalucia Dr.
  A family-friendly event awaits in Soledad from 12 to 8 p.m. with games and a live performance from groups Banda La Progresiva, Banda Guerreros and King Bee.

San Benito County

• Hollister Independence Rally @ Downtown Hollister
  The return of the Hollister Independence Rally is rolling on through Downtown Hollister for a two-day event beginning on July 4. Motorcyclists will show off their rides along with live music, food vendors, and sellers selling motorcycle wares. The rally begins at 10 a.m.
  
• 4th of July Kiddie Parade @ Veterans Memorial Building in Hollister
  This parade is for the little ones, beginning at the Veterans Memorial Building, with the parade starting at 10 a.m. Leading the charge is the Honor Guard alongside Betsy Ross, Uncle Sam, and the Cub Scouts.
  
• 4th of July Fireworks Show @ Hollister Airport
  Those set to relax and catch a free fireworks show can head over to the Hollister Airport starting at 5:30 p.m. to prepare for the fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Live performances by Chicano All-Stars and DJ Sergio Flores will delight the crowd with other activities for families from a photo booth, laser tag, a game truck and bounce houses.

Santa Cruz County

• Abbott Square 4th of July Festival @ Abbott Square
  Abbott Square will play host to live music, classic cars, and food vendors from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  
• Spirit of Watsonville 4th of July Parade @ Main Street
  This annual parade will go down Main Street from St. Patrick's Church to ring in the holiday from 12:30 to 3 p.m., with most already picking their spot to sit along the parade route.
  
• World's Shortest Parade @ 448 Granite Way
  Exactly what it says above in Aptos, the "world's shortest parade" will begin at the corner of Soquel Drive and State Park Drive, cruising on down Soquel Drive to Parade Street beginning at 10 a.m.
  
• Firecracker Race @ Harvey West Park
  If running is more your speed, then start Fourth of July at 8 a.m., making fireworks of your own on the course either at the "Thrill of the Hill" 10K at Pogonip Park or the Firecracker Race 5K. No matter your route, a gourmet hot dog bar, live music and awards await at the finish line.