Ways We Celebrate the Fourth of July
As the Fourth draws near, families and friends anticipate the sky-filled fireworks that highlight the patriotic celebration. That, and the picnics, of course--backyard grills smokin' with ribs and corn-on-the cob, gobs of potato salad, fruity pies, hand-cranked (or maybe machine-cranked) ice cream, icy lemonade, and cold beer. In this nasty time that's bursting with out-of-control wildfires, please limit the fireworks to those held by the pros at parks, beaches, and other public places. Here are some off-the-beaten path choices.
The Castaic Lake Recreation Area presents food, music, swimming, games, pony rides, other fun, as well as a dazzling fireworks show. Charge is per person for walk-ins or by the carload.
In its 82nd year, the Rose Bowl's annual 4th of July celebration is a flashy spectacle with a thrilling fireworks show, a handful of the country's finest Drum and Bugle Corps, a family-fun zone, and barbecue and other fare.
Held on the CBS Studios lot, Studio City's 10th Annual Fireworks Festival offers filmland ambiance combined with classy fireworks, magic shows, musical entertainment, children's fun zone, and even free spray-on tattoos.