Fourth of July 2010: Celebrate in Santa Barbara

To commemorate this year’s Independence Day holiday, numerous businesses and organizations throughout Santa Barbara County are planning weekend festivities filled with fireworks, food, and fun so locals of all ages can get their patriotic party on. The following is The Independent’s roundup of some of the best ways to celebrate the quintessential American holiday this 4th of July weekend.

1) Rotary Club’s Independence Day Fireworks Extravaganza: Food, live music, and an after-dark light show in the sky. (Sunday, July 4. Festivities begin at 2 p.m.; fireworks start at 9 p.m. Old Mission Santa Ines, 1760 Mission Dr., Solvang. $4-$5. Call 688-2827.)

2) Independence Day Fireworks on the Rooftop: Celebrate the Fourth with an old-fashioned barbecue on the rooftop of a downtown hotel with the best view of S.B. and the harbor in the city. (Sunday, July 4, 5:30 p.m. Canary Hotel, 31 W. Carrillo St. $35-$40. Call [877] 548-3237.)

3) An Independence Day Valley Jamboree with the Santa Ynez Music Chorale: A concert of Americana and Patriotic music presented by a noted area vocal performance group. (Sunday, July 4, 10 a.m. Veteran’s Hall, 1745 Mission Dr., Solvang. Call 350-4241.)

4) 36th Annual Old-Fashioned 4th of July Celebration: America’s birthday will be commemorated in a family-friendly old-time atmosphere, with activities like hayrides, barbecue, pony rides, an engine and classic car show, live music, and more. (Sunday, July 4, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Rancho La Patera, 304 N. Los Carneros Rd., Goleta. Free-$6. Call 681-7216.)

5) Downtown “Spirit of ‘76” Independence Day Parade: Themed “Enduring Optimism” for its 2010 celebration, this annual spectacle of patriotism will proceed oceanward, down 10 blocks of Santa Barbara’s main drag, delivering a fun, eye-pleasing display of love for country in a unique — and always family-friendly — way. (Sunday, July 4, 1 p.m. State St., from Mitcheltorena to Cota streets. Free. Call 961-2556.)

6) Santa Barbara’s 2010 Freedom, Celebration, and Fireworks Show: Following the City of S.B.’s annual downtown July 4 parade, West Beach will play host to live entertainment, food, vendors, and — as a grand finale — S.B.’s official yearly fireworks show, a fantastic nighttime display that can be seen (and heard) by onlookers near and far from the launch site. (Sunday, July 4. Festivities begin at 7 p.m., fireworks show, 9 p.m. West Beach, Cabrillo Blvd. at Stearns Wharf. Call 568-0020.)

7) Condor Express Fireworks Cruise: An evening of food and nighttime sky lights along the Santa Barbara Harbor in the Condor — a whale-watching vessel favored by many — which will become an spectator’s ocean venue during the West Beach fireworks show. (Sunday, July 4, 7 p.m. Sea Landing, 301 W. Cabrillo Blvd. $30/children; $60/adults. Call 882-0088.)

8) 14th Annual Goleta Fireworks Festival: An afternoon of family-friendly festivities at one of Goleta’s most popular parks. Raffles, inflatable jumpers, face painting, and local band Area 51 are lined up for entertainment. (Sunday, July 4, 4 p.m. Girsh Park, 7050 Phelps Rd. $4-$5. Call 968-2773.)

9) Solvang Independence Day Parade and Barbecue: A day of patriotic festivities, beginning with a 4th of July parade — which proceeds throughout the downtown area —and grill-out session following the events. (Sunday, July 4. Parade, 11 a.m.; barbecue, 2 p.m. Solvang Park, Mission Drive and 1st St. $4-$5. Call 686-9376.)

10) Carpinteria Independence Day Parade: A citywide 4th of July celebration throughout the downtown sections of Linden Avenue. (Saturday, July 3, 5 p.m. Parade begins at intersection of 6th St. Call 684-5404 x416.)

11) Elks Lodge Family Fun Fair: Commemorate our country’s day of patriotism with an family-friendly daylong event featuring barbecue, bingo, and music. (Sunday, July 4, 11 a.m. S.B. Elks Lodge, 150 N. Kellogg Ave., Goleta. Free. Call 964-6858.)

12) 4th of July Weekend Music and Art Festival: A four-day musical round-up featuring a wide variety of musical performers at a downtown S.B. club staple. Highlights include DJ Chadillac (Fri., July 2, 5pm), DJ of Ability (Sat. July 3, 12pm), Spencer the Gardener (Sun., July 4, 1pm), and Alixandra McMillon-Fidel (Mon., July 5. 5pm). (Festival runs Friday, July 2-Monday, July 5, various times. SOhO, 1221 State St. $10-$40. Call 962-7776 or visit sohosb.com for a full schedule.)

13) It’s All About Country!: In honor of all veterans, S.B.’s Unity Singers will be performing Southern-style and patriotic music. Food and refreshments will be included in the day’s event. (Friday, July 2, 7 p.m. Unity Church, 227 E. Arrellaga St. Call 966-2239.)