Ryan ChartrandWith the Fourth of July fast approaching, many Cal Poly students are looking forward to celebrating the birth of the nation with food, festivities and fireworks.
Many local communities are planning celebrations for Tuesday, some of which include concerts, parades, barbecues, contests, and of course, fireworks displays.
TO THE NORTH:
Cayucos: The annual Sand Sculpture Contest will start at 5 a.m. on the beach. A parade through the downtown area is slated to begin at 10 a.m., followed with bingo at 11 a.m. and a barbecue at the Vet’s Hall. The fireworks show begins at 9 p.m. For more information, call 995-1200.
Templeton: The Fire Department’s Pancake Breakfast is scheduled for 7 a.m., and the annual Independence Day Parade is set to begin at 10:30 a.m. After night falls, people will be setting off fireworks in and around Templeton Park, one of the few places in San Luis Obispo county where fireworks are permitted.
Cambria: The Picnic in the Park event will start at 10 a.m. in Shamel Park and includes entertainment, games and prizes, food, smoothies and a bounce house. There will be a fireworks display over the ocean at dusk.
Morro Bay: Family-oriented activities begin at noon in Tidelands Park. When the fireworks show starts at dusk, the south end of Embarcadero Street will be cordoned off for spectators. Early arrival is recommended, as this area tends to fill up quickly. For more information, contact the Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce at 772-4467.
Atascadero: Independence Day will be celebrated at the Lake Park with a barbecue from 5-7 p.m. and live music by the Atascadero Community Band until 8 p.m. Paddleboats, bikes and kayaks are also available to rent. For more details, call 466-2044.
Paso Robles: Nearby wineries have a good view of the fireworks display at the Barney Schwartz Sports Complex. The Meridian Winery will hold its ninth annual Fourth of July Celebration at 6 p.m., where the admission charge is $16. The Robert Hall Winery’s third annual Independence Day Celebration starts at 5 p.m. and features a barbecue, snow cones, face painting and live music by The Mighty Croon Dogs.
TO THE SOUTH:
Pismo Beach: The annual Concert on the Pier will have live music starting at 2 p.m. Sean Wiggins and the Big Daddy Blues Band are scheduled to perform. This year, the evening fireworks show will be set to music, which KZOZ 93.3 will broadcast live starting at 9 p.m. Contact the Pismo Beach Chamber of Commerce at 773-4382 for more information.
Arroyo Grande: The Fourth of July in the Village celebration will begin at 11:30 a.m. with a live concert by Trio Con Brio in the gazebo, located downtown on Short Street. The South County Historical Society will be serving hot dogs, lemonade and ice cream. Like Templeton, Arroyo Grande permits the sale of fireworks to the public. For more information call the Historical Society at 473-2250.