Scotts Valley’s Fourth of July celebration begins at 3 p.m. with a parade along Scotts Valley Drive. At the same hour, the gates at will open so revelers can stake out a spot for the day and evening festivities, including food, games, live music and the only Fourth of July fireworks show in Santa Cruz County.
Come mid-afternoon, mouth-watering smells will start wafting your way, and at 5 p.m. you can enjoy a spread worthy of the patriotic holiday. will be firing up the barbecue and grilling tri-tip, chicken and hamburgers. For dessert you’ll have your choice of watermelon or all-American apple pie with ice cream—or both!
Kids will have a blast playing the carnival-type games hosted by the Scotts Valley Kiwanis Club and the Boy Scouts. There will also be a jump house, climbing and bungee-jumping walls, lacrosse, a petting zoo and pony rides.
Mike Hadley & the Groove will hit the stage at 6:30 p.m. playing oldies and rock & roll dance tunes from such diverse artists as the Beatles, Santana, Johnny Cash, Elvis and Sinatra. The music will continue until 9:15 p.m., when the fireworks are scheduled to start.
According to Conrad Sudduth of the City of Scotts Valley Recreation Division, this year’s show should “be the best we ever had. We have a new fireworks vendor—PyroSpectaculars—and we’re very excited.”
PyroSpectaculars, a 90-year-old family-owned business, has provided fireworks for Ronald Reagan’s inauguration, the Olympics, Disneyland and other events and venues around the world. This year’s fireworks show should indeed be memorable!
A little farther up the road in Felton, Roaring Camp and Railroad will be hosting a 50’s style Fourth of July celebration the entire family can enjoy. The festivities will include old-fashioned games such as three-legged races and Hula Hoop contests.
After working up an appetite, head over to the all-American barbecue featuring hot dogs, hamburgers, steak, western-style beans, green salad, corn on the cob and marshmallows for roasting.
Live music will be provided by Steve Bennett and One-eyed Jack. Bennett is a singer, songwriter and guitarist, who, along with his band of Bay Area musicians, plays “the perfect marriage of country and classic R & B,” according to the band’s website.
The events will be happening all weekend long: Saturday, Sunday and Monday. The trains into the redwoods or down to the will also be operating.
Both celebrations sound like a lot of fun, and the timing of each couldn’t be more perfect: lunch, games and music in Felton, then dinner, more fun activities, more great music and fireworks in Scotts Valley.
Happy Fourth of July, everyone. Have a fantastic day!
If you go (Roaring Camp):
What: Fourth of July celebration
When: Sat., Sun., Mon. July 2, 3 and 4. Gates open at 9 a.m. and lunch is served until 3 p.m.
Where: Roaring Camp and Railroad
Cost for meal: $4.75 to $20
Advanced tickets for train rides can be purchased on Roaring Camp’s website.
If you go (Scotts Valley):
What: City of Scotts Valley Fourth of July celebration
When: Monday, July 4, from 3-10 p.m.
Where: Scotts Valley Drive and Skypark
Cost: For entrance to Skypark, $6 in advance or $8 at the gate. Food prices hadn’t been determined by the time of this printing.
For more information, call Scotts Valley Parks and Recreation at 831-438-3251 or view details here and a parade application here.
