4th of July

Fourth of July comes early this year in Porterville.  On Saturday, July 2nd is Freedom Fest.  This is a family event sponsored by the City of Porterville and the Tule River Tribe.  It starts at 4:30pm at the Sports Complex with lots of family friendly activities and culminates with a fireworks show at 9:00pm.  The cost is $5 per car and $5 per wristband for the kids zone.  Bring your blankets and chairs.  Click on the link for more specifics.

Sunday, July 3rd is the Tulare Noon Kiwanis Fireworks Show at the Tulare County Fairgrounds.  Gates open at 6pm, entrance fee is $5 per person (6 and under free).  We went to this show last year because my husband worked on 4th of July and we had a great time.  They had tons of cute contests (from a hat contest to watermelon seed spitting) and the fireworks were great.

If you feel like taking a drive, the Camp Nelson Volunteer Firefighters are hosting their annual BBQ Fundraiser on Sunday, July 3rd 3-7pm.  The event is located in the meadow near the fire station.  Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children.  There is live music and door prizes.    

Exeter celebrates 4th of July all day long, beginning with a pancake breakfast and 10K/2mi walk beginning at 7am.  Live entertainment, food vendors, and arts and crafts vendors are available in the park (Chestnut and E Street) from 9am-3pm.  Exeter Lions Club sponsors a fireworks show (donations appreciated) at dusk at Dobson Field.  Bring blankets and chairs, but no ice chests allowed.  I have gone to the park in the afternoon the last two years on 4th of July.  There are great tri-tip sandwiches and lots of unique booths to peruse.  There is a long gap between the end of the park events and the fireworks show, so I wouldn't recommend staying all day--go early and hit the park or go later for the fireworks. 

The Fresno Grizzlies are playing the Sacramento Rivercats (Oakland A's affiliate) at 7:05pm on Monday, July 4th followed by a fireworks show.  You will want to purchase tickets in advance, they are anticipating selling out. 
Have a great 4th of July!