July 3, 2019rhaugh2154

Fourth of July Celebrations in the Mission City

By Robert Haugh

Tomorrow, the City will celebrate Independence Day at the All-City Picnic & Fireworks Extravaganza. It’s at Central Park, (located at 909 Kiely Blvd.) from noon-10 p.m.

You can bring your own food or buy meals prepared by local community groups and food trucks.

There will be live entertainment. The Megatones and the Cheeseballs will provide music for listening and dancing.

For kids, there will be carnival games, hands-on crafts like face painting, and free swimming at the International Swim Center.

And, of course, there will be fireworks! The show starts at 9:30 p.m. and will feature patriotic music.

Street Closures

According to the City’s press release, the following streets will be closed to cars at varying times throughout the event:

  • Kiely Boulevard, between the Pavilion Parking Lot and 1000 Kiely Blvd., 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

  • Patricia Drive, between the Tennis Center and the Lawn Bowling Green, 7:30 a.m.-11 p.m.

  • White Drive, between Benton Street and Las Palmas, 7-11 p.m.

  • Las Palmas Drive, between Benton Street and Homestead Road, 7-11 p.m.

Additionally, westbound traffic on Homestead Road will be diverted onto north and southbound San Tomas Expressway, beginning at 7 p.m.

How to Get There

The City encourages walking, carpooling and biking. A free Bike Watch will be available.

If you’re driving to the event, here’s some info you should know:

  • Passenger drop-off is designated in front of the Central Park Library.

  • On-street parking is limited.

  • ADA Parking is available in the Pavilion Parking Lot.

  • St. Justin’s School and Santa Clara High School offer managed parking lots.

City Warning About Illegal Fireworks

Remember, the possession and discharge of any fireworks, including “Safe and Sane” fireworks, are illegal in Santa Clara and in most parts of Santa Clara County.

Residents are asked to report noise complaints and/or illegal fireworks to public safety dispatchers in the following circumstances:

  • Injury – call 9-1-1

  • Fire – call 9-1-1

  • Property damage – call the non-emergency number, 408-615-5580

  • Sale of fireworks – call the non-emergency number, 408-615-5580

  • If you have knowledge of an exact location where fireworks are being set off, call the non-emergency number, 408-615-5580

Administrative citations can be issued to violators as staffing allows. The fine for the first infraction is $300 and/or by imprisonment of up to six months. The penalty is more severe if the discharge of fireworks results in a personal injury or property damage.

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