By Robert Haugh

Santa Clara residents heading to the City’s Fourth of July celebration should plan ahead for parking, security checks and crowds.

The free event will be held Saturday, July 4, at Mission College, 3000 Mission College Blvd. Gates open at 4 p.m. The celebration runs from 5 to 10 p.m.

The City is billing this year’s event as a celebration of America’s 250th birthday. The evening will include live entertainment, family activities, food trucks and a fireworks show presented by California’s Great America.

Free parking will be available in Mission College lots A through D on a first-come, first-served basis. Paid parking will also be available at the Santa Clara Marriott, 2700 Mission College Blvd., for $25 with an eight-hour limit.

Residents should also be ready for security screening. The City says all guests will go through a security and bag/cooler check before entering.

There will be three entrance gates: the Mission College main entrance, between Lots A and B, and between Lots C and D.

The entertainment lineup starts at 5:35 p.m. with the Santa Clara Elite Dance Team. Santa Clara Vanguard performs at 6:30 p.m. Pride and Joy takes the stage at 7:30 p.m.

The City says there will also be carnival-style games, henna tattoos, a scavenger hunt and music from DJ Mark Macala.

Food trucks will include Saigon Street Food, Cousins Maine Lobster, 3 Hermanos Mexican Grill, Luv’s Brownies, The Waffle Roost, BBQ Kalbi, Chick N’ Bros, La Burbuja Food Truck, Kona Ice, Akita Sushi and others.

Residents are encouraged to bring reusable water bottles. Tap Water Express will provide water refills.

The fireworks show is scheduled to begin at 9:40 p.m. The City says the best viewing areas will be the back of the Central Plaza or Parking Lot A.

Santa Clara Police and Fire officials are also reminding residents that personal fireworks are illegal in Santa Clara. That includes “Safe and Sane” fireworks.

The City’s message is simple: enjoy the show, but leave the fireworks to the professionals.