July 4th Fever heats up in North County

One of many highlights in Ferguson's annual Fourth of July Parade: the always groovin' Spirits of New Northside Drum & Bugle Corps

Independence Day falls on a Sunday this year, so if you’re looking for a fun, leisurely way to spend the holiday, the good news is you can stay close to home! Multiple North County cities are hosting July 4th events, offering a delightful mix of festivals, parades and fireworks. Here’s the local lineup:

FERGUSON
The biggest and the best, in my opinion, Ferguson’s July 4th Parade is always filled with colorful floats, live music and lots of surprises. (I’ll never forget the year with the punk band!) For 2010, the theme is “Ferguson Celebrates the American Flag,” and the parade starts at NOON, running from Paul and S. Florissant (by Hill Brewing) to January-Wabash Park.

Ferguson also hosts a day-long festival after the parade, with tons of activities for kids. Here’s the schedule:

LIVE MUSIC @ January-Wabash bandshell

2:00 – 4 p.m.                 Neon Blues Band (R&B)

4:30 – 6:30 p.m.          Stoney End (rock classics)

7:00 – 9:00 p.m.         Phins (Jimmy Buffett tribute)

CHILDREN’S AREA @ January-Wabash Park

NOON – 7:00 p.m.     Free Kids Rides, 62 Sports

1:00 – 3:30 p.m.          Art with Dana

1:00 – 4:30 p.m.          BeBe the Clown – Facepainting

2:00 – 7:00 p.m.         Petting Zoo & Pony rides – Greatting Horse Farm

2:00 – 2:45 p.m.          Mike Niehaus – Ventriloquist/Magician

3:00 – 4:00 p.m.          Heaven’s Handful Puppets

3:00 – 6:00 p.m.          A-1 Caricatures – Bill Michel

4:00 – 5:00 p.m.          Magic with Steve Corbitt

4:00 – 7:00 p.m.          Popsicle the Clown – Balloon Animals

5:00 – 6:00 p.m.          Sheltered Reality – Music with Meaning

6:00 – 7:00 p.m.          More Magic with Steve Corbitt

FIREWORKS @ January-Wabash Park – 9:15pm

No dogs, pets, bicycles or skateboards are allowed on park grounds. Lawn chairs and blankets welcome. 501 N. Florissant, 63135

BRIDGETON
Now celebrating its 31st anniversary, Bridgeton’s Fourth of July Parade is sure to be interesting this year. The theme is “Our Favorite Movie.” Lots of fun possibilities there. Starting at 1pm, the parade runs along Natural Bridge Road between Bridgeton City Hall and Target, and it’s followed (at 6pm) by evening festivities at Bridgeton Municipal Athletic Complex (BMAC).

Leading up to the city’s “musically choreographed fireworks extravaganza,” you can enjoy clowns, food vendors and live music by Trilogy. BMAC is located at 13217 Ferguson Lane, 63044.

FLORISSANT
Word has it Florissant’s fireworks display is pretty awesome. Perhaps that’s why the city is keeping it simple this 4th of July, with a concert by Bob Kuban’s Brass Band at 7:30pm and the big show – those brilliant pyrotechnics – at 9:30. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. Eagan Center, #1 James J. Eagan Drive, 63033

HAZELWOOD
The skies will also be lit up over Hazelwood this 4th of July. The city is hosting a fireworks display from White Birch Park at dark, but you’ll either have to walk in or catch a shuttle. Parking is only available at Hazelwood West High School, Armstrong Elementary, Howdershell Park and the Knights of Columbus on Teson Road. But did I mention the fireworks are set to music?! Bring a blanket or lawn chair. 1186 Teson Rd, 63042

Have fun! And HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!

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