By Arnold Adler
Contributing Writer
After two years of canceled community events because of the COVID-19 pandemic, many area cities are seeking a return to normalcy by scheduling Independence Day weekend celebrations.
Alhambra will celebrate with a gathering from 4 to 9 p.m. July 4 at Almansor Park, 800 S. Almansor St. There will be food vendors, games and live entertainment leading to a fireworks display at 9 p.m.
Admission is free but there will be a security check at the gate.
Information: (626) 570-3242.
Bell Gardens will observe Independence Day on July 2 with events from 5 to 8 p.m. at Veterans Park, 6662 Loveland St. There will be live music, crafts and games for children. A farmers market will offer fresh vegetables, fruits and snacks, a city spokesperson said.
Admission is free.
Information: (562) 806-7700.
Commerce also will celebrate July 2 from 3 to 10 p.m. at Rosewood Park, 5600 Harbor St., with opening ceremonies at 3:30 p.m. There will be live entertainment, a disc jockey, food vendors and activities including a slide, bouncers and rock walls for the children, leading to fireworks at 9 p.m.
Admission is free but wrist bans for use of the bouncer and slide will be $5. A shuttle bus will be available during the event.
Reservations for shelter and picnic area are required. Information: (323) 887-4434 or visit parks and recreation on the city’s website, www.ci.commerce.ca.us.
Lynwood will offer activities from 2 to 10 p.m. July 3 at Lynwood City Park, 11301 Bullis Road. There will be live entertainment, carnival games food vendors and crafts, ending with a laser light show at 9 p.m.
Admission is free.
Information: (310) 603-0220.
Montebello’s “Independence Spectacular” will take place from 2 to 9:30 p.m. July 2 at Grant Rea Park, 600 Grant Rea Drive. There will be live music and vendor trucks will be available to sell food. Fireworks are at 9 p.m. Bus shuttles will be available from area parking sites to the park.
Admission is free.
Information: (323) 887-1200, ext. 542.
Monterey Park will feature a military recognition at an event from 6 to 9 p.m. July 2 at Barnes Park, 350 S. McPherrin Ave. The band, Electric Vinyl will be in concert from 6 to 7 p.m. Food trucks will be available and fireworks will begin at 9 p.m.
Admission is free.
Information: (626) 307-1396.
Norwalk will celebrate Independence Day with a program from 1 to 9 p.m. July 2 at City Hall, 12700 Norwalk Blvd. There will be food vendors, games, live entertainment with fireworks at 9 p.m.
Admission is free. Information: (562) 929-5566.
Pico Rivera marks Independence Day July 2 with a fireworks spectacular from 5 to 9:30 p.m. at El Rancho High School, 6501 Passons Blvd. There will be carnival games and food sold by local organizations leading up to the fireworks at 9 p.m.
Admission is free.
Information: (562) 801-4430 or at www.picorivera.org.
Santa Fe Springs has selected July 3 for its observance, from 4:30 to 9 p.m. at Los Nietos Park, 11143 Charlesworth Road. There will be food and game booths, live music, crafts and games, plus a horseshoe tournament. The fireworks display is at 9 p.m.
Admission is free.
Information: (562) 863-4896.
South Gate will mark Independence Day weekend with a carnival July 1-4 at South Gate Park, 4855 Tweedy Blvd., from 1 to 4 p.m. The program July 4 ends at 9 p.m. with fireworks.
Admission is free.
Information: (323) 563-5479.
Whittier conducts its celebration right on July 4 from 5 to 9 at York Field, 9110 Santa Fe Springs Road. There will be family activities, jumpers and food for sale.
Admission is $5 for adults, those 18 or under are free.
Information: (562) 567-9400.
