Enjoy the Fourth of July Celebrations! Here's a schedule of events in Santa Barbara area communities

Thanks to all who have offered suggestions for this year's them. After much deliberation, the theme for our 51st Annual 4th of July Parade will be...

2013 Theme: America the Beautiful

The announcement of the theme gives participants in the parade some structure to help them prepare their presentation. “The United States of America is more than just a land within a defined border - it is an ideal for which the American People strive. Humankind is uplifted when we each have before us a principle that, if each embrace it, will bring the nation as close as can be to grace. We set aside selfish gain and each uphold the inalienable Rights of the other that ours may truly become the Land of the Free. The theme for Santa Barbara’s 51st Annual July 4th of July Parade is America the Beautiful. In a poem, later a song, of this title, we find words inspired by a vision of the America that can be. The events of the day will celebrate the beauty of this nation, its land and its people united in common purpose as Americans.”

The parade will take place on Thursday July 4, 2013.

The grand march begins at 1:00 p.m. at Micheltorena Street and proceeds down State Street to Old Town Santa Barbara, concluding at Cota Street.

See the Parade Here!

View Larger Map

Here are the rest of the area events:

Santa Barbara Fireworks 

This event occurs in downtown Santa Barbara, along the waterfront. Co-sponsored by SPARKLE and the city of Santa Barbara, the festivities begin at noon at West Beach on Cabrillo Blvd and include food & beverage vendors and musical entertainment. Fireworks begin at 9pm. View the information page for details about this year's events.

The 16th annual Goleta Fireworks Festival will be launched July 4 from Girsh Park.

Please join us at the park for an afternoon of fun-filled entertainment for all ages, capped by a spectacular fireworks display. As in previous years, this will be a family friendly, alcohol-free event.

Date: Thursday, July 4th, 2013
Time: 4:00 PM to 9:30 PM
Location: Girsh Park - Located on the south side of the Camino Real Market Place
Tickets: $6.00 Adults , Children (12 and under) - FREE (with accompanied adult) this year - Sponsored by Deckers

The kids can enjoy inflatable jumpers, face painters, and other activities.

All kids games are FREE!

 goletafireworks.org

Goleta Elks Lodge Family Fun Fair

The Elks Lodge’s free Fourth of July Family Fun Fair will begin at 11 a.m. There will be barbecued chicken and tri-tip as well as family friendly games, pony rides and entertainment. The event, at the Elks Lodge, 150 N. Kellogg Ave., and will end at 5 p.m.

Solvang 4th of July Parade 

This event occurs in the city of Solvang, CA, 30 minutes north of Santa Barbara. The annual parade begins at 11am on Mission Drive in the city of Solvang and travels down Mission Drive, turns on Fourth Street and back to Copenhagen Drive. Festivities continue at Mission Santa Ines and feature food, fun music and culminating with a fireworks display 

when the sun sets. The event is free to the public. For more information, see solvangusa.com

4th of July Arts and Crafts Show

2227 Garden Street, S

You are invited to this very popular show which, for many years, was held on the grounds of the Santa Barbara Mission. You'll like our new location. Featuring local artists, we have fabulous oil and water colors, photography, glass, sculptures, unique jewelry, clothing gift items, and more. Free admission.

The Village Fourth Parade 

Montecito

This event occurs in Montecito, CA, minutes south of Santa Barbara. Starting at Upper Manning Park, the annual Village Fourth Parade is a celebration of community and patriotism. The festivities continue, following the parade, at Lower Manning Park. There is plenty of food & music. To participate in the parade, call by July 1st. Parade starts at 11:30am and the Lower Manning Park festivities begin immediately after. At 7:30am, on the morning of the fourth, there is a pancake breakfast at the San Ysidro Firehouse. Tickets available at the door. For more information, call 805-969-2026

Stow House Old-Fashioned 4th of July -

 

This event occurs in the city of Goleta, CA, minutes north of Santa Barbara. Sponsored by the Goleta Historical Society and Stow House, this annual celebration from 11am to 4pm includes strong pro-family and turn-of-the-century traditions. Enjoy hayrides, live music and dancing and a non-stop schedule of on-stage musicians. For more information, call 805-681-7216

Elks Lodge Family Fun Fair

This event occurs in the city of Goleta, CA, minutes north of Santa Barbara. 4th of July Family Fun Fair. Celebrating the American family with an all-day family fun fair. July 4th, 11-am-5pm. Free admission. Full BBQ tri-ip and chicken dinner Noon-4:30pm, hamburgers & hot dogs. Music & entertainment for the whole family. Bingo, pull-tabs, raffle, pony rides, children's crafts area. Local arts & crafts on sale. Santa Barbara Elks Lodge, 150 N. Kellog Ave, Goleta. (805) 964-6858