Seal Beach’s College Park East will celebrate The Fourth of July on Monday in its own quaint manner.
What was started a handful of years ago by the College Park East Neighborhood Association, has grown into a tradition, albeit in a gentle fashion, to become an event that kicks off with a kids bike parade at noon, led by local Boy Scouts.
“They parade on the sidewalk and walk the perimeter of Heather Park,” said resident and former Seal Beach Mayor Patty Campbell. “Prizes are given for Most Colorful, Most Patriotic, Most Creative in each age category. Winners receive a gift card for Target. I would like to add, that it’s not just bicycles anymore. We also have strollers and wagons too. All of the kids get participation ribbons.”
The Fourth of July picnic is the largest annual event in College Park East. It will include a barbecue and the 13th Annual Chili Cookoff, the pie-eating contest and games afterward. One could almost imagine there might be a celebrated jumping frog contest. In other words, it’s an all-American, family-style party. And the public is invited – and its participation is welcome.
“Many folks out there may have their own special chili recipes,” Campbell said. “Why not make a pot and bring it to Heather Park at 11 am on the Fourth of July. They don’t have to share their recipe if they don’t want too, but the winner, besides getting a cash prize, gets bragging rights for the coming year.”
For more information on Fourth of July in College Park East, send e-mail to Campbellpe.aol.com.
Joint Forces Training Base Fireworks Spectacular:
The 24th Annual Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular is taking place on Monday, July 4 at the Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos.
There are two entrance gates that will open at 4 p.m.—one on Lexington Dr. off of Katella Avenue and the other is on Orangewood Avenue off of Los Alamitos Blvd. The cities of Los Alamitos and Cypress will collect a $5 parking fee per vehicle.
The patriotic Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular will include free activities with live music on the main stage.
Everyone over the age of 16 entering the Joint Forces Training Base must present photo identification at the main gate and parents must accompany children. Lawn chairs and blankets are highly encouraged, as there is no bleacher seating. Motor homes, alcohol, dogs, BBQs, and fireworks are NOT permitted at this event.
For more information, contact the Los Alamitos Recreation and Community Services Department at (562) 430-1073.
Naval Weapons Station Fourth of July Festival
Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach will hold its annual 4th of July Freedom Festival Celebration from 4 to 10 p.m. at the Cypress Navy Golf Course 18th hole on Monday, July 4.
The event is open to the public. Admission $5 per person or $20 per carload.
There will be games, arts and crafts and a giant inflatable bounce house, craps and Texas hold’em tables, balloon clowns and face painters, and stages offering children’s entertainment and live music from the local band “Undercover Girls.” Food and non-alcoholic beverages are allowed. No BBQ, tents and glass bottles. Light refreshments and beer/wine will be sold on site.
The Navy Golf Course is located at 5660 Orangewood Avenue, between Katella and Chapman Avenues, in the city of Cypress.
For more information contact the Naval Weapons Station Marketing Director Angelita Noche, at (562) 626-7030.
