Spirit

of freedom soars as El Dorado County celebrates Independence Day

Mountain Democrat staff

Fabulous fireworks take to the night sky and parade participants and spectators line streets below for annual El Dorado County 4th of July celebrations.

Fireworks and Freedom Concert

July 3: The award-winning Fireworks & Freedom Concert returns for its 12th year at El Dorado Hills Town Center, 6-11 p.m. Guests of all ages can precelebrate Independence Day with musical entertainment from Apple Z in the Steven Young Amphitheater, 8-11 p.m., and Funk Shui in the Theater Plaza, 6-9:30 p.m.

Entertain the kids in the fun filled Kids Zone complete with bounce houses, face painting, balloon artists, a DJ leading fun games and giving away prizes. Fun festival treats available for purchase. Presales for Kids Zone wristbands are available now at the California Welcome Center in Town Center. Proceeds will benefit Hands4Hope, a locally youth-run nonprofit. There’s plenty to eat and drink with Town Center’s 25 great eateries. Food vendors will set up on the boulevard and beer and wine will be available as well, hosted by and benefiting 3 Strands Global Foundation, a local nonprofit combating human tra cking. No outside alcohol will be allowed at the event. El Dorado Hills Rotary and Boy Scouts of America will be on site selling water and American flags. The evening will conclude with a brand-new, fourlocation firework display designed by Pyro Spectacular choreographed to music. The four locations will be on the north and south side of ponds, on top of the Element 79 car garage and on the Regal Cinemas rooftop. Celebrate with your family and be served and entertained by some great local nonprofits. In addition to Hands4Hope and 3Strands Global, El Dorado Hills Rotary and Boy Scouts of America will be on site. Extra parking will be available at Hills Christian Church.

Public set up time is 5 p.m. See website, edhtowncenter. com, for special set up instructions for Steven Young Amphitheater and Sandra’s Rose Garden. Do not bring personal alcohol, tables or personal barbecues. No blocking or roping o areas allowed. Road closures and a special event exit plan will be utilized.

Community parades

July 4: The Garden Valley Fourth of July Parade begins at 10 a.m. at the Garden Valley Fire Station and ends at Garden Valley Road. There will be a large ra e with three $100 cash prizes and one $250 grand cash prize. There will be live music, food booths, a kids zone and lots of fun.

July 4: The Pollock PinesCamino Rotary Club celebrates with an Independence Day Parade, noon to 1 p.m. July 4 on Pony Express Trail from Sly Park Road to Sanders Drive. The parade ends at the community center. Residents are invited to line the parade route and cheer for the groups and decorated vehicles as they pass by.

July 4: The Pleasant Valley Community Grange and Scout Troop No. 460 sponsor the Pleasant Valley 4th of July celebration beginning with a pancake breakfast, 8-10 a.m. at the grange, 4765 Pleasant Valley Grange Road. Enjoy eggs, bacon, sausage and

Courtesy photos

The 2023-24 El Dorado County Community Concert Association season opens Oct. 24 with Rastrelli Cello Quartet. Season tickets are now on sale.