Options to Watch Fireworks on Fourth of July

Smaller city budgets have reduced the number of public Fourth of July fireworks displays on the Peninsula this year, but Coastside and bayside residents will still have a few options to get out and celebrate Independence Day.

Foster City's Fourth of July celebration includes a fireworks display over the lagoon next to Leo J. Ryan Memorial Park. The fireworks show is scheduled to start at 9:30 p.m.

The daytime celebration starts in the park at 8 a.m. and includes a pancake breakfast, a Stars and Stripes Dog Show and a Livin' in the USA live music show.

Coastside residents can head to Half Moon Bay this year to watch a fireworks display at the beach. The show, sponsored by the American Legion Coastside Post 474, is scheduled to start above Pillar Point Harbor at 9 p.m.

The best place to watch the show is from El Granada Beach or Surfer's Beach, both of which lie just south of the harbor off state Highway 1.

East Palo Alto is putting on a fireworks show on Saturday at the Cesar Chavez Academy.

The gates will open at 7:30 p.m. and the fireworks are scheduled to go off above the athletic field along Bay Road at 9:30 p.m.

Fireworks can be legally bought and set off in Pacifica and San Bruno.

Through July 5, approved "safe and sane" fireworks can be set off in Pacifica at Linda Mar and Rockaway beaches between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. 

Fireworks are not allowed at any other Pacifica parks or beaches.

Fireworks can be ignited on private property in Pacifica but not within 10 feet of a residence.

San Bruno also allows limited sale and use of legal fireworks. They can be set off on private property between noon and 10 p.m. through July 3, and between noon and midnight on July Fourth.

Redwood City, which has in years past put on a Fourth of July fireworks show, will mark this year's holiday with a downtown parade and festival with the theme "Redwood City Fire Department: 150 Years of Service."

Several streets around the old courthouse will be blocked off to accommodate a 10 a.m. parade, a battle of the bands, car show and fire engine display.

--Bay City News