After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Redwood City's Fourth of July festivities return this year.
The city is preparing for a day full of free events for all ages.
Festivities range from the return of the annual parade and the Peninsula Celebration Association-organized pancake breakfast, Chalk Full of Fun, a concert and one of California's most popular fireworks shows.
Thus, the Redwood City Fire Department Pancake Breakfast at the main fire station on Marshall Street will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. to benefit the Redwood City Firefighters Association.
Breakfast costs $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and children. Payment is cash only.
The annual Fourth of July parade, beginning at 10 a.m., will take place in the heart of Redwood City and wind through downtown, starting on Winslow Street at the corner of Brewster, and continuing to Marshall Street, Main Street, Middlefield Road, Winslow, up Broadway, and on to Arguello where it ends at the corner of Alden Street.
The Independence Day Festival from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. will feature crafts, food, drinks, bands and children's activities covering several city blocks.
Chalk Full of Fun takes place this year over two days, beginning on Sunday, July 3 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Monday, July 4 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in downtown Redwood City.
The July 4 fireworks show will take place at the Port of Redwood City. Food trucks will be available, as well as a live concert by The Fog City Swampers at the port access area beginning at 7 p.m.
The 20-minute fireworks show will begin at approximately 9:30 p.m.
Fireworks can be viewed from areas where there is a clear view of the sky over the Port, and from high points throughout the Peninsula.
The Port has set up a public viewing area along the waterfront, adjacent to Seaport Court. Portable toilets and handwashing facilities will be available.
It should be noted that barbecues and alcohol are not permitted, while personal fireworks are always illegal in Redwood City.
For those who decide to go to the Port, it is highly recommended to arrive early as the area is a private property with very limited public parking.
Once public parking capacity at the Port is full, the Redwood City Police Department may, at its discretion, close Seaport Boulevard at Blomquist Street.
For parking downtown, please note that Jefferson Avenue Garage, Box Garage, and the San Mateo County Garage will not be accessible during the parade.
All three parking lots will reopen after the parade has concluded.
The public is therefore encouraged to take public transportation to the event, as the Caltrain station is located in downtown Redwood City.
Among the restrictions, the placement of chairs, barricades, coolers, ribbons or other objects on the sidewalk or in the street for the parade has been prohibited before 12:00 a.m. on July 4.
“Any chairs, barricades, coolers, tape or other objects placed on the sidewalk or street prior to July 4, 2022 will be removed and stored at the Redwood City Corporation Yard at 1400 Broadway. Confiscated items may be picked up at the City Corporation Yard between 7:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. during regular business hours,” the mayor’s office said in a statement.
It is important to know that fines for illegal use of fireworks and their application will be in force. To learn more about the celebration, those interested can give click here.
You may be interested in: Full of color, the LGBTQ+ pride flag will fly celebratory this weekend
