After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Redwood City's Fourth of July festivities return this year.
The city prepares for a full day of free events for all ages.
Festivities range from the return of the annual parade and the one organized by the Peninsula Celebration Association, a pancake breakfast, Chalk Full of Fun, a concert and one of California's most popular fireworks shows.
So, the pancake breakfast with the Redwood City Fire Department at the main fire station on Marshall Street will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., benefiting the Redwood City Firefighters Association.
Breakfast costs $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and children. Payment will only be received in cash.
The annual Fourth of July parade, beginning at 10:00 a.m., which will be in the heart of Redwood City, will 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 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 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 Sunday, July 3 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., and Monday, July 4 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in downtown Redwood City.
The 4th of July fireworks show will take place at the Redwood City Harbor. Food trucks will be available, as well as a live concert by The Fog City Swampers in the harbor access area starting at 7:00 pm.
The 20-minute fireworks show will begin at approximately 9:30 pm.
The fireworks can be seen from areas where there is a clear view of the sky over the Harbor, 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 hand washing facilities will be available.
It should be noted that barbecues and alcohol will not be allowed, while personal fireworks are always illegal in Redwood City.
For those who decide to go to the Port, it is strongly recommended to arrive early, as the area is private property with very limited public parking.
Once the public parking capacity at the Port is full, the Redwood City Police Department may, at its discretion, close Seaport Boulevard at Blomquist Street.
For downtown parking, please note that the Jefferson Avenue Garage, Box Garage and San Mateo County Garage will not be accessible during the parade.
The three parking lots will reopen after the parade has concluded.
The public is encouraged to take public transportation to the event, as the Caltrain station is 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 items 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 can be picked up at the City Corporation Yard between 7:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. during normal business hours," the mayor's office said in a statement.
It is important to know that fines for illegal use of fireworks and their enforcement will be in effect. 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
