SALINAS VALLEY — There was plenty of fun, food and music last Saturday for the Fourth of July celebrations in Greenfield, Soledad and Gonzales.
The City of Greenfield hosted its Independence Day celebration at Patriot Park with the featured events being a salute to local veterans and the fireworks show. Veterans received a free food voucher, and entertainment was provided by Arlene Rose, the Rod Squad, This That and the Other, Folklorico Arcoiris and Andy y su Extremo de México.
Attendees picked up food at the various food booths and valuable information from the resource tables. The day ended with a bang with the annual fireworks show that evening.
“Thank you to everyone who joined us for our annual 4th of July Celebration and fireworks show, celebrating the 250th anniversary of our country at Patriot Park,” posted Greenfield Recreation Department on social media afterward. “We hope you all had as much fun as we did! Again, thank the Greenfield Police, Fire and Public Works Departments for ensuring this was a safe family event.”
At Soledad’s Little League Park, a family-friendly event took place from noon to 6 p.m., with musical performances by the King Bee Blues Music and Banda Raza de Rancho. Attendees also participated in games and the Best Dressed Patriotic competition featuring boy, girl, pet and group categories, with prizes awarded for patriotic spirit and creativity.
Due to budget constraints, this year’s celebration did not include a fireworks show.
“Unfortunately, due to budgetary constraints, we had to eliminate the fireworks show,” said Soledad City Manager Megan Hunter in a video announcing the cancellation on June 29. “We are looking to put funding to other community priorities, such as public safety, the fire department services, and recreation and parks upgrades.”
In Gonzales, local residents and folks from the surrounding areas attended the Fourth of July celebration at Central Park that began with the Gonzales Rotary Fun Run.
At noon, a parade was held beginning at Centennial Park and participants followed the route to Central Park and downtown Gonzales. Rutilia Baltazar was this year’s grand marshal.
Music was provided by Los Survivors, Valley Roots, Spit-N-Mud and Los Reyes. The Survivors played some rock and old school, Valley Roots played Reggae, Spit-N-Mud performed country classics and Los Reyes concluded the event with banda music.
Saturday’s event also included food booths, a children’s play area and the famous Gonzales Rotary barbecued ribs.
