SALINAS VALLEY — The communities of Gonzales, Soledad and Greenfield will be ready to celebrate the Fourth of July next weekend with multiple events planned in each city.
GONZALES
At Central Park in Gonzales, Independence Day will kick off with the Gonzales Rotary Fun Run at 8 a.m. on Saturday, July 4. Interested runners or walkers can pick up registration forms at Gonzales City Hall, Mechanics Bank and the RX Pharmacy in Gonzales.
All registered participants will receive a commemorative T-shirt and a custom participation medal. Top finishers in three divisions will receive an award.
A parade will take place at noon, with participants lining up at Centennial Park beginning at 11 a.m.
The famous Gonzales Rotary ribs will be ready for pickup from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Central Park. Tickets can be purchased from any Rotary member. Festivities begin at 12:30 p.m. with opening ceremonies that will include “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Music will follow, starting with Los Survivors, Valley Roots, country western music by Spit-N-Mud and a Banda Band. Throughout the afternoon there will be food booths, resource booths, a children’s area and a beer garden.
SOLEDAD
The City of Soledad and the 4th of July Planning Committee are inviting residents and visitors to a free family-friendly celebration from noon to 6 p.m. at the Soledad Little League Park.
Saturday’s event will feature an afternoon of live entertainment, family activities, food, games and prizes for all ages. There will be live performances by King Bee Blues Music and Banda Raza de Rancho.
Attendees are also encouraged to participate in the Best Dressed Patriotic Competition, featuring four categories: Boy, Girl, Pet and Group. First- and second-place prizes will be awarded in each category, giving participants an opportunity to showcase their patriotic spirit and creativity.
This year’s celebration will not include a fireworks show or parade, organizers noted. Instead, this event is designed to provide a “safe and enjoyable gathering focused on community, entertainment and family fun.”
“The City of Soledad encourages everyone to bring their family and friends and join in celebrating Independence Day together,” organizers said.
GREENFIELD
At Patriot Park, the City of Greenfield will host its 4th of July Celebration starting at 5 p.m. and continuing on with the fireworks show slated to begin at 9 p.m. A ceremony to honor all local veterans will open the event.
Veterans in attendance will receive a free food voucher. To RSVP, veterans can call or text 831-236-1230.
Music will be provided by Arlene Rose, the Rod Squad, This That and the Other, Andy y sus extremo kids, and performances from Sonido Movimiento Latino and Folklorico Arcoiris. Music is scheduled to be provided from 6 to 9 p.m.
There will also be many food booths and resource tables at the park.
For information on the Greenfield events, call Victor Garcia at 831-210-5215 or call Patriot Park at 831-674-2234.
