SALINAS VALLEY — Fourth of July events are planned throughout South Monterey County beginning this weekend and continuing into Monday to celebrate the United States’ Declaration of Independence.
KING CITY
King City Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture’s annual fireworks show will once again be held the day before the holiday, on Sunday, July 3, at 9 p.m.
The aerial show, taking place inside the Stampede Grounds at the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds, is also visible from City of King Park, off Division Street, and the surrounding neighborhood.
On Monday, Pacific Valley Bank’s Fourth of July Parade in King City will start at 10:30 a.m. This year’s parade route runs along Broadway Street, beginning at Second Street and ending at Mildred Avenue.
Registration, judging and lineup will be from 8:30 to 10 a.m., with no more parade entries being accepted after then. The meeting location is the parking lot at the corner of Lynn and Third streets.
This year’s parade grand marshal is Juanito D. Bautista, a 28-year veteran of the U.S. Army. During his service as a senior mechanic supervisor and master sergeant, Bautista did tours to Korea, Germany, Iraq and Kuwait and has traveled all over the United States.
Bautista, who retired from the Army in 2020, currently works for Fort Hunter Liggett and joined the King City VFW chapter in 2021. He and his wife Medie have five sons, two of whom are in the Army Reserve and one in Colorado Springs as active duty.
In addition, the King City Young Farmers’ Fourth of July Rib BBQ is set for Monday from 12 to 3 p.m. at San Lorenzo Park in King City. Proceeds will fund the re-dedication of the Avenue of Honor, located at the park.
Also on Monday, beginning at 9 a.m., the annual Fourth of July Chainsaw Carvings and Car Show will take place outside the Wildhorse Cafe, 50630 Mesa Verde Road, just south of King City. All ages are welcome at the event, which includes food, vendors, raffles and car clubs.
GREENFIELD
City of Greenfield’s Fourth of July Celebration 2022 will take place Monday evening at Patriot Park.
Food vendors will open the event at the park, 1351 Oak Ave., beginning at 5 p.m. City leaders will speak at 5:30 p.m., followed by a flag presentation from the Soledad High School NJROTC Color Guard and a special thank you to local veterans.
Live music by The Smokin’ Hounds starts at 6 and 7:45 p.m., with entertainment by local children’s dance group, Arcoiris Cultural, from the Greenfield Cultural Arts Center at 7 p.m.
An aerial fireworks show will conclude the evening at 9 p.m.
SOLEDAD
Soledad’s 25th Annual July 4th Celebration is set for Monday, from 12 to 9 p.m., at Little League Park.
The Star Spangled Children’s Walking Parade begins at noon, with lineup at 11:30 a.m. at Main Street Middle School, 441 Main St. Youth of all ages and their families are invited to participate while wearing their “Star-Spangled” best.
Food booths will be available from 12 to 8:30 p.m. at the park, at the corner of North Street and Andalucia Drive. Live performances are scheduled for 2 to 5 p.m. from Patty Kistner Band and 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. from La Tumbadora Banda Del Rancho.
In addition to games, prizes, balloons and magic, a free fireworks display is planned at dusk.
GONZALES
Running enthusiasts and walkers will be hitting the downtown streets of Gonzales on Monday, July 4, for the Gonzales Rx Pharmacy Eighth Annual Orange and Black 5K.
This year the 5K will be taking place on the City of Gonzales’ 75th anniversary, and will start at 8 a.m. at Central Park, 207 Fifth St. The run/walk is sponsored by Gonzales Rotary, with proceeds from the event benefiting Gonzales High School scholarships.
Participants can register online at gonzalesrx5k.com and will receive a T-shirt and an event bag with goodies. There will also be awards and raffle prizes after the race.
Adults will be charged a registration fee, and the race is free for students. For more information, contact the Gonzales Rx Pharmacy at 831-675-3643.
Other Fourth of July events include a parade at noon, with lineup beginning at 11 a.m. at Taylor Farms Health Wellness Center parking lot, and a celebration at Central Park from 12 to 6 p.m. featuring live music, a children’s area and food booths. Gonzales Rotary’s Famous Rib BBQ is set for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
FORT HUNTER LIGGETT
Fort Hunter Liggett is hosting Freedom Fest on Saturday, July 2, at Schoonover Airfield off Mission Road in Jolon to celebrate this special patriotic day.
The community is invited to attend from 4 to 10 p.m., with a cost of $5 per person. There will be live music, military vehicle rides, food and drinks for purchase, military displays, inflatable bounce houses, carnival-style games, water dunk tank, axe throwing booth and more.
For more information about Freedom Fest, call 831-386-2612.
In addition, the Army Volunteer Corps is looking for individuals to volunteer for this event. Anyone interested in volunteering can call 831-386-2372.
