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Fireworks and patriotic pride aplenty in Belmont Shore and Naples

Boom!

The Belmont Shore and Naples area offers some of the most spectacular fireworks displays in Southern California, along with events that celebrate the nation's birthday. Fireworks will fly into the night's full-moon sky over both the ocean and city.

And during the action-packed day, don't forget the Kids Bike Parade.

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Nothing says Fourth of July like the 25th Annual 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular at the Joint Forces Training Base: 

25th Annual 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular

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  • WHAT: Live music, food vendors, military aircraft flyovers, giveaways, a Kids Fun Zone and a grand finale fireworks display.
  • WHEN: July 4, gates open at 4 p.m. and the firework show begins at 9 p.m.
  • WHERE: Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Base, 11200 Lexington Drive, and a second entrance on Orangewood Avenue off of Los Alamitos Boulevard.
  • WHO: sponsored by the cities of Los Alamitos, Cypress, Seal Beach, the community of Rossmoor and the Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Base

For those who love to see the fireworks reflect off the water, there is the annual Queen Mary July Fourth Fireworks Celebration.

4th of July Aboard the Queen Mary

  • WHAT: A fireworks extravaganza caps a day of children’s activities such as face painting and balloon animals, live music, a DJ, dining
  • WHERE: The Queen Mary, 1126 Queens Highway
  • WHEN: July 3 10 a.m.–10 p.m. The fireworks extravaganza begins at 9:15 p.m.
  • WEBSITE: http://queenmary.com/
  • PHONE 562.342.9411
  • PRICE: Free for active military members, children’s admission is $19.95, $34.95 for seniors and adult admission starts at $39.95

The weather forecast is for partly cloudy, so plan accordingly.

While one might not think of an aquarium as a star-spangled spot on July 4th, Aquarium of the Pacific invites the public to celebrate Independence Day with the red, white, and blue fish — and a BBQ along with prime views of the fireworks.

Aquarium of the Pacific Fourth of July

  • WHAT: Families will be able to witness the ambiance of the Aquarium at night and get a fish-eye view of the City of Long Beach fireworks display. Wave the flag, watch the fireworks, and spark up some BBQ with the Aquarium of the Pacific. Then take a trip inside to see the wonders of the sea. Make it a day of fun for you and the whole family.
  • WHERE: 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach
  • WHEN: BBQ hours are from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., but the Aquarium is open from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., with discounted admission starting at 5:00 p.m. $37 per adult (12+) and $29 per child (member discounts available).
  • WEBSITE: http://­www.­aquariu­mofpacific.­org/­events/­info/­july_4th/­

In other area events, get your flags out and come give thanks to service men and women at Freedom Fest.

Freedom Fest

  • WHAT: Celebrate and honor service men and women. Guest speakers include Captain Roger LaFerriere of the U.S. Coast Guard, who will delve into the pioneering service of African American and minority service members, and U.S. Naval Commander Stephen M. Ruggiero, who is set to discuss the issue of national pride on the 4th of July.
  • WHERE: Rosie the Riveter Park and Interpretive Center, located on the corner of Clark Avenue and Conant Street.
  • WHEN: From 5 p.m.-8:30 p.m. The names of 14 Long Beach residents who died while serving in Iraq or Afghanistan will be read aloud at 5:45 p.m.
  • WEBSITE: http://www.lbhometownheroes.com/

In other area events, The USS IOWA, the battleship of presidents, will be commissioned as a museum on July 4 at Berth 87 for invitees only. It is expected the waterfront will be extremely busy, so please use caution. On July 5, the USS IOWA Veterans Reunion group will be reunited with their ship.

The public is welcome on July 7 when the USS IOWA becomes the Los Angeles area’s newest museum attraction with a grand opening. The World War II battleship, which has hosted Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt, Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, has docked at its permanent home near the World Cruise Center in the Port of Los Angeles, Berth 87, 250 South Harbor Blvd., San Pedro, CA. 

Beginning July 7, the floating museum will be open daily for tours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PDT, although no tickets will be sold after 4 p.m. The only days the ship will be closed are Thanksgiving and Christmas.   To purchase tickets online, visit www.pacificbattleship.com and click on “Buy Tickets & Memberships Now.” Ticket information also is available at 877-446-9261. General admission is $18 for adults; $15 for seniors, reservists, active duty and retired military personnel with valid ID; and $10 for youth (ages 6-17). Admission is free for children under 6 and residents of the state of Iowa with valid state-issued ID.


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