The public is invited to get a jump start on the Fourth of July holiday in Long Beach where Independence Day festivities will be celebrated throughout the day on Saturday, June 29, at the city’s 2nd Annual Fourth of July Jubilee.
“Last year, we probably had more than five hundred people participate, so, this year, since we’ve been able to promote it sooner, we’re anticipating over a thousand coming, especially for the fireworks, if everyone stays during the holidays,” says Long Beach Community Affairs Director Courtney Cuevas.
It all starts at the Harper McCaughan Town Green, where a free festival will be held from 11 am to 6:30 p.m. on June 29. A parade will take place in the downtown area at 6 p.m., followed by live music at 7 p.m.
The festivities will wrap up in true Independence Day style, with a fireworks show along the Long Beach shoreline near the harbor and Jeff Davis Avenue at 8:45 p.m. The fireworks will be set off right by the Jim Simpson pier, and organizers say that just about any spot on the beach near the harbor or parking area should be ideal for viewing. Residents are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or something comfortable to sit on to watch the show.
“The parade will start at First United Methodist Church, go down Jeff Davis Avenue and end at the Harper McCaughan Town Green,” Cuevas says. “The fireworks show will be at the end of Jeff Davis Avenue, so find a parking spot anywhere along the beach or on Jeff Davis Avenue.”
“The parade and festival are completely free; however, you do have to fill out a City permit [to be a vendor at] the festival. If you go to the City of Long Beach’s Facebook page, we [also] have a form that people can [use to]vsign up their golf cart, lawn mower, wagon to walk in the parade,” Cuevas says.
“Vendors can also fill out a form online to set up at the festival to sell anything from hot dogs to artwork,” she continued.
Cuevas says this celebration is a win-win for the city, residents, visitors and businesses.
“It’s family-friendly, and businesses can also look forward to bringing new customers into our Long Beach businesses, further allowing their revenue to grow.”
