On Monday, one two-block-long “block” of Third Avenue maintained a long standing Independence Day tradition. With a city approved street closure, a long row of tables was set up in the middle of the street. Coolers were rolled out, along with grills, gas and charcoal. A large American flag was brought out from safekeeping in the household that originally donated it, and strung between the huge trees that line the avenue. Folks were making good use of the wading pool in one yard. Another yard had a crazy sprinkler going for the kids. The party was an amazing demonstration of the great diversity in the neighborhood. There were a lot more kids than one would expect and a lot of neighbors als

Lighting fireworks at the Fourth of July block party is a common tradition in Sacramento, and local firefighters shared tips to make sure those fireworks are used properly so the holiday is a safe one. Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District Assistant Chief Dale Turner said the two most important safety concerns with fireworks are making sure they are used correctly with adult supervision and that they are used in a safe area away from combustible materials. There should also be 30 feet of pavement, concrete or dirt around fireworks to ensure no fires are started, Sacramento Fire Department Deputy Chief Lloyd Ogan said. He added that only “Safe and Sane” fireworks are legal to use in the

Throwing a Fourth of July celebration? Your fellow Americans have some tips, ranging from home-grown parades and potlucks to Elvis impersonators, dunk tanks and old-school amusements. This week, a handful of Sacramentans offered ideas on how to have fun and maybe even save a little cash this holiday with celebrations as diverse as the country. Organizing your own Independence Day parade topped the list of suggestions. Processions can be as small and impromptu as a clanging pots-and-pans parade of kids and adults moseying around the block or as big as a community parade with marching bands and dozens of floats closing down streets. Jeff Dominguez, who owns Exit Realty West in Midtown, i

 Looking for an explosive way to spend your Fourth of July? Well, look no further. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best Fourth of July events in the Sacramento area. Sacramento Cal Expo will once again host an Independence Day Celebration sponsored by Coca-Cola and Miller Lite at the Miller Lite Grandstand near the East Gate entrance. The festivities will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a performance from Mick Martin and the Blues Rockers. State Fair mascot Poppy will also be there to entertain the crowds. Cal Expo’s media partner, radio station 107.9 The End, will provide music to the spectacular fireworks show, starting at 9:30 p.m. Parking for the event is $10, and general admission to

Saturday, July 4 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. Americans for Prosperity and Mark Meckler, organizer of the Sacramento Tea Party, will be holding an Independence Day Tea Party on the west steps of the Capitol. About 500 people are expected. Noon- 1:30 p.m. Kevin S. Carter will be reading poetry on the north steps of the Capitol. Though he will be reading through a sound system, it is unknown how many people will attend. Sunday, July 5 through Wednesday July 8 No events are scheduled.

With so many ways to show your patriotism, there will be no excuse to be blue in Sacramento this weekend. Daytime Fun on the Fourth Annual East Sacramento Parade Parade begins: 10 a.m. Route: Walking 41st and 42nd streets at M Street in red, white and blue. Pyrospectacular at Cal Expo What: Independence Day fireworks celebration When: Gates open at 4:30 p.m., fireworks begin around 9:30 p.m. Where: Cal Expo. Guests should use the East Gate, located at the intersection of Exposition Boulevard and Challenge Way, as the main entrance to the event. Enter through the D Lot parking area. Highlights: Largest-scale pyrotechnics display in the area’s history; music and dancing in the Grandstand