Where to celebrate 4th of July weekend around Mendocino; or how to eat BBQ and see fire works

WILLITS, 7/3/19 — Independence Day is this Thursday, and if you’re looking for some place to celebrate, there’s plenty of parades and parties around Mendocino County to check out.

While you’re enjoying the holiday weekend, here’s a friendly reminder to stay safe and avoid activities that could lead to fires, traffic accidents, or other things we might have to report on.

We’ve put together a list of events in Ukiah, Willits, Fort Bragg, Mendocino, and Lake County. Also, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife is having a free fishing day on Saturday, July 6, if you’ve been putting off getting a license.

Did we miss something? Let us know by commenting or at [email protected].

UKIAH: On the Fourth of July enjoy the All American Picnic at Todd Grove Park, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“This free event will take place at Todd Grove Park on Thursday, July 4th from 10am- 2pm. There will be organized games, arts and crafts, music, free bounce houses, a live art zone, free swim at the Ukiah Municipal Pools…”

On Friday, July 5, you can enjoy a variety of different celebrations and activities at the First Friday Art Walk event downtown, including gallery events, activities at the library, a showcase of the Mendocino Historical Society’s photographs, an exhibit on tattooed women at the Grace Hudson Museum, and more.

There will be fireworks and racing at the Ukiah Speedway on Saturday, July 6, with gates opening at 3:30 p.m. and racing starting at 6 p.m. Ticket prices are $15; Students and Seniors $12, children 6-11 $8; children 5 & under are free.

WILLITS: The annual Main Street Parade is a favorite of the Willits’ Frontier Days celebration — which includes the longest running rodeo in California. This year’s parade will kick off at 11 a.m. and feature floats and entries from local community groups and businesses. A number of streets on the north side of Willits will be temporarily closed for the parade, and parking will be limited. The parade will affect E. Commercial St., S. Main St., E. Valley St. and S. Lenore, and the parade’s “detour” will impact traffic traffic on W. Commercial St., School St., Pine St., Coast St. and W. Valley St.

You can check out our livestream of last year’s parade here. The day’s events will be also include a BBQ, country music performances, and a rodeo (here’s the full Frontier Days details) — plus, the carnival’s in town!

MENDOCINO: The Village of Mendocino and the Coast Chamber of Commerce hold an annual 4th of July parade, a crowd favorite. This year the parade begins at 12 p.m. on Thursday, featuring floats and groups from many community organizations and business, many of which will also be having special activities in the stores near the parade. This year’s theme is “Let freedom ring!”

FORT BRAGG: The Independence Day fireworks display in Fort Bragg is happening this year on the 6th of July — clouds permitting, you can watch from variety of spots around town. Parking restrictions will be enforced in a number of locations around Noyo Harbor by local law enforcement, and a number of paid parking locations will be available. When the fireworks are done, the 100 Blocks of N. Harbor Drive and South Street will be closed to traffic to reduce congestion.

On Saturday, July 6, the “World’s Largest Salmon BBQ” will be happening in Fort Bragg at Noyo Harbor, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets are $33, and $10 for kids 12 and under, and all proceeds go to benefit salmon restoration. The salmon feast is accompanied by musical performances and more.

POINT ARENA: Fireworks on the south coast will take place July 6 this year, so if you’re looking for multiple fireworks shows, you can head here on Saturday! The event is held by the City of Point Arena and begins at 4 p.m. with a street fair; fireworks begin at dark. Parking is limited, with additional parking at City Hall, but there is also a shuttle bus available to the pier from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., and after the fireworks. The event is $10 for General Admission, $5 for youth 12 to 17 years, and children under 12 are free; $20 for a family of four.

On Sunday, July 7, there will be an Independence Day parade at noon on Main Street, and will also take place on Highway 1. This year’s theme is “Bee Friendly,” and the parade will include kids, costumes, floats, and more!

BENBOW: The 17th annual Benbow fireworks event takes place this Thursday at Benbow State Park, hosted by the Southern Humboldt Chamber of Commerce. Fireworks kick off at dusk and there will be food carts and more!