4th of July Parades, Fireworks and Celebrations in Santa Cruz County

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY - You can almost smell the sizzling hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill as you think about the upcoming long Fourth of July weekend.

Cities in Santa Cruz County are preparing to host a wide variety of fun events from parades and fireworks to live music and festivals in celebration of the 4th of July.

Personal fireworks are illegal in the county. Safe-and-sane fireworks are allowed in the city of Watsonville, according to a California website that monitors county-by-county laws.

Still not sure what to do for the Fourth of July holiday? Not to worry! We’ve gathered some events from around Santa Cruz County for you to enjoy.

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY-

4TH OF JULY FAMILY FUN EVENTS/Roaring Camp

Bring out the entire family and friends for a fun-filled day of games, live music and an all-American barbecue.

APTOS 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION/Aptos

"World's Shortest Parade". Pancake breakfast 7:30am, parade at 10am, party in the park with live music, games, arts & crafts 11am-4pm at Aptos Village Park, 100 Aptos Creek Road, Aptos.

OLD-FASHIONED INDEPENDENCE DAY/Santa Cruz

Visit Wilder Ranch's historic cultural preserve and take a step back in time 100 years ago as you participate in an early 1900s-style Independence Day celebration including a noon family parade, games, children's crafts area, live big-band music, living history demonstrations, historic speeches and flag-raising. Food and drink available for sale, or bring a picnic lunch. This event is appropriate for all ages. The event is held on the grounds of the Wilder Ranch Cultural Preserve.

SCOTTS VALLEY 4TH OF JULY PARADE & FIREWORKS!

Come celebrate July 4th in Scotts Valley! Parade, flyover, fireworks,outrageous BBQ, two live bands, games, petting zoo & much more! The Fireworks show in Scotts Valley is the only sanctioned fireworks show in Santa Cruz County. Advance tickets $6, at the door $8 (4 and under free). Activities and food are not included in price of admission. ATM available on site.

SPIRIT OF WATSONVILLE 4TH OF JULY PARADE

The 2016 Spirit of Watsonville hometown parade hits Main Street at 2 pm. Expect floats, classic and muscle cars, antique tractors and equipment, and equestrians.

-image via Adam Baker/Flickr, info via santacruzca.org