Here’s where to watch Fourth of July fireworks, parades and events in the North State

The North State celebrates Independence Day with music, parades, festivals and fireworks.

Here are events happening through July 4, and tips how best to enjoy them from event planners.

Times and venues may change, so check websites provided before you go.

Redding celebrates Fourth of July at 'Freedom Festival'

The city of Redding lights up the sky with its annual fireworks display at 10 p.m. on July 4 over the Sacramento River.

Tune in to Today’s Country Q97 FM or Redding’s Classic Rock Red 103.1 FM on your radio to hear the show's soundtrack.

The festival also an evening of concerts, food and vendors from 6 p.m. to 9:55 p.m. on the Redding Civic Auditorium grounds at 700 Auditorium Drive in Redding. Live music starts at 7 p.m.

The Sundial Bridge closes at 9 p.m., so planners recommend people arrive early.

Best places to watch the parade are from the Civic, venues along the Sacramento River near the Sundial Bridge and along the bluff on Hilltop Drive.

Admission is free.

For more information go to reddingcivic.com.

‘Anderson Explodes’ on Independence Day eve

Celebrate Independence Day a day early at ‘Anderson Explodes.’

This North State tradition is July 3 at the Shasta District Fair grounds and Event Center, 1890 Briggs St. in Anderson.

This year’s special guest artist is country singer-songwriter Jared Hovis, who performs at 7 p.m.

Other activities include vendors and fireworks.

The parking lot at the fairgrounds fills up fast, planners said. They recommend people come early to make sure they get a parking spot.

Fairgrounds’ policies include no outside food or beverages, and no pets.

Admission is free.

For more information go to the Anderson Explodes! Community Facebook page at bit.ly/3xSip6e.

Mount Shasta hosts 4-day festival

The Mount Shasta's 4th of July celebration is Friday through July 4 in downtown Mount Shasta. 

The town's annual street fair opens at 5 p.m. on Friday and continues from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday. The fair includes food and vendor booths, live entertainment and family-friendly activities.

The annual Fourth of July parade starts at noon on Monday. This year's theme is "the best is yet to come."

Fireworks begin at dusk on Monday over Lake Siskiyou. Mount Shasta Resort won't be open for people to watch the show this year, the resort announced on July 1.

Event planners suggest motorists park away from downtown and walk to events to avoid detours and traffic congestion.

For more information and a list of performers and other related events go to mtshastafireworks.com/new-events.

A Siskiyou County Independence Day tradition, the Fourth of July Walk/Run is at 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Monday, July 4, at 400 N. Mount Shasta Blvd. People of all ages and levels of athletic ability gather at Parker Plaza to participate in one of three walk/runs.

• The 5-mile run is a race over a fairly flat course with an uphill climb on the final mile. Awards are presented to the top three finishers in each division. This is a USATF-certified course.
• The 2-mile youth race is for runners ages 17 and younger. Ribbons are presented to the top three finishers in each division, and all finishers receive medals.

But what makes this event a no-miss is the 2-mile fun walk. This inside-out parade is a walking route lined with family-friendly entertainers including jazz and church choirs, clowns, magicians, belly dancers, martial arts demonstrators, gymnasts, country music bands, solo singers and classical instrumentalists.

Costs to register are $25 to $44. Proceeds benefit the Mountain Runners/Siskiyou Outdoor Recreation Alliance, which supports community health, beautification and fitness projects in Mount Shasta.

To register to run or walk, go to mountainrunners.org.

Los Molinos parade marches out

A 16-mile drive south of Red Bluff, the small town of Los Molinos puts on a big show at its annual Fourth of July parade on July 4. 

This year’s parade theme is “Hurray for the Red, White and Blue.” Entries include horses and riders, floats, tricked-out bikes and vehicles, marching bands and other entertainment. 

The parade starts at 10 a.m. at the VFW Hall at 7980 Sherwood Blvd. Pick a spot on the sidewalk to watch. Spectators can bring lawn chairs, water and snacks. 

Motorists can park at the Nu-Way Market shopping center, according to the Los Molinos Chamber of Commerce.

Go to the Los Molinos Chamber of Commerce website at losmochamber.com for more information.

Weaverville hosts 5-day celebration

Weaverville in Trinity County packs a five-day event schedule with concerts, games, breakfasts, barbecues, open houses, a destruction derby and dozens of other events starting Thursday.

Highlights include fireworks at 10 p.m. on July 3 at Weaverville Elementary school, 31020 State Highway 3.

On July 4, a parade marches along Main Street at 11:30 a.m. and a huge arts and crafts fair fills the Highland Arts Center meadow from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in at 691 Main St.

To read a schedule of events go to bit.ly/3xTvyhb. For updates and information go to the Weaverville Lions Facebook page at facebook.com/weavervillelions.

Call the Weaverville Visitors Center at 530-623-6101 for more information.

Jessica Skropanic is a features reporter for the Record Searchlight/USA Today Network. She covers science, arts, social issues and entertainment stories. Follow her on Twitter @RS_JSkropanic and on Facebook. Join Jessica in the Get Out! Nor Cal recreation Facebook group. To support and sustain this work, please subscribe today. Thank you.