Band members play during the July 4 Patriotic Music Concert by the Yuba Sutter Symphony in 2024. Photo courtesy of Yuba Sutter Symphony  

YUBA-SUTTER, CA (MPG) - Whether you’re looking for a hometown parade, a fireworks finale or just an excuse to eat a hot dog and wave a flag, the Yuba-Sutter region offers plenty of patriotic ways to celebrate Independence Day this year. 

Festivities kick off on the morning of July 4 with a beloved local tradition, the annual Children’s Parade in downtown Yuba City.

The fun begins at 10 a.m. at the corner of Plumas and Center streets, where children decked out in red, white and blue will parade their decorated bikes, scooters, wagons and strollers to the Town Square Fountain.

All participants are invited to stay afterward for a free hot dog lunch and popsicles, while enjoying a live performance by the Yuba Sutter Symphony, which starts at 10:15 a.m. near the fountain. 

For those looking to extend the celebration into the evening, Bryant Field in Marysville may be the place to be.

The Marysville High Wheelers baseball team traditionally hosts Friday night fireworks and with this year’s Fourth of July landing on a Friday, there’s a good chance the sky will light up after the final pitch. Whether you’re a die-hard baseball fan or just in it for the spectacle, it’s a perfect way to cap off a day of community celebration. 

Elsewhere in the region, the small town of Grimes offers its own slice of Americana with a 10 a.m. Fourth of July parade featuring vintage military vehicles and all the charm of a classic rural celebration. Meanwhile, Lake Minden in Nicolaus, a popular RV and camping resort, has been known to host family-friendly activities and food on July 3. While they did not offer fireworks last year and have yet to confirm this year’s schedule, it remains a festive spot for those seeking a laid-back outdoor holiday. 

Backyard celebrations will also be in full swing, supported by a network of local nonprofits operating fireworks booths throughout the area. Official sales begin at noon on June 28 and will continue through July 5, an extra day of sales added this year since the fourth falls on a Friday. Shoppers can expect many booths to offer steep discounts on July 5, with items often marked down by 50%.