Fireworks and Traditional Events to Mark Independence Day

Several fireworks displays and other Independence Day activities are scheduled in the South Bay on Friday. The events, which are free unless noted, include:

Avalon--A parade through town at 1 p.m. will be followed by a concert featuring several jazz bands at the band shell at Main Street and Crescent Avenue. Fireworks at the Cabrillo Mole passenger terminal will begin about 9 p.m.

Carson--The Carson-Dominguez Symphony Orchestra will be featured at the Olympic Velodrome at California State University, Dominguez Hills, at 7:30 p.m. A fireworks display will follow the concert. Advance tickets are available at local parks and at Carson Parks and Recreation Department.

El Segundo--Food and game booths and live entertainment will be featured at the El Segundo Recreation and Parks Department, 401 Sheldon St., beginning at 11 a.m. A fireworks display will begin at dusk.

Gardena--Foot races and food and game booths will be featured at Rowley Park, 13220 S. Van Ness Ave., beginning at 1 p.m. A fireworks display will begin at about 8:30 p.m.

Stock car races will be held at Ascot Park, 17832 S. Vermont Ave., and will be followed by a fireworks display. Admission for adults is $7, $3.50 for youths 13 through 17, $1 for children 9 through 12 and free for 8 and younger.

Lawndale--Entertainment begins at 8 p.m. at Leuzinger High School football field, 4118 W. Rosecrans Blvd., and will be followed by a fireworks display.

Lomita--The Lomita Chamber of Commerce will sponsor a carnival Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., at Lomita Park, 24418 Eshelman Ave. Entertainment will include food and game booths and Marineland cartoon characters. On the Fourth, Paul Bowman’s Country and Western band will be featured. On Saturday, Ronald MacDonald will be featured at 2 p.m., and there will be a fireworks display at dusk. On Sunday, Lomita’s “Little Miss” and “Little Mr.” will be chosen. Admission is free.

Palos Verdes Estates--Malaga Cove Elementary School will host a bicycle parade, puppet shows, an apple-pie-baking contest and other attractions. The parade will begin at 9:30 a.m.

Rancho Palos Verdes--The 11th annual Country Fair will be held at City Hall, 30940 Hawthorne Blvd., beginning at 11 a.m. Entertainment will include carnival rides, games, pony rides and music.

San Pedro--San Pedro Peninsula Chamber of Commerce will sponsor dedication ceremonies at the Korean Bell, Gaffey Street at 37th Street, at 10 a.m. Fireworks will begin at dusk at Cabrillo Beach, 3720 Stephen White Drive.

Torrance--Food, games and entertainment will be featured at Wilson Park, 2200 Crenshaw Blvd., beginning at noon. A fireworks display will begin at dusk.

The South Torrance Lions Club is sponsoring a holiday celebration beginning at 7 p.m. on the football field at El Camino College, 16007 Crenshaw Blvd., that will feature the Wings Parachute Team, the Palos Verdes Symphonic Band and a fireworks display. Admission is $6, $3 for children 6 through 12; younger children will be admitted free.