Flag-Waving Festivities on Horizon

On Tuesday, the Fourth of July, you’re not likely to find Old Glory burning.

In fact, America’s flag--at the center of a recent U. S. Supreme Court decision supporting a protester’s right to burn it--will be the symbol saluted and honored by San Diegans gearing up to take part in the many local festivities celebrating Independence Day.

Respect for the flag. That’s exactly what the red, white and blue deserves, say some, including Oceanside Deputy Mayor Lucy Chavez.

“Men used to take their hats off as the flag went by . . . we would put our hands across our hearts,” Chavez said. “That was the type of reverance we were taught to have for the flag. You don’t see too much of that anymore.”

“The decision came as a real jolt to me,” Chavez said of the Supreme Court ruling last month that says the First Amendment protects flag burning as a form of free speech. The ruling, which sparked national debate, has been applauded by some and criticized as unpatriotic by others.

“My education was steeped with patriotism not just for the flag but for what it represents: freedom.,” Chavez said. “I don’t think people appreciate the freedom that we have. People die for freedom. Look at China. Independence Day is more than just going to see fireworks. Of course I want people to have fun this year, but I also hope they appreciate the day’s true meaning.”

Chavez, along with many others, will do both at Oceanside’s Independence Day celebration, which includes a parade, band shell concerts and a fireworks display.

Along with the many private celebrations throughout the county are free, city-sponsored events.

However, revelers who hope to avoid crushing crowds might want to head for . . . the Del Mar Fair.

Believe it or not, the county’s premier summer event, which regularly sets attendance records, is a little less packed on the Fourth.

“It’s hard to say why, but traditionally Independence Day is a low-attendance day for us,” said Shawn Riley, a fair spokeswoman. “I guess it’s because people think we’re going to be too busy or it’s because they have other activities planned. Whatever the reason, come on out.”

Country singer Crystal Gale will perform twice at the fair’s grandstand on the Fourth, Riley said. In addition, a hot-air balloon race will begin at the fair, and fireworks start at 9 p.m. Tuesday is also Kids Day; all children 12 and under will be admitted free.

Among the events elsewhere:

The flag will be honored at “Red, White and Blue Day” at Grape Day Park in Escondido. According to Teri Edelbrock, Escondido’s recreation supervisor, the park will be converted into a carnival for the day, with amusement rides, games, contests and food booths. There will be a charge for rides and food, but admission into the 15th annual celebration is free. Pizza- and pie-eating contests will be held, along with Hula-Hoop competitions and a sock hop.

But the city will not present a fireworks show on the Fourth.

“In the past, we didn’t want to compete with the big shows in Del Mar and Oceanside,” Edelbrock said. Instead, the city’s pyrotechnic display will be shown Tuesday at Escondido High School.

Coronado will sponsor a half-marathon and 2-mile fun run at 6:30 a.m., and the city’s 41st Fourth of July celebration hits full stride a few hours later when the “America: Its New Frontiers” parade begings between 1st Street and the Hotel Del Coronado and continues down Orange Avenue.

An arts and crafts exhibit will be held at Spreckels Park, as will a concert by the San Diego Boys Choir. At Glorietta Bay, celebrators can watch a Navy Air show and fireworks.

In Santee, Independence Day fun can be found at Mission Gorge and Cuyamaca Street, where a fireworks display can best be seen. Bluegrass band Ol’ Train will perform at Rio Seco School’s amphitheater.

At Sea World, a fireworks display will light up the sky at 9 p.m.