BEST BET : FOURTH OF JULY : The Big Bang

Fireworks displays will light up North County next Wednesday, July 4. Listed below are just a few shows put on by different parks and recreation departments.

* Escondido will celebrate Independence Day on Tuesday, July 3, with fireworks at dark at Escondido High School, 1535 N. Broadway.

On July 4, the Escondido Parks and Recreation Department will hold its 16th annual Red, White and Blue Day, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Grape Day Park. The event will feature food, entertainment, crafts, games, contests, a train ride and free swimming. Admission is free.

* Carlsbad’s fireworks display will begin at 8:30 p.m. at Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue.

* San Marcos will hold its fireworks display at about 9 p.m. at Bradley Park, on the corner of Rancho Santa Fe and Linda Vista Drive.

* Vista Parks and Recreation Department is sponsoring a barbecue at 5 p.m. at Brengle Terrace Park, 1200 Vale Terrace Drive. Entertainment, music, sky divers will precede the fireworks at 9 p.m. A dance in the park will follow. For information, call 726-1340.

* Oceanside will get a jump on festivities with an Independence Day parade at 10 a.m. Saturday on Hill Street in downtown Oceanside. A float contest and an equestrian competition will be featured. A free outdoor concert of patriotic music begins at 7 p.m. at the Oceanside band shell next to the pier. A fireworks display, choreographed to music by radio station Q106, will light the sky at 9 p.m.

* Rancho Bernardo will celebrate Independence Day with a picnic beginning at 11 a.m. at Webb Park. There will be entertainment, booths, children’s games and a parade at 2:30 p.m.