Rockets’ Red Glare Will Be Just Part of Fourth of July High Jinks

A baby show in Pico Rivera, a “human bomb” in Norwalk, the Laker Girls in Cerritos, Ferris wheels in Long Beach, patriotic speeches in Huntington Park . . .

And there will be fireworks everywhere, of course, as these and other cities in the Southeast/Long Beach area celebrate the Fourth of July.

ARTESIA: Relay races, baseball and volleyball tournaments, a karate demonstration and fireworks will be presented by the Department of Parks and Recreation at Artesia Park, 18750 Clarkdale Ave. The free activities will begin at 10 a.m.; fireworks start at 9 p.m. For information, call 860-3361.

CERRITOS: The annual Let Freedom Ring celebration will feature games, relays, food and swimming, plus performances by Presty’s Show Offs and the Laker Girls, a fireworks spectacular, and music by Popular Demand, Jeri and the Jetz, and Four Men in Achord. Events start at 7 a.m. at Cerritos Park East, 13234 E. 166th St., with a $2.50 pancake breakfast sponsored by Boy Scout Troop 547. Other activities begin at 10 a.m.; a formal ceremony is at 5 p.m. Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. Admission is free. Information: 860-0311.

HUNTINGTON PARK: A special tribute to the city’s 84th anniversary of incorporation will feature patriotic entertainment, including popular and local groups and a fireworks show synchronized to music. Mayor Tom Jackson and Chamber of Commerce President Jessica Maes-Rico will speak. The free show at Huntington Park High School stadium, 1620 Miles Ave., begins at 7 p.m. No alcoholic beverages or private fireworks will be permitted.

LONG BEACH: The Queen Mary and Spruce Goose Entertainment Center and the city will be hosts for Long Beach’s annual fireworks program with a live radio broadcast on KLON-FM 88.1. The Queen Mary and Spruce Goose will offer regular daytime entertainment, including live shows, the 1939 Auto Show and Brighton Carnival, an old-fashioned family carnival with Ferris wheels, authentic carousel and nostalgic games of skill, at 1126 Queens Highway North at the south end of the Long Beach Freeway in the Port of Long Beach. The fireworks program is at 9 p.m. Spectators wishing to view the program should arrive by 5 p.m. The Queen Mary’s Voyage to 1939 is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; fees are $17.50 for adults and $9.50 for children. Tickets include all-day admission to the attractions and evening fireworks program.

Other programs in the Long Beach area include:

Belmont Pier’s Fourth of July boat ride and fireworks show from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at Ocean Boulevard and Termino Avenue. Prices are $10 for adults or $5 for children 12 and younger, prepaid reservations only. Information: 434-6781.

The Center / Long Beach will offer an all-gay and lesbian Fourth of July dinner cruise and dance aboard the Pride of Los Angeles. A live band will play while the yacht cruises just off the bow of the Queen Mary. Pride of Los Angeles will depart from San Pedro at 7 p.m.; the cruise lasts until about 10:30 p.m. Tickets are $55. Information: Community Activities Network, 439-6313.

NORWALK: “A Tribute to America’s Heritage,” the city’s annual fireworks show, will feature thrill acts by the California Aerial Circus, Benny Koske the “human bomb” and the Amazing Wynns. The show will begin at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Cerritos College, 11110 Alondra Blvd., Norwalk. Tickets are $3.50. Information: 929-2677.

PICO RIVERA: The annual baby show, open to Pico Rivera residents only, will start a celebration that will include entertainment, arts and crafts vendors, food and game booths and a fireworks display. The free events will be at Smith Park, 6016 Rosemead Blvd., starting with the baby show at 10 a.m. Fireworks are at 9 p.m.

The Pico Rivera Senior Center Independence Day dance will feature Jess Garza’s Senior Latin Band from 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday at 9200 E. Mines Ave. A $2 donation will be asked. Information: 948-4844.

SAN PEDRO: Rep. Glenn M. Anderson (D-San Pedro) will be the guest of honor at Freedom for All, a July 4 celebration by the Merchant Marine Veterans of World War II at 10 a.m. aboard the cargo ship Lane Victory at Berth 52, Port of Los Angeles. Other guests include Long Beach Councilman Evan Anderson Braude, Los Angeles Councilwoman Joan Milke Flores and Rear Adm. Alvar Gomez. Tickets are $2 per adult, $4 per family. Information: 519-9545.

SOUTH GATE: Golfing, swimming, softball and baseball, music, a carnival and a Little Miss and Mr. South Gate tiny tot contest, open to residents only, will be held in a combination All-America City and 45th annual Independence Day celebration at Recreation Park, 9520 Hildreth Ave. Carnival hours today and Wednesday are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Monday and Tuesday, 5 to 10 p.m. Open-play golf begins the Fourth’s celebration at 8 a.m. The fireworks program is at 9 p.m. Golf is $2 for youths and senior citizens or $2.50 for adults. There is a $2 baby pageant entry fee. Admission is free to all other events. Information: 563-5447.

WHITTIER: The Greater Whittier Kiwanis Club and Whittier Human Services Department will present entertainment from 1 to 9 p.m., a world championship chili cook-off at noon, a family picnic and games at 5 p.m., and a fireworks spectacular at 9 p.m. All events are at California High School, 9800 Mills Ave. Tickets are $6 for adults or $4 for senior citizens and children under 12. Preschool children are free. Information: 945-8205.