STARS AND STRIPES FOREVER : It takes more than just fireworks to have a whiz-bang Fourth of July.

The Fourth of July is no longer just for fireworks.

Old-fashioned pyrotechnics, of course, are still the traditional highlight of every red-white-and-blue-blooded patriot’s Independence Day. But these days there are dozens of other ways to celebrate the anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.

Consider the variety of activities scheduled in the South Bay this year. Carnivals, kites and concerts are all part of the holiday pageantry as cities throughout the area mark Independence Day with everything from train rides to bicycle parades. Below is a partial listing of the holiday happenings.

The Fourth of July celebration in Carson is a regular three-ring circus. To help the city mark its 25th anniversary the Jordan International Circus from Las Vegas will ride into town and take over the Velodrome on the campus of Cal State Dominguez Hills with aerial and animal acts. The program includes lions, tigers, and clowns performing below tightrope and trapeze artists and two motorcyclists who present a daring stunt called “the globe of death.” Show times are 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. General admission tickets purchased in advance for the matinee are $3 for children 12 and younger and $6 for adults. Reserved seating is $9.

General admission tickets purchased in advance for the evening performance, which includes an aerial fireworks show, are $6 for children and $9 for adults. Reserved seating is $12. All tickets purchased the day of the performance will cost an additional $2. Information: (310) 830-7600 ext. 315.

Gardena will have its 30th Annual Fourth of July Celebration at Rowley Memorial Park from noon to 9 p.m. with a program that includes an exhibition softball game, food and game booths, races and carnival rides. A traditional fireworks display begins at 8:45 p.m. Information: (310) 217-9562 or (310) 217-9537.

Cooling off in the pool or a hot game of tennis are two ways to pass the Fourth in Inglewood. The city’s fireworks show has been canceled but residents will have free access to tennis courts and the swimming pool in Centinela Park. The courts will be available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and pool hours will be 12:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Festivities in Centinela Park also include organized crafts and games for children from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and youth baseball games from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Information: (310) 412-8750.

In Manhattan Beach, the sky will be filled with kites and volleyballs instead of fireworks. Some of the world’s best professional volleyball players will compete in the $100,000 Killer Loop Manhattan Beach Open today through Sunday on the sand just south of the Manhattan Beach Pier.

NBC Sports will broadcast the championship match live beginning Sunday at 1:30 p.m. Grandstand seating is free. Court-side seats cost $10 to $15. Information: (310) 337-4842 or (800) 793-TOUR.

Just a few yards down the beach on Sunday, the UP Sports Kite Open takes flight from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The show and competition will feature fliers of all ages and skill levels. The event will include team and synchronized exhibitions, a “human kite,” and an exhibition by eight champions who will fly 96 kites simultaneously. Although the competition portion of the event is closed, there will be plenty for spectators to enjoy. Information: (310) 798-7875.

Sky divers trailing plumes of colored smoke will leap from 4,500 feet to introduce fireworks at “Celebrate America,” the 10th annual Fourth of July show sponsored by the South Torrance Lions Club at El Camino College Stadium.

The gates open to the public at 6 p.m. Beginning at 7 p.m., performances by the Palos Verdes Symphonic Orchestra, The American Youth Express, Pam Loe’s Country music and square dance and gymnastics will provide entertainment before the aerial fireworks show.

Admission is $7 for adults and $3 for children 6 to 12. Children younger than 6 will be admitted free. Proceeds from the show will benefit the Torrance South Bay YMCA, the blind and hearing-impaired programs of the Lions Clubs, school drug awareness programs and about 40 other local organizations. Information: (310) 540-4639.

The city of Torrance also sponsors an all-day Fourth of July fair in Charles Wilson Park with more than 140 arts and crafts booths, 70 game and food booths and music.

During the fair, visitors can also hitch a free ride on a miniature train courtesy of the Southern California Live Steamers. The scale locomotives represent all eras of railroading. The trains will run between 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. at the east end of the park. Information: (310) 370-3989.

Comedian Red Skelton will be the keynote speaker at the Palos Verdes Independence Day Celebration, beginning at Malaga Cove School at 11:30 a.m. Skelton will be on hand to receive the Kenneth T. Norris Jr. Heritage of Freedom Award. This old-time family event will feature music by the Palos Verdes Symphonic Band, a children’s bicycle parade, puppet show and an apple pie-baking contest. There’s still time to get in shape for the sack races, egg toss, watermelon-eating contest. Information: (310) 373-7701.

Rancho Palos Verdes will mark the Fourth with the 18th Annual Country Fair from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 30940 Hawthorne Blvd. All-day musical entertainment, craft and food booths and kiddie carnival rides fill out this Independence Day event set on a hill overlooking the ocean. Information: (310) 798-2488.

In San Pedro, Ports O’ Call Village invites visitors to the opening of the Ports O’ Call Playhouse, an old-fashioned theater with 19th-Century atmosphere.

The theater’s first melodrama, “Never Trust a Tattooed Sailor,” is accompanied by a player piano and commentary for the audience. Adult admission is $7 for matinees and $10 for evening performances today through Sunday. Children’s tickets are $5. Information: (310) 548-5798.

Ports O’ Call Village will also be the site for a kids’ carnival featuring rides and games today through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Information: (310) 831-9930 or (310) 831-0287.

Fireworks cruises leaving from Ports O’ Call Village will depart Sunday at 7:30 and 8 p.m. Tickets are $5 to $25. Information: (310) 548-8080 or (310) 831-0996.