It’s a Grand Old Holiday

“The Fourth of July gives us a chance to be unabashedly patriotic,” says entertainer Pat Boone.

And that’s just what he plans to do Sunday, appearing in two of the Southland’s biggest Fourth of July celebrations. Perhaps the epitome of an all-American guy, Boone proudly notes that patriotism is in his blood--Daniel Boone is his forebear.

So it’s appropriate that he’ll roll through the streets of Huntington Beach as the grand marshal of the 95th annual Fourth of July parade, and then in the evening headline the San Fernando Valley’s Independence Day celebration at Cal State Northridge.

“The Fourth of July reminds us, hopefully, of the things about America that we can’t take for granted,” he says. “If we don’t keep remembering and we don’t celebrate, we’re going to lose it.”

The celebration in Huntington Beach begins at 10 a.m. with the parade, which typically draws 300,000 spectators. The event will be televised, on Orange County’s KDOC-TV, which Boone happens to own. There will be fireworks in the evening at the Huntington Beach High School stadium, where a pre-show features music and vendors. 1905 Main St., Huntington Beach. Admission is $5; younger than 2, free. Advance purchase suggested: (714) 374-1535.

At 2 p.m. Sunday, gates open for the Independence Day celebration at Cal State Northridge, offering food booths, children’s rides and games along with the performance by Boone at about 8:30 p.m. Fireworks will cap off the evening. Tickets, $8; children under 12 and seniors, $5. Parking after 4 p.m., $3. (818) 349-5676.

Expect a huge “kaboom” on Sunday at the L.A. Fairplex. The 13th annual Independence Day celebration is sure to rattle some panes with ground and air fireworks, preceded by infield activities beginning at 3 p.m., including a skydiving show, BMX demonstrations, carnival rides, pony rides, a petting farm and a classic car show. Headlining on the main stage is Elvis impersonator Raymond Michael. 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona. Adults, $5 to $12; ages 12 and younger, $3 to $6; 5 and younger, free in unreserved seats. Parking, $5 at Gate 17. (909) 623-3111.

Two days of festivities in La Verne include a country fair with rides, crafts and entertainment, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. A parade down D Street starts at 10 a.m. Saturday; at 7:30 p.m., D Street will be closed for a street dance. On Sunday, gates open at 6 p.m. for a performance by the Fabs, followed by fireworks at Bonita High School, 3102 D St. Fireworks: $6; ages 5 to 12, $5. (909) 596-8700.

Fireworks will fly after the Dodgers’ game against the Giants on Sunday. Game time is 6:35 p.m. Dodger Stadium, 1000 Elysian Park Ave., Los Angeles. Tickets: $6 to $16. (323) 224-1448.

The Rose Bowl also will be aglow with fireworks following the L.A. Galaxy’s soccer game against Miami. Game time is 7:30 p.m., fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Rose Bowl, 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena. General admission, $9 to $17. Gates open at 5:45 p.m. Ticketmaster: (213) 480-3232.

Head to the shore for the Marina del Rey Fireworks Spectacular. Burton Chase Park, Fisherman’s Village and Dock 52 lot offer the best views of the fireworks, scheduled for 9 p.m. Free. (310) 305-9545.

The Long Beach Firefighters Memorial Assn. hosts its 42nd annual fireworks display at Long Beach Veterans Stadium. Music and canine demonstrations precede fireworks at 9 p.m. Gates open at 5 p.m. 5000 Lew Davis Drive. $6; ages 5 to 11, $5; seniors, $5. No coolers. (562) 938-4018.

Also in Long Beach, a carnival will fill the Queen Mary Events Park over the weekend, with fireworks each night at 9 p.m. over Long Beach Harbor. Games, rides and food vendors will be open Friday, 5-11 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Admission is free.

Live bands will kick off Lancaster’s Fourth of July event at Antelope Valley Fairgrounds, Gates open at 6 p.m. Fireworks at 9 p.m. 155 E. Ave. I, Lancaster. Free. (805) 723-6077.

It’s “Strictly USA” at Six Flags Magic Mountain. A picnic that includes a chicken dinner, entertainment and a private viewing area for the fireworks show is an additional $8.95. Regular park admission: $36 (includes fireworks and Looney Tunes Nites Parade); children under 48 inches, $9.99; seniors, $20; ages 2 and younger, free. 26101 Magic Mountain Parkway, Valencia. (805) 255-4111.

A pyromusical celebration at Castaic Lake Recreation Area includes a kids’ zone play area, pony rides, food vendors and music. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. 32132 Ridge Route Road, Castaic. Tickets: $20 per car. (805) 257-4050.

Orange County

Reenactments of the Boston Massacre and the battles of Lexington and Concord will take place on the grounds of Independence Hall, outside Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, as part of the Independence Weekend Revolutionary Encampment. Patrick Henry, Abigail Adams and Betsy Ross are among the historical figures that will take part. See demonstrations of flag making, musket cleaning, gunsmithing and quilting in the British and Colonial encampments. Hours: Friday through Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free admission; parking $7. (714) 220-5200. 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park.

There won’t be Angels in the outfield, but everyone else is welcome to stake out a position at Edison Field in Anaheim for the fireworks on Saturday. “An American Celebration--The Big Red, White & Boom” begins at 7:30 p.m. with music by the Pacific Symphony Orchestra and fireworks. Highlights include a color guard and a military flyover. Seats are $14 to $28, half price for ages 12 and younger; on-field seating $36. 2000 Gene Autry Way. Ticketmaster: (714) 663-9000.

At 1 p.m. Sunday, the Old Glory Boat Parade, featuring vessels decked in patriotic decor, gets underway in Newport Harbor. The annual Fireworks Extravaganza includes games, food, music and dancing on the beach followed by fireworks over the harbor. $20 per car. Newport Dunes, 1131 Back Bay Drive. (949) 729-4400.

Ventura County

The Simi Valley Fourth of July Fireworks Extravaganza includes skydivers, music by the Hodads, arts and crafts, food vendors, and, of course, fireworks. Gates open at 3 p.m. Simi Valley High School Stadium, 5400 Cochran Street. $8; ages 3 to 17, $5. (805) 527-3300.

Riverside County

The All-American Sing-Along precedes fireworks at Palm Springs Angels Stadium, Sunrise Way and Baristo Avenue. Gates open at 6 p.m.; the pre-show begins at 7:30 p.m.; fireworks at 9 p.m. Free. (760) 837-7147.

San Bernardino County

The Big Bear Lake Rotary Club will host its annual barbecue from 5 to 8 p.m. Choose from tri tips and chicken ($17) or burgers and hot dogs ($12). The prices include the food, children’s games and a lakefront view of the fireworks at dusk. 40770 Lake View Drive, Big Bear Lake. (909) 866-2112.

Fourth of July Guide

* Visit Calendar Live! at https://www.calendarlive.com to find the Fourth of July festival or fireworks display near you.