It figures to be a blast

WITHOUT Christmas’ rampant commercialization or New Year’s bittersweet hue, the Fourth of July makes a good case for being America’s best holiday. Other than the speeches by gasbag politicos, there’s a certain unpretentiousness about the Fourth that is quintessentially American.

No long trips to the mall; no elaborate meals to cook; no fancy clothes to wear. Picnics? Yes! Baseball? Naturally! Hot dogs? Most definitely! Music? Of course!

But the holiday’s primary allure is something else. It’s not the hot dogs or the music or the patriotic speeches that make people go “ooooh” and “aaaahhhhh” each Independence Day.

It’s the fireworks.

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(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX)

All events are taking place Tuesday unless noted otherwise.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY

Artesia Fireworks at 9 p.m. Artesia Park, Elaine Avenue and South Street, Artesia. (562) 860-3361.

Baldwin Park Festivities begin at 5 p.m.; fireworks at 9 p.m. Sierra Vista High School, 3600 Frazier St., Baldwin Park. Free. (626) 960-7741.

Bellflower Bellflower’s Independence Day carnival runs July 1-3; noon-11:30 p.m. Sat., noon-10 p.m. Sun., noon-11:30 p.m. Mon. Fireworks at 9 p.m. Monday only. Thompson Park, 14001 Bellflower Blvd., Bellflower. Mon. Free. (562) 866-8614.

Burbank A holiday concert starring the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, the Drifters, the Crew Cuts, the DeMarche Sisters and Mary Lou Metzger will conclude with a fireworks display. Gates open at 6 p.m.; music starts at 6:30 p.m.; fireworks at 9 p.m. Starlight Bowl, 1249 Lockheed View Drive, Burbank. $7-$120, advance purchase required. (818) 525-3721.

Calabasas Fireworks at 9 p.m. Calabasas High School, 22855 Mulholland Highway, Calabasas. (818) 222-7177.

Castaic Lake Holiday festivities begin at 5 p.m.; fireworks at 9 p.m. All-day entrance to the park is $25 per car or $5 per person. Castaic Lake Recreation Area, 32132 Ridge Route Road, Castaic. (661) 257-4050.

Cerritos Fireworks at 9 p.m. Cerritos High School, 12500 183rd St., Cerritos. (562) 924-3336.

Catalina Island Fireworks at 9 p.m. can be viewed from anywhere in Avalon. Free. (310) 510-1520.

Claremont Holiday festivities begin at 6:30 p.m. with live music and other attractions; fireworks at 9 p.m. Pomona College, 340 N. College Ave., Claremont. $6-$8. (909) 399-5460.

Commerce Fireworks at 9 p.m. Rosewood Park, 5600 Harbor St., Commerce. (323) 887-4427.

Cudahy Fireworks at 9 p.m. Cudahy Park, 5220 Santa Ana St., Cudahy. Mon. Free. (323) 773-5143.

Diamond Bar Fireworks at 9 p.m. Diamond Bar High School, 21400 Pathfinder Road, Diamond Bar. (909) 594-1405.

Dodger Stadium Fireworks display at the conclusion of the game between the Dodgers and Arizona Diamondbacks. Game time is 6:10 p.m. Dodger Stadium, 1000 Elysian Park Ave., L.A. $6-$200. (323) 224-1459.

El Monte Fireworks at 8:45 p.m. Downtown El Monte, Tyler Avenue between Concert Street and Sally Tanner Drive, El Monte. Wed. (626) 459-4113.

Gardena 9 p.m. Rowley Park, 13220 S. Van Ness Ave., Gardena. (310) 515-9456.

Hollywood Bowl 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular This year’s celebration features singer-songwriter Kenny Loggins along with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. Timothy Muffitt conducts. Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood. Sun.-Tue., 7:30 p.m. $8-$111.

Huntington Park Festivities begin at 6 p.m.; fireworks at 9 p.m. Huntington Park High School, 6020 Miles Ave., Huntington Park. (323) 584-6218.

Irwindale Gates open at 4 p.m.; races begin at 7 p.m. followed by fireworks. Irwindale Speedway, 13300 E. Live Oak Ave., Irwindale. Sat. $5-$25; 5 and younger, free. (626) 358-1100.

Lakeview Terrace All-day festivities will conclude with fireworks at 9 p.m. Hanson Dam Amphitheatre, 11770 Foothill Blvd., Lake View Terrace. (818) 768-1128.

Lancaster Gates open at 6:30 p.m.; music begins at 7:30 p.m. and fireworks at 9 p.m. Antelope Valley Fairgrounds, Avenue H at the 14 Freeway, Lancaster. Free. (661) 723-6077.

Lakewood Fireworks at 9:15 p.m. on the Del Amo Boulevard side of the Lakewood Center Mall, Lakewood and Del Amo boulevards, Lakewood. Sat. (562) 633-0437.

Lawndale Fireworks at 9 p.m. Leuzinger High School, 4118 W. Rosecrans Ave., Lawndale. Sat. (310) 219-2750.

Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum A fair and jazz concert in Leimert Park, corner of 43rd Street and Degnan Boulevard, will be 1-7 p.m. followed by fireworks from the Coliseum. Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, 3911 S. Figueroa St., L.A. Free. (213) 485-7616.

Lynwood Festivities begin at 1 p.m.; fireworks at 9 p.m. Lynwood City Park, Bullis Road and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Lynwood. (310) 603-0220.

Malibu Fireworks at 9 p.m. from a barge offshore near the 30100 block of Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu. (310) 456-2489.

Marina del Rey Fireworks at 9 p.m. Fisherman’s Village, 13755 Fiji Way, Marina del Rey. (310) 305-9545.

Maywood Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. with a parade; live music at 6:30 p.m. will be followed by fireworks at 9 p.m. Maywood City Park, 4801 58th St., Maywood. (323) 562-5020.

Palmdale Fireworks at 9 p.m. on the football field at Palmdale High School, 2137 E. Ave. R, Palmdale. (661) 267-5611.

Pasadena Rachael Worby conducts the Pasadena Pops orchestra in a program of popular and patriotic music featuring one of the largest Fourth of July fireworks display in Southern California. Holland Taylor narrates. Rose Bowl, 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena. , 6:45 p.m. $10. (626) 792-7677.

Pico Rivera Fireworks at 9 p.m. Smith Park, 6016 Rosemead Blvd., Pico Rivera. (562) 942-7004.

Pomona The 20th annual “Kaboom!” celebration with monster trucks, motorcycle daredevils and fireworks. Gates open at 5 p.m.; grandstand opens at 6:30 p.m.; show starts at 8 p.m. Pomona Fairplex, 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona. $12-$19.50; 2 and younger, free. (909) 623-3111.

Queen Mary An Eagles tribute band, the Long Run, performs 6-9 p.m. followed by fireworks. Queen Mary, 1126 Queens Highway, Pier J, Long Beach. $14.95-$25.95; 4 and younger, free; other activities may have additional charges. (562) 435-3511.

Redondo Beach Music by the Hula Monsters 4-6 p.m. at the horseshoe area of the pier; fireworks will be shot off a barge west of the pier at 9 p.m. Redondo Beach Pier, 100 W. Torrance Blvd., Redondo Beach. (310) 318-0631, Ext. 2.

Rosemead Holiday carnival with rides, games, entertainment and more begins at 11:30 a.m.; fireworks at dusk. Rosemead Park, 4343 Encinita Ave., Rosemead. $3-$12. (626) 569-2256.

Santa Fe Springs Festivities with rides, games, food and more begins at 1 p.m.; fireworks at 9 p.m. Los Nietos Park, 11143 Charlesworth Road, Santa Fe Springs. (562) 948-1986.

Santa Monica “Celebrate America” will feature live entertainment and other attractions. Picnics welcome. Gates open at 5 p.m.; entertainment at 6; fireworks at dusk. Corsair Field at Santa Monica College, 1900 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica. Sat. Free. (310) 434-3000.

Six Flags Magic Mountain The park is open from 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; fireworks at dusk. Six Flags Magic Mountain, 26101 Magic Mountain Parkway, Valencia. $29.99-$59.99; 2 and younger, free. (661) 255-4100.

South El Monte Fireworks at 9 p.m. South El Monte High School, 1001 Durfee Ave., South El Monte. (626) 442-0218.

South Gate Festivities begin at noon; fireworks at 9 p.m. South Gate Park, 9520 Hildreth Ave., South Gate. (323) 563-5445.

Stevenson Ranch Fireworks at 9 p.m. Richard H. Rioux Memorial Park, 26233 W. Faulkner Drive, Stevenson Ranch. (661) 222-9536.

Studio City Studio City’s Fourth of July festival will feature the Beach Toys (a Beach Boys tribute band), the Cody Bryant Show, Alana Sweetwater and the Heavysteppers and others followed by a fireworks show. Gates open at 4:30 p.m.; music begins at 5 p.m.; fireworks at 9 p.m. CBS Studio Center, 4024 Radford Ave., Studio City. $8-$15, 5 and younger, free; $100 VIP tickets. (818) 655-5916.

Torrance Fireworks at 9 p.m. from a barge off Torrance Beach, Torrance Beach Paseo de la Playa, Torrance. (310) 372-2166.

Valencia Fireworks at 9 p.m. off the roof of a parking structure will be viewable from the center’s parking lot. Valencia Town Center, 24201 W. Valencia Blvd., Valencia. (310) 287-9050.

Walnut Fireworks at 9 p.m. Walnut High School, 400 N. Pierre Road, Walnut. (909) 598-5605.

Woodland Hills The 110-piece L.A. Pierce Symphonic Winds will perform a concert at 6 p.m. followed by fireworks. Warner Park, 5900 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Woodland Hills. (818) 704-1358.

ORANGE COUNTY

Aliso Viejo Community festival with live music, food, games and fireworks. Gates open at 5 p.m. Fireworks at 9 p.m. Grand Park, 26600 Horizon, Aliso Viejo. (949) 448-5922.

Anaheim Canyon Hills community’s all-day celebration with food, games, live entertainment and other attractions. Fireworks at 9 p.m. Peralta Park, 115 N. Pinney St., Anaheim. (714) 283-6653.

Dana Point Fireworks at 9 p.m. will be shot off a barge in the harbor. No cars will be allowed into the harbor area after 7:30 p.m., but a free shuttle to the harbor will be provided from 10 a.m.-11 p.m. at Dana Point High School, 33333 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point. (949) 248-3530.

Dana Point The Ocean Institute will offer a sunset cruise to view fireworks 7-10 p.m. Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. $27-$35. (949) 496-2274.

Disneyland The park will have a special patriotic finale in addition to its regular show at 9:25 p.m. Disneyland, 1313 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim. $49-$59. (714) 781-4565.

Fullerton The 17th annual community fireworks show at Fullerton High School Stadium. Also music, games and food. Gates open at 5 p.m.; fireworks at 9 p.m.. Fullerton High School, 201 E. Chapman Ave., Fullerton. (714) 738-6545.

Huntington Beach All-day community celebration culminates in a fireworks display at 9 p.m. Pier seating for the fireworks show is $20 or three for $50. Huntington Beach Pier Plaza, Pacific Coast Highway and Main Street, Huntington Beach. (714) 374-1535.

Irvine Lake The Red, White and Blue Freedomfest Picnic and Fireworks begins at 5 p.m.; live country music for dancing and fireworks at 9 p.m. Irvine Lake, 4501 Santiago Canyon Road, Orange. Sat. $5-$10, 5 and younger, free. (714) 998-1500.

Irvine Annual Concert on the Green and Fireworks Festival; gates open at 3 p.m. Food, games and other attractions. Fireworks at 9 p.m. Irvine High School, 4321 Walnut Ave., Irvine. $7-$40. (949) 724-0488.

Knott’s Berry Farm The park will have a fireworks display at 9:15 p.m. Knott’s Berry Farm, 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park. $14.95-$39.95. (714) 827-1776.

Laguna Beach Fireworks will be shot from Monument Point at Heisler Park with best viewing from the main beach. After dusk. Laguna Beach. (800) 877-1115.

Laguna Hills Live music, food, games, contests, rides and other attractions. Gates open at 4 p.m.; fireworks at 9 p.m. Laguna Hills Community Center, 25555 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Hills. (949) 707-2680.

Laguna Niguel Daylong festivities will conclude with fireworks at 9 p.m. visible from Laguna Niguel Regional Park, 28241 La Paz Road, Laguna Niguel. (949) 425-5100.

La Habra Family-style entertainment begins at 5 p.m.; fireworks at 9:15 p.m. La Habra High School, 801 Highlander Ave., La Habra. $1-$5. (562) 905-9708.

Los Alamitos Gates open at 4 p.m.; no motor homes allowed; family-style entertainment begins at 6 p.m.; fireworks at 9 p.m. Valid ID will be required for adults. Joint Forces Training Base, Katella Avenue and Lexington Drive, Los Alamitos. (714) 229-6780.

Mission Viejo A street fair with crafts, rides, food and entertainment starts at noon, with fireworks at 9 p.m. Olympiad Road between Marguerite Parkway and Melinda Road, Mission Viejo. (949) 830-7066.

Newport Beach All-day festivities, which will include rides, crafts, games, contests, music and other attractions, begin at 11 a.m. Fireworks at 9 p.m. Newport Dunes Resort, 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach. $30 per car. (949) 729-3863.

Orange The city’s 10th annual July 3rd celebration, featuring games, live music, rides, food and other attractions, will start at 4 p.m. and ends with fireworks at 9 p.m. Fred Kelly Stadium at El Modena High School, 3920 Spring St., Orange. Mon. (714) 744-7278.

Placentia Food, games and family-style entertainment begins at 6:30 p.m.; fireworks at 9 p.m. Bradford Stadium, 500 N. Bradford St., Placentia. $2-$6, 2 and younger, free. (714) 993-8232.

San Clemente Fireworks will begin at dusk from the end of the San Clemente Pier, 600 block of Avenida Victoria, San Clemente. (949) 361-8219.

San Juan Capistrano Rides, games, exhibits, live music and other attractions 4-9 p.m.; fireworks at 9 p.m. San Juan Capistrano Sports Park, 25925 Camino del Avion, San Juan Capistrano. (949) 493-5911.

Tustin Festivities start at 6:30 p.m.; the band Hotel California will pay musical tribute to the Eagles; fireworks start at 9 p.m. Tustin High School Northrup Field, 1171 El Camino Real, Tustin. (714) 573-3326.

Verizon Wireless Amphitheater The Pacific Symphony, the American Tenors and Bernie Fields will perform beginning at 8 p.m. The evening concludes with fireworks. Bring your own picnic or buy a boxed meal there. Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, 8808 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine. $9.50-$99. (714) 755-5799.

Westminster Entertainment begins at 5:30 p.m.; fireworks at 8:45 p.m. Westminster High School Stadium, 14325 Golden West St., Westminster. (714) 895-2860.

Yorba Linda Gates open at 4 p.m. with food, games and other attractions; music at 5 p.m. fireworks at 9 p.m. Yorba Linda Middle School, 4777 Casa Loma Ave., Yorba Linda. (714) 990-7160.

VENTURA COUNTY

Camarillo Gates open at 3 p.m. Food, raffles, jolly jumpers, live entertainment and other attractions 4-8 p.m. The fireworks show begins at 9 p.m. at Freedom Park at Camarillo Airport, 455 Aviation Drive, Camarillo. (805) 484-8388, Ext. 395.

Fillmore Fireworks at dusk. Fillmore High School, 555 Central Ave., Fillmore. (805) 524-1500.

Moorpark Fireworks at 9 p.m. Arroyo Vista Community Park, 4550 Tierra Rejada Road, Moorpark. Mon. (805) 517-6300.

Ojai Fireworks at 9 p.m. Nordhoff High School, 1401 Maricopa Highway, Ojai. $3-$10. (805) 646-4295.

Oxnard All-day festivities, including a parade, live entertainment, arts, crafts, rides, games, food and other attractions, will culminate with a fireworks display over the harbor at 9 p.m. Channel Islands Harbor Oxnard, Victoria Avenue and Channel Islands Boulevard, Oxnard. (805) 985-4852.

Santa Paula Fireworks at dusk. Harding Park, Harvard Boulevard, Santa Paula. Free. (805) 985-4852.

Simi Valley Gates open at 1 p.m. with games, live entertainment and other attractions. Fireworks at 9 p.m. Rancho Santa Susana Community Park, 5005 Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley. (805) 584-4400.

Thousand Oaks The city of Thousand Oaks concludes its daylong celebration with fireworks at 9 p.m., with best viewing from the Oaks Mall and Janss Marketplace parking lots. The Oaks Mall, 222 W. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks. (805) 381-2747.

Ventura Gates open at 5 p.m. with games, children’s activities, live music, food and other attractions; fireworks at dusk. Ventura College, 4667 Telegraph Road, Ventura. $5-$10. (805) 654-6461.

RIVERSIDE COUNTY

Indio Festivities, including music, rides, food and more, begin at 6:30 p.m.; fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Riverside County Fairgrounds, 46-350 Arabia St. at Highway 111, Indio. (800) 811-FAIR.

Moreno Valley All-day festivities; 1960s pop acts the Association and Gary Puckett head an entertainment lineup. Fireworks at 9 p.m. Morrison Park, Dracaea Avenue and Morrison Street, Moreno Valley. (951) 413-3281.

Palm Desert Concert starts at 7:30 p.m.; fireworks at 9 p.m. Palm Desert Civic Center Park, Fred Waring Drive and San Pablo Avenue, Palm Desert. (760) 346-0611.

Temecula All-day festivities; fireworks at 9 p.m. sponsored by the city of Temecula. Rancho California Sports Park, 30875 Rancho Vista Road, Temecula. (951) 694-6480.

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY

Chino Freedom celebration will feature games, arts, crafts, live music and more. Festivities start at 5 p.m. Fireworks at dusk. Ruben S. Ayala Community Park, Central and Edison avenues, Chino. Sat. (909) 590-5575.

Ontario Ontario’s annual all-day Star-Spangled Fourth of July Celebration includes family festivities, rides and games in the afternoon at Westwind Park and then a patriotic fireworks display choreographed to music. Westwind Park, 2425 Riverside Drive, Ontario. Free. (909) 395-2020.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY

Legoland Fireworks about 8:15 p.m., accompanied by music. Attendees will receive a pair of commemorative fireworks glasses. Park open 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Legoland California, 1 Lego Drive, Carlsbad. $43-$53; 2 and younger, free. (760) 918-5346.

San Diego Fireworks following the 7:05 p.m. game between the Padres and San Francisco Giants. Petco Park, 100 Park Blvd., San Diego. Sat. $5-$59. (619) 795-5000.

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY

Santa Barbara Fireworks from a barge in Santa Barbara Harbor about 9 p.m. Santa Barbara. Free. (805) 965-3023, Ext. 10.

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More on fireworks

L.A. County

www.safejuly4th.org(888) 654-FIRE

Orange County www.ocfa.org/press/pr_2006/fireworkdisplays.pdf

(714) 573-6225

Ventura County

https://fire.countyofventura.org/

Riverside County

www.rvcfire.org