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Where to wave your flag

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Editor’s note: This corrects an earlier version that stated the Balboa Island Parade is part of the Fourth of July events. In fact that parade took place June 6.

Looking for a good way to commemorate our national holiday Sunday? Newport-Mesa is chock-full of patriotic, char-grilled and explosive ways to celebrate independence. Here’s a sampling.

In Newport Harbor, check out the American Legion Yacht Club’s Old Glory Boat Parade from 1 to 5 p.m. Owners cover their ships in red, white and blue in hopes of earning trophies for best Decoration, best costumes, or the elusive Commodore’s Award. A tradition more than 50 years in the making, the parade forms off of Collins Island and will be led by the Harbor Patrol Fire Boat.

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Stop by the American Legion Newport Harbor Post, 291 15th St., from 7 to 11 a.m. for the famous $10 pancake breakfast; lunch and dinner also will be served from noon to 5 p.m. for $10. The parade can be viewed from the post, as well as many places overlooking the harbor. For more information, call (949) 673-5070 or visit al291.com.

The Mariners Elementary School Foundation runs a popular carnival and bicycle parade at Mariners Park, with proceeds benefiting the school. The parade starts at 10:30 a.m., with the carnival running from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. All-day wristbands are available for activities including a rock climbing wall, bungee run, 28-foot slide and more. For more information, visit marinersfoundation.com.

Seeking a “safe and sane” way to legally blow stuff up on the Fourth? Head to a buddy’s place in Costa Mesa, where (legal) fireworks are permitted; no fireworks of any kind, including sparklers, can be used or possessed in Newport Beach.

For a spectacular view of the fireworks displays in the area, consider joining the Southwind Kayak Center’s group kayaking firework viewing journey through the bay at 7:30 p.m. Costs are $35 per adult, or $25 per adult with their own boat; tickets for children ages 5 to 17 are $25 each. For more information, call (949) 261-0200.

For a bit of mirth with your patriotism, check out the Red, White & Blue Singles Party at the Pavilion in the Radisson Hotel Newport Beach, 4545 Macarthur Blvd., from 8 p.m. to midnight. The average attendee age is 30 to 45, but the event is open to those ages 21 and up, and the deejay will spin ‘80s and ‘90s music. Admission is $10; dress code is red, white and blue. For more information, call (949) 378-6600 or visit kalinda.name.

The biggest fireworks display on the bay can be found at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina, 1131 Back Bay Drive, whose all-day family fun fest begins at 11 a.m. Events like a Velcro wall, dunk tank, volleyball tournament, horseshoe tournament, bungee run, cake walk, limbo contest, and bounce house will be available until 7 p.m. DJs and live bands will perform. The day concludes with a spectacular fireworks show — one of the best in the region. The event is free, but there’s a $35 parking fee per vehicle, so fill up a Suburban or Expedition and share the costs. For more information, call (949) 729-3863 or visit newportdunes.com.

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