Things To Do: Orange County Fourth of July

Orange County, in the center of Southern California, is full of great things to see and do this Independence Day 2009.  Spectacular events and activities, including harbor cruises, elaborate fireworks shows and backyard-style barbecues, can be found in nearly every city in and around Orange County.  Some highlights for this Fourth of July include:

Huntington Beach 4th of July Parade
This year marks the 105th anniversary of Huntington Beach's Fourth of July parade, the largest Independence Day parade west of the Mississsippi River.  More than 300 entries, including bands, floats and equestrians will take part in the 4th of July Parade.  After the parade is over, events and activities will continue on the iconic Huntington Beach pier.  The day-long activities will conclude with a fireworks show over the Pacific Ocean at 9:00 p.m.

View From the Zeppelin Eureka

Queen Mary
Starting on Friday, July 3rd, The historic Queen Mary, located in Long Beach, will host a weekend's worth of Independence Day celebrations.  Events include a karaoke and DJ dance party, street performers, live radio station broadcasts by 102.7 KIIS FM and 98.7 FM, an outdoor nightclub, and of course, a tremendous fireworks celebration on Saturday night.  The weekend-long celebration will begin with a special skydiving exhibition from the Zeppelin Eureka.

Disneyland® Resort Fireworks Show
Disneyland® Park's fireworks celebration is specially-themed honoring the Fourth of July.  From July 2 through July 5 the nightly fireworks show "Magical," will be replaced with a special patriotic fireworks show called, "Disney's Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky."


Hornblower Cruises - Fireworks Cruise
Hornblower Cruises is offering two Fourth of July cruises out of its Newport Beach location.  The fist is the Fourth of July Boat Parade Brunch Cruise.  The brunch cruise, which is from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m., will provide a front row seat to the 53rd annual "Old Glory Boat Parade."  The second cruise offered will be from 7:00 - 10:00 p.m and features a great view of the fireworks dislpay over the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort and Marina.

Dana Wharf Fireworks Cruise
Out in Dana Point, the best Fourth of July celebration will be onboard the Dana Pride.  The two-hour cruises will feature a fully catered BBQ and spectacular fireworks show.  The Independence Day Cruise will be from  7:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Newport Dunes
July 4th 2009 at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort and Marina is an entire day of events and activities.  Carnival games, bounce houses, waterfront dining, and various water activity rentals all lead up to one of Orange County's best fireworks show.

Hootenanny 2009
Looking to different way celebrate Fourth of July?  Then head down to Oak Canyon Ranch in Irvine for Hootenanny 2009.  This all-day music festival is an uncompromising celebration of all things retro and features an eclectic mix of the best outlaw country, rockabilly, and swing music around.  This years musical acts include, Rev. Horton Heat, Los Lobos, Big Bad VooDoo Daddy, and the Supersuckers.

Angels Baseball Fireworks
July 2 - 5 is Patriotic Week at Angels Stadium, and on July 4th, the Angels will take on the Baltimore Orioles at 6:05 p.m.  The Angels will be celebrating the nation's birthday with a post-game fireworks show.  In addition, UH 60 Blackhawks will be doing a flyover during the National Anthem as our nation's colors are presented by the US Army Color Guard.

Red White and BOOM at LEGOLAND® California
LEGOLAND® California promises that this year's Red, White an BOOM! celebration will be bigger and better than ever.  Highlights of the day include: a Red, White and BOOM! themed LEGO building competition, interactive drumming demonstrations, potato sack races, and a special performance by The Jumpitz.