The Abridged version:
- July Fourth is Saturday, and there is an abundance of events across the four-county region, including fireworks, live music and parades.
- The forecast for much of Northern California remains agreeable, the inverse to a heat dome encompassing the East Coast, Midwest and South.
- Millions of Americans are expected to travel by car over the long weekend. Drivers can expect slightly higher gas prices, with the state summer tax going into effect Wednesday.
July Fourth is Saturday, landing smack in the middle of what is for many a three-day weekend.
Whether you’re a traffic trooper bound for one of the many public celebrations across the Sacramento region or prefer staying close to the home and the backyard barbecue, the forecast spells remarkably pleasant weather for holiday festivities.
There are firework displays in Rancho Cordova, West Sacramento, Roseville and other spots.
Adding extra jubilance this year, the country is hitting its semiquincentennial. Celebrations for the 250th are abundant across the four-county area.
Travelers should be prepared, though, for potential road closures, a lot of fellow drivers and slightly higher prices at the gas pump.
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Celebrating America’s 250th
Events marking the milestone Independence Day include parades, live music and firework displays:
- Elk Grove: Salute to the Red, White and Blue runs 5-9 p.m. Saturday, featuring food trucks, a concert from Pop Fiction and drone and fireworks show.
- Loomis: The 250th Independence Day Parade begins 9 a.m. July 4 in downtown Loomis.
- South Lake Tahoe: America 250 Events kick off Saturday with a parade through the city (a 2-mile stretch of Highway 50 will be closed in the morning) and finish with Lights on the Lake fireworks.
- Woodland: Fourth of July activities go all day, beginning with a pancake breakfast, then a bike parade, ice cream social and finally a fireworks celebration.
This is just a handful of the many happenings this week. Check your city or county’s official calendars and social media for more festivities near you.
Where can I see fireworks?
Other spots to catch fireworks include Rancho Cordova’s two-day display. The city will preview its celebration with a “warm-up” show Friday, before the big finale in Hagan Community Park Saturday.
The A’s take on the Miami Marlins Saturday. After the last out that evening, postgame fireworks will be on display at the West Sacramento ballpark.
Fireworks in Roseville will shoot off from 9:15-9:30 p.m. Saturday at The Grounds.
Residents may be able to put on their own colorful pyrotechnic displays but should keep in mind local guidelines and restrictions.
Good weather forecast
The weather in Northern California has been persistently agreeable — sunshine and relatively moderate temperatures for most of the area — in recent days. Those conditions appear ready to last throughout the weekend.
You can thank the rest of the country for taking the heat (literally).
A dome of high temperatures is encapsulating much of the East Coast, Midwest and South, creating an inverse, more temperate effect in the West.
Traffic heavy, gas prices up
About 72 million Americans are expected to hit the road and venture at least 50 miles from home this July Fourth, according to AAA. Almost 9 million of those will be going through California.
Traffic will likely be heavy on the highways, especially on Sunday afternoon and evening, as residents return home from their trips.
Some stretches of neighborhood roads will be closed for brief periods Saturday accommodating parade routes or other events.
Filling up the gas tank might cost just a little more than usual. Average gas prices Wednesday ranged from $5.35 in Sacramento County to $5.52 in El Dorado County.
California’s summer gas tax also just took effect July 1, now set at 63.4 cents per gallon.
Savannah Kuchar is a reporter covering education. She came to Sacramento to be a part of the Abridged team and contribute to a crucial local news source.