When our kids were growing up, they never wanted to leave town for the 4th of July. It wasn't because they were homebodies or didn't like to have fun.
Rather it was because nobody does the 4th like Benicia. Just ask anyone who's visited Benicia over the 4th of July. And actually, when I say the 4th of July, I REALLY mean the 3rd and 4th -- for Benicia's Independence Day activities begin on the 3rd and run straight through fireworks on the 4th.
MORE THAN JUST ONE DAY OF FUN
The party actually begins early on the 3rd, when the townspeople start lining First Street with lawn chairs and placing their blankets out on the lawn on at the City Park in anticipation of the annual Torchlight Parade.
This year's parade begins at 6:30 pm on the Third of July. It's a bit hokey, a bit folksy, and every bit Benicia. And something that most Benicians wouldn't miss. The entire town shows up -- food and drink in hand to celebrate a kickoff to our country's birthday.
The parade always has a little something for everyone. Horses, dogs and a spitting camel. Firetrucks, policecars and perhaps even a cement mixer or shiny new garbage truck. Marching bands, dancing school children, clowns, belly-dancers, even a gorilla on a bicycle.
JUST THE APPETIZER...
But that's just the appetizer, for the real fun takes place the following day -- on the 4th of July.
It all starts with the Picnic in The Park -- which runs from 12 noon to 7 pm at, you guessed it, City Park. The locals show up to eat, drink and enjoy a variety of local entertainment, which takes place in front of Benicia's hometown gazebo. There are food and beverage booths, things to do for the kids, even an arts and crafts fair. Many Benicians show up early and spend the entire afternoon at the park.
FIREWORKS OVER THE WATER
But the highlight of the day -- and the part that no 4th of July celebration can be without -- takes place at dusk. Of course, I'm talking about Benicia's always spectacular fireworks display. This year's show begins right after dusk.
The Benicia Main Street Program, which puts on the 3rd & 4th of July festivities, says the pyrotechnic display is scheduled to begin around 9 pm. But the entire town migrates down to the waterfront several hours before that. Most people set up camp either at the Marina or the First Street Green in preparation for the colorful fireworks show, which takes place over the water.
Some people prefer to watch the display from a favorite spot on one of the hills in Southampton that looks out towards the water. From some of these hillside vista points, you can see not only Benicia's fireworks show, but also those from several Contra Costa cities.
Anyone who visits Benicia over the Independence Day festivities really gets to see Benicia at its best. Back in the late 1980s or early 1990s, the Disney Channel filmed our 3rd of July Torchlight Parade as part of a network promo showing that Small Town America was alive and well.
If you long for a traditional 4th in a setting that feels like you just stepped into a Norman Rockwell portrait, don't miss this year's Independence Day festivities in Benicia. It's a slice of Americana that always keeps the townsfolk from leaving town.
For more information, contact Benicia's Main Street Program at 707-745-9791.
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