Party like a patriot

Independence Day in Sacramento: Another excuse to desert the valley for the relative cool of the Bay Area and Tahoe? Not this year.

With July Fourth falling on a Monday, it could be dangerous driving home from afar on Monday night in time for work Tuesday. Besides, you already know your fellow Sacramentans will have plenty of hot dogs and beer in the fridge, light-it-yourself fireworks in the driveway and rafts in the river. Check out all these other local Fourth of July options, too:

Big bangs (fireworks and more)

1. Sacramento Independence Day Celebration

What: The city and county of Sacramento will present one of the largest pyrotechnic fireworks displays in the region. The United States Air Force Band will perform at 7:30 p.m., and Poppy, the California State Fair mascot, will be on hand to entertain children.

When: Monday, July 4, gates open at 6 p.m. and fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m.

Where: Cal Expo, 1600 Exposition Boulevard

Details: Admission is free. Reserved seating costs $10 and parking is $10. For more information, call (877) 225-3976, or visit www.calexpo.com/html/4th_of_july.asp.

2. Independence Weekend Celebration with the Sacramento River Cats

What: On July 2, watch the River Cats take on the Tucson Padres followed by a fireworks extravaganza. On July 3, American flags will be presented to the first 2,500 fans, and following the game, there will be more fireworks.

When: Saturday, July 2, at 7:05 p.m. and Sunday, July 3, at 6:35 p.m.

Where: Raley Field, 400 Ballpark Drive in West Sacramento

Details: For ticket pricing and more information, call (916) 376-4676 or visit www.rivercats.com.

3. Folsom Pro Rodeo fireworks display

What: From July 1-3, the city of Folsom will hold its annual celebration of the Wild West, with motocross, fireworks, bulls and cowboys. Each night features a fireworks display, complete with music and a skydiving performance. A playground will be available outside, for an additional fee.

When: July 1-3, with rodeo beginning at 7 p.m. nightly

Where: Dan Russell Arena, 401 Stafford Street in Folsom

Details: General admission is $19.50, reserved seats are $24.50 and tickets for children under 12 and seniors are $15. For more information, call (916) 985-2698 or visit www.folsomprorodeo.com.

4. Parade and fireworks in Carmichael Park

What: Begin your holiday with a Kiwanis Club of Carmichael-sponsored pancake breakfast. Next, check out the annual Elk’s Club Parade on Fair Oaks Boulevard. And finally, nightfall brings a fireworks show just down the road at La Sierra Community Center.

When: Monday, July 4, breakfast begins at 7 a.m. and ends at 11 a.m. The parade begins at 10:30 a.m. La Sierra Community Center opens at 7 p.m. for the fireworks celebration, which begins at approximately 9:30 p.m.

Where: Carmichael Park, 5750 Grant Avenue; La Sierra Community Center, 5325 Engle Road.

Details: Call for breakfast pricing. The parade is free. During the fireworks celebration, $5 will grant children access to a kids zone with inflatables, crafts, puppet shows and more. For more information, call (916) 485-5322 or visit www.carmichaelpark.com.

5. Rancho Cordova Fourth of July celebration

What: Rancho Cordova’s Fourth of July happenings include a two-day festival celebrating the local community and our American heritage. The festival will include a beer garden, train rides, food, vendor booths, games, crafts, live music and more.

When: July 3-4, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

Where: Hagan Community Park, 2197 Chase Drive in Rancho Cordova

Details: Admission is $2 and parking is $10. Kids ages 5 and under get in for free. For more information, visit www.ranchocordovajuly4th.com.

6. Roseville Fourth of July Celebration

What: Celebrate Independence Day in downtown Roseville. Start off the day with a parade and continue the fun at Royer Park with good eats, music and games. Then head to the fireworks show at the Placer County Fairgrounds.

When: Monday, July 4, parade begins at 10 a.m., activities in Royer park continue from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the Placer County Fairgrounds open at 7 p.m. for a 9:30 p.m. fireworks show.

Where: The parade begins at the Vernon Street, Douglas Avenue and Riverside Boulevard intersection. Royer Park is located at 190 Park Drive in Roseville. The Placer County Fairgrounds are located at 800 All America City Boulevard in Roseville.

Details: For more information, call (916) 774-5200 or visit www.roseville.ca.us/4th.

7. Cameron Park Lake Summer Spectacular

What: The event includes a traditional fireman’s bucket brigade, a midway, a hot-dog- and pie-eating contest, live bands, food, art and craft vendors and a fireworks display by Pyro Spectaculars.

When: Saturday, July 2 at 2 p.m.

Where: Cameron Park Lake is located at 2989 Cambridge Road in Cameron Park.

Details: Tickets are $3 in advance and $5 at the door. Children 10 and under get in for free. For more information, call (530) 677-2231 or visit www.cpfireworks.com.

Fun runs (and walks)

1. Folsom Firecracker

What: Take part in the third annual Folsom Firecracker 5k and 10k run/walk. You can donate your proceeds to a charity of your choice, or contribute to the organization Off the Mat Into the World, which helps fight extreme poverty and hunger around the world.

When: Monday, July 4, at 8 a.m.

Where: Lake Natoma trails, 145 Parkshore Drive in Folsom

Details: Registration costs $25. Participants are asked to pick up their race packets on Saturday, July 2, between noon and 8 p.m. inside the Garden Center at Walmart, 1018 Riley Street in Folsom. For more information, call (916) 606-3299 or visit www.folsomfirecracker.com.

2. Buffalo Chips Fourth of July 5-miler

What: This is the 35th annual Fourth of July Buffalo Chips Running Club 5-mile run/walk.

When: Monday, July 4, sign in from 7:15 to 7:45 a.m. A kids’ half-mile race (10 and younger) begins at 7:45 a.m., and the adult 5-mile race begins at 8 a.m.

Where: Glenn Hall Park, 5415 Sandburg Drive

Details: All events are free. For more information visit www.chipsrunning.com.

3. Fourth of July Run Crime Out of Roseville

What: Run the Maidu Regional Park trails. Medals three deep will be given in 10-year age divisions, including three children’s divisions. Proceeds benefit Roseville Community Crime Stoppers.

When: Monday, July 4, registration and check in begins at 8 a.m.; race starts at 9 a.m.

Where: Maidu Regional Park, 1550 Maidu Drive in Roseville

Details: Registration costs $40, or $20 for children. For sponsorship opportunities or more information, call (916) 838-9225 or visit www.jandjsportsproductions.com.

Miscellaneous

1. The Pocket/Greenhaven Parade

What: See Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson serve as grand marshal of the parade. City Councilman Darrell Fong will be on horseback and television personalities Nick Toma and Angel Cardenas will serve as the event’s emcees.

When: Monday, July 4, at 10 a.m.

Where: The parade beings at Parkway Oaks Park, 7541 South Land Park Drive.

Details: For more information, email <script type="text/javascript" language="javascript">{ document.write(String.fromCharCode(60,97,32,104,114,101,102,61,34,109,97,105,108,116,111,58,108,105,110,100,97,64,118,97,108,99,111,109,110,101,119,115,46,99,111,109,34,62,108,105,110,100,97,64,118,97,108,99,111,109,110,101,119,115,46,99,111,109,60,47,97,62)) } </script>, call (916) 429-9901 or visit www.valcomnews.com/?p=4495.

2. East Sacramento Parade

What: Dress up in red, white and blue and join a community parade.

When: Monday, July 4, at 10 a.m.

Where: M Street between 41st and 42nd streets

Details: Visit www.valcomnews.com/?p=4492 for more information.