Fireworks after dusk in Gilroy, biker bash in Hollister and the
popular parade in Morgan Hill …
Gilroy – A last minute trip to Washington D.C.’s Fourth of July fireworks display would cost you $532 – if you had booked yesterday on Expedia.com. That doesn’t include hotel fare or the price of a miniature red, white and blue flag to wave while reposing on the National Mall – explosions overhead.
Getting into the Independence Day spirit doesn’t require travel – just a calendar – and perhaps a motorcycle, tricycle or pair of running shoes. The South Valley has enough events to celebrate the Fourth in patriotic style.
Gilroy gatherings
If the athlete in you is craving some competitive action, Gilroy’s 32nd annual Co–Rec Softball Tournament at Christmas Hill Park, Las Animas Veteran’s Park and Gavilan College may be the place for you. All women’s and men’s teams are strapping on their cleats Sunday and Monday for the ultimate show of pride.
Perhaps your idea of spending the Fourth is more low key – if so, grab a lawn chair and relax at the Gilroy High School baseball fields for the fireworks display Monday. The show starts at 9:15pm.
Hollister happenings
If you’ve noticed a bit more leather and a lot more chrome in the area these days, it’s because the Hollister Independence Rally roared into town Friday.
The largest annual motorcycle rally on the West Coast, famous for spurring the Marlon Brando film “The Wild One,” has more than 200 booths and showcase events to get you geared up for the fireworks.
An estimated 15,000 bikers lined San Benito Street Friday and an additional 100,000 are expected by the close of the rally Sunday.
Live music, a tattoo contest and a stunt-riding show are just some of the activities slotted to entertain the crowd. The rally is from 6am to 9:30pm Saturday and from 6am to 5:30pm Sunday.
Hollister’s Kiddy Parade is a way for the younger patriot to get some exercise and show their spirit. The parade assembles at Vet’s Park, 3220 Southside Road, at 10am Monday and moves down Memorial to Meridian. All kids are invited to participate wearing patriotic gear. Bikes and wagons are welcome.
Hollister fireworks go off at dusk on Monday at Marguerite Maze Middle School.
Morgan Hill meetings
If the smell of exhaust and the thought of open road doesn’t tempt you to the Independence Rally – consider heading north to Morgan Hill and kicking off the Fourth in stride at the Freedom 5K Run/Walk and 1–Mile “Kevin Kemp” Children’s Run. The race begins at P.A. Walsh Elementary School, from 8am to 9:30am. It’s just 16,368 feet to the finish where runners can refuel with the city’s pancake breakfast.
Afterwards consider attending the Community Parade. The procession starts at Depot and Fourth streets Monday, from 10am to noon.
And if your feet have something left to give, untie your Adidas and put on your dancing shoes for the Morgan Hill Street Dance on Monterey Road between Main and Dunne on Sunday, from 7 to 11pm.
While you’re there, head over to the Patriotic Sing at Britton Middle School Gym at 6pm to enjoy some traditional Fourth of July cheer. For more Independence Day color, attend the Family Fun Festival at the Edmundson Community Park Monday, from 11:30am to 7pm. Enjoy kids activities and a barbecue. Following are the Morgan Hill Community Fireworks from 7 to 10pm.
So put down the hot dog, clear your throat and get ready to belt out Yankee Doodle Dandy.
Area highlights
In Gilroy:
• Fireworks: Monday, 9:15pm at GHS baseball fields
In Hollister:
• Independence Rally: Saturday, 6am to 9:30pm and Sunday, 6am to 5:30pm
• Kiddy Parade: Monday, 10am at Vet’s Park, 3220 Southside Road
• Fireworks: Monday at dusk at Marguerite Maze
In Morgan Hill:
• Community Parade: Monday, 10am to noon, begins at Depot and Fourth streets
• Fireworks: Monday, 7 to 10pm at Edmundson Community Park
