BAM's Weekend Guide

7/3/09 - 7/5/09

7/2 – 7/6
Circus Vargas @ The Great Mall
2nd - 7:30pm;3rd - 1:30pm, 4:30 & 7:30; 4th – 2:00pm & 5:00pm; 5th - 1:30pm, 4:30pm & 7:30pm; 6th - 7:00pm
447 Great Mall Drive, Milpitas, CA 95035
Adult $20 - $40; Kids $15 - $35; Parking $12
http://www.circusvargas.org/

7/4
Foster City Fourth of July Celebration
8am – 9:45pm
Leo J. Ryan Park, Foster City, CA
http://www.fostercity.org/Services/recreation/TH-4th-of-July-Celebration-Main-Page.cfm

7/4
Ardenwood Historic Farm’s Old Fashioned Independence Day
10am - 4pm
34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont, CA 94555
Fee: $8.00/adults, $6.00/seniors (62+), $5.00 children (4-17), under 4 years free. Parking is free.
http://www.ebparks.org/node/1135

7/4
4th of July @ CDM
10am – 5pm
Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose, 180 Woz Way,San Jose, CA 95110Adult $10, Child (1-17) $10, Under 1yr Free
http://www.cdm.org/viewPage.asp?mlid=148#fourth

7/4
Redwood City 4th of July Celebration
10am Parade; 9am – 5pm Festival; 9:30pm Fireworks
http://www.parade.org/index.html

7/4
Bicycle Santa Rosa 4th of July Festival
11am – 3pm
Juilliard Park
http://www.bikesonoma.org/BSR.html

7/4
4TH OF JULY JUMPIN' & JIVIN' JUBILEE
12noon – 4pm
Rittler Park, Otis Drive & Grand Street, Alameda, CA
http://www.ci.alameda.ca.us/arpd/events.html

7/4
28th Annual Summer Festival & Chili Cook-off
12noon – 5pm
600 East Meadow Dr., Palo Alto
Free
http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/recreation/news/details.asp?NewsID=951&TargetID=7

7/4
Old Fashioned 4th of July @ Dunsmuir
12noon – 6pm
2960 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland, California 94605
Admission: Adults, $5; Children, $2; Under 5, Free; Family Price, $12 (2 Adults, 2 Children). Tour included.
http://www.dunsmuir.org/calendar.htm

7/4
Benicia Picnic in the Park & Fireworks
12noon – 7pm
Benicia's City Park, Benicia, CA
Free
http://www.beniciamainstreet.org/upcoming.html

7/4
4TH OF JULY @ Berkeley Marina
12noon – 10pm
South Shore of the Berkeley Marina, Berkeley, CA
http://www.anotherbullwinkelshow.com/4th-of-july/4th-of-july.html

7/4
Fourth of July Waterfront Celebration
1pm – 9:30pm
Pier 39, San Francisco, CA
Free
http://www.pier39.com/Events/events.htm

7/4
Livermore’s 26th Annual 4th of July Celebration
3pm
Robertson Park, 3200 Robertson Park Rd, Livermore, CA
$3 walk-in; $15 car
http://www.larpd.dst.ca.us/event_flyers/4th_of_July_09.pdf

7/4
Red, White & Blue Picnic and Fireworks in San Ramon
5pm – 10pm
San Ramon Central Park, San Ramon, CA
http://www.sanramon.ca.gov/Parks/events/sss.htm

7/4
4th of July @ the Milpitas Sports Center
8pm – 10pm
1325 East Calaveras Boulevard, Milpitas, CA
Free
http://www.ci.milpitas.ca.gov/government/recreation/special_events.asp

7/4
Radio Disney Presents 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular with the San Francisco Symphony Concert
8pm
Shoreline Amphitheatre at Mountain View, Mountain View, CA
$29.50 - $15.00
http://www.livenation.com/edp/eventId/408122

7/4
Fireworks @ Jack London Square
9:15pm – 9:35pm
Jack London Square, Oakland, CA
Free
http://www.jacklondonsquare.com/newscenter/upcomingevents.html#july

7/5
Family Date Night on the Napa Valley Wine Train
5:30pm – 9:30pm
1275 McKinstry Street, Napa, CA 94559
$99 One child per adult ticket purchased; $15 for each add’l child (reservation req)http://winetrain.com/family-fun-night.php#title

Beach Safety

During the summer there is nothing more fun then hanging out at the beach, but it can be dangerous. Monday at Montara State Beach in San Mateo County a mother & daughter tragically died when they were swept out to sea by a riptide. After reading about this I thought it was important to share some beach safety tips that I found on the National Weather Service’s website:

When at the beach:
*Whenever possible, swim at a lifeguard-protected beach.
*Never swim alone.
*Learn how to swim in the surf. It's not the same as swimming in a pool or lake.
*Be cautious at all times, especially when swimming at unguarded beaches. If in doubt, don’t go out.
*Obey all instructions and orders from lifeguards. Lifeguards are trained to identify potential hazards. Ask a lifeguard about the conditions before entering the water. This is part of their job.
*Stay at least 100 feet away from piers and jetties. Permanent rip currents often exist along side these structures.
*Consider using polarized sunglasses when at the beach. They will help you to spot signatures of rip currents by cutting down glare and reflected sunlight off the ocean’s surface.
*Pay especially close attention to children and elderly when at the beach. Even in shallow water, wave action can cause loss of footing.

If caught in a rip current:
*Remain calm to conserve energy and think clearly.
*Never fight against the current.
*Think of it like a treadmill that cannot be turned off, which you need to step to the side of.
*Swim out of the current in a direction following the shoreline. When out of the current, swim at an angle--away from the current--towards shore.
*If you are unable to swim out of the rip current, float or calmly tread water. When out of the current, swim towards shore.
*If you are still unable to reach shore, draw attention to yourself by waving your arm and yelling for help.

If you see someone in trouble, don't become a victim too:
*Get help from a lifeguard.
*If a lifeguard is not available, have someone call 9-1-1.
*Throw the rip current victim something that floats--a lifejacket, a cooler, an inflatable ball.
*Yell instructions on how to escape.
*Remember, many people drown while trying to save someone else from a rip current.

4th of July Firework Displays

The 4th of July is right around the corner and that means it’s time for fireworks! As a kid I remember watching the fireworks display shows and thinking that they were just something magical and then we would go home and do our own small fireworks in the street and I would sit and think how my dad was so brave. A little silly now to think I was in that much awe, but you still have to admit there is something a little magical about them. Here is a list of some events in our area:

12noon - 7pm (Benicia) Picnic in the Park & Fireworks (Free)

12noon - 10pm (Berkeley) 4th of July at Berkeley Marina (Free)

8am - 9:45pm (Foster City) Foster City Fourth of July Celebration (Free)

9:15pm (Gilroy) 4th of July Fireworks Salute (Free)

3pm (Livermore) Livermore's 26th Annual Old Fashion 4th of July ($15 - $3)

8pm - 10pm (Milpitas) Milpitas Sports Center (Free)

8pm – (Mountain View) Radio Disney Presents 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular with the San Francisco Symphony ($30-$15)

7pm - 9:35pm (Oakland) Fireworks @ Jack London Square (Free)

9pm (Pleasant Hill) 4th of July in Pleasant Hill (Free)

9:30pm - (Redwood City) Port of Redwood City Fireworks Spectacular (Free)

9:30pm (Sacramento) Cal Expo's Independence Day Celebration (Free)

1pm - 9:30pm - (San Francisco) http://www.pier39.com/Events/events.htm (Free)

6:30pm - (San Jose) San Jose Giants Independence Day Fireworks Extravaganza ($17 - $7)

9:30pm (San Rafael) Marin County Fair's Fantastic Fireworks ($14-$12)

5pm - 10pm (San Ramon) Red, White & Blue Picnic and Fireworks (Free)

4pm (Santa Rosa) Red, White, & Boom ($5)

10am - 10pm (Sausalito) 4th of July Parade, Picnic and Fireworks (Free)

9:30pm (Sonoma) Sonoma Couty Fair 4th of July Celebration ($5)

10:30am - 10pm (Vallejo) Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration ($44.99 - $29.99)

There are many more events going on in the Bay Area, these are just a few that have firework displays. Feel free to leave a comment if you know of one in your area and we'll add it to our list. Check your local city website to see how your city is celebrating this year! Have a safe and happy 4th of July!

2009 Napa County Fair (July 2 – July 5)

This year’s Napa County Fair celebrates with the theme “Let the Good Times Roll”. People of all ages are invited to attend and enjoy the traditions, entertainment and excitement that only fairtime brings.

Fair Hours
July 2-3 / 4:00pm-11:00pm
July 4-5 / Noon–11:00 p.m.

Admission
Adults: $7.00
Children 6-12 / $3.00
Under 6 / Free

Concerts
Thursday, July 2
“The Ultimate Elvis Experience” concert – 8:00 p.m.
Friday, July 3
Unites States Air Force Band - Pop Music Group "Mobility" - 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Fiesta Stage.
Professional Free Style Moto X – 7:30 p.m.
The Wedding Crashers (variety of dance music) in Concert – 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 4
The Napa Musicians Performance Guild presents music by the following bands, from 2:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Blue Note Cats, Vanilla Extract, Radio Gypsy and Always Elvis “The Hot Rods” (oldies music) in Concert – 8:00 p.m.
FANTASTIC FIREWORKS DISPLAY!!!! Approximately 9:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 5
4:00-8:00 Fiesta Mexicana Featuring: Banda San Jose de Mesillas And Los Grandes de Tijuana
Big Rain (Blues & Country Rock) in Concert – 6:00 p.m.


4th of July Celebration - beginning with the annual Silverado Parade down the main street of Calistoga, at 11:00 A.M. Featured entries include marching bands, floats, western and costume riders, classic and antique vehicles, and much more. Awards for the parade entries include cash prizes, trophies, and ribbons.
Following the parade, you are invited to spend a festive Fourth of July at the fair. The day will be topped off by a Grandstand Concert featuring “The Hot Rods” Band at 8:00 p.m.
The concert will be followed by the popular FIREWORKS DISPLAY.

Promotions
*Advance sale discount coupons for carnival rides may be purchased prior to the opening of the fair. The coupon sells for $15.00 and may be purchased from members of the Calistoga Soroptimist Club or at the Fair administration office. Don’t delay - these coupons sell out quickly and are not available after the fair opens!
*Thursday, July 2 from 4-11pm – KIDS DAY and SENIOR CITIZENS DAY.
All kids under 12 years of age will be admitted FREE. Kids are invited to join in games and contests with prizes being awarded to participants. Kids will also be given a discount on the carnival rides. All Seniors, age 62 and over, will also be treated to A FREE DAY at the fair!
*New this year, in the hopes of offering relief with the current economy, the fair is introducing THREE DOLLAR THURSDAY – AGES 12 AND OVER JUST $3.

2009 Marin County Fair (July 1 - July 5)

This year's Marin County Fair admission includes all concerts, exhibits, fireworks, attractions and 28 FREE carnival rides. Be there to see the first ever Electric Wheels Car Show, the first solar-powered carousel at a county fair, the Cool 3D attraction, some of the finest talent and innovation found anywhere. Fireworks are every night at 9:30pm.

(In case you couldn't figure it out...pay attention to all the things in red!)

Hours
11 am to 11 pm daily

Admission
Adults $14
Seniors 65 and older $12
Children 4 - 12 $12
Children under 4 Free
Parking $6 in all lots

Promotions
Wednesday, July 1 – Youth in Arts Day - Children 12 and under are admitted FREE on July 1, which is also Marin Independent Journal Day. Save $2 on your fair admission on IJ Day. Log on to marinij.com after June 15th and find the Marin County Fair button. Click and print your coupons to save on Opening Day!
Thursday, July 2 – Family Day & Comcast Day - A $2 discount coupon will be included in Comcast June statements for fair admission on Comcast Day.
Friday, July 3 – Dairy Day
Saturday, July 4 – Arts Day
Sunday, July 5 – International Day

Concerts
Creedence Clearwater Revisited July 1, 7:30 pm
The Motels, featuring Martha Davis July 2, 5 pm
Berlin, starring Terri Nunn July 2, 8 pm
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band July 3, 3 pm
The Wailers July 3, 7:30 pm
Hot Buttered Rum July 4, 3 pm and 5 pm
Sha Na Na July 4, 7:30 pm
Preservation Hall Jazz Band July 5, 2 pm and 4 pm
Los Lobos July 5, 7:30 pm

2009 Alameda County Fair (7/1 - 7/19)

Time for yummy food, rides, and so much more at the 2009 Alameda County Fair. If you are looking for something to do with the whole family this year, the fair is the place to be. They have a large “Kids Park” area with tons of attractions just for children. Don’t forget to check out their pre-4th of July Fireworks show on 7/3/09 at approximetly 9:30pm. Below are all the details!

(In case you couldn't figure it out...pay attention to all the things in red!)

Admission
Adults (13-61) - $8 Pre-Fair; $10 At The Gate
Seniors (62+) - $6 Pre-Fair; $8 At The Gate
Children (6-12) - $4 Pre-Fair; $6 At The Gate
Children Under 6 – FREE
Parking - $8
*Fun Pack - $25 Pre-Fair Only – Includes 4 General Admission; 1 General Parking, 2 “Buy 1 get 1 Free Drink” vouchers for the Carnival area

Fair Hours

Closed Mondays
Tues. - Thurs. 11am - 10pm
Fri. - Sun. 10am - 10pm
July 4th - 10am - 9pm

Promotions!!!!
*Military Appreciation Weekend: July 3-5 Free fair admission for you and a guest with your valid military I.D. Veterans free with proof of service.
*$2 Tuesdays: July 7 & July 14 Admission is only $2!
*Seniors Free Wednesdays: July 1, 8 & 15 62 and up receive free admission!
*Kids Free Fridays: July 3, 10 & 17 Kids 12 and under receive free admission!

Concerts
Charlie Daniels July 1
Mandisa July 2
Night Ranger July 3
Bay Area Blues Society July 4
Carmen Jara July 5
Skynnyn Lynnyrd July 7
Gregg Rolie July 8
Salvador July 9
Bowling For Soup July 10
En Vogue July 11
Bucky Covington July 12
Evolution - Tribute To Journey July 14
BJ Thomas July 15
Ozomatli July 16
Solange Knowles July 17
Con Funk Shun July 18
Aaron Tippon July 19

Win Tickets: Two winners will be randomly selected to win a set of 2 tickets!
To Enter:
*Leave a comment telling us what love about going to the fair.
Extra Entries:
*Blog about us and leave a copy of the link in the comments.
*Follow us on Twitter or tweet about us and leave your twitter name in the comments.
*Become a fan on Facebook or Subscribe and leave a comment telling us that you did.

See The Sparks Fly

Want to know where you can have some of your own firework fun? Here are the cities in the Bay Area where fireworks are legal:

Alameda County
Dublin
Newark
Union City

Napa County
St. Helena

Monterey County
Gonzalez
Greenfield
Marina
Salinas
Seaside
Soledad

San Mateo County
Pacifica
San Bruno

Santa Clara County
Gilroy

Santa Cruz County
Watsonville

Solano County
Rio Vista

Sonoma County
Cloverdale
Petaluma
Rohnert Park
Sebastopol

*Info from the California Fireworks Newswire.