Those of you who spent the night camped out to secure a great viewing spot for today's parade may want to skip this. For those with last-minute questions, here's what is happening in Alameda on the Fourth of July.
R.A.C.E.
The R.A.C.E. is a five-kilometer (3.1 mile) run and walk through Alameda starting at 9:45 a.m. just before the 4th of July Parade. The course starts at 1417 Park St. in front of the Bank of Alameda and follows the Alameda parade route ending at Haight and Webster in front of the judge’s stand.
Proceeds for this event benefit the Alameda Midway Shelter for Abused & Homeless Women and Children.
The Parade
The Mayor's Fourth of July Parade starts at 10 a.m. and goes on ... and on ... for about three hours. See the map above for the parade route.
Nick Cabral, the "Mayor of the West End," is this year's grand marshal.
Jumpin’ & Jivin’ Jubilee
Alameda Recreation and Park Department sponsors the Jumpin' & Jivin' Jubilee, (Otis Drive and Grand Street), from noon to 4 p.m., with food, games, crafts, jump houses, music and other family activities. Free. $7 for crafts wristband; $10 for games and jumpers wristband; $15 for all-inclusive wristband.
Summer Beats Concert
John Lee Hooker, Jr. kicks off the free Summer Beats concert series at from 5 to 7 p.m. Also free children's activities including a bounce house, arts and crafts area, face painter and henna tattoo artist. Food from Paul's Paella and Peter's Kettle Corn and wine from R&B Cellars will be available for sale. Proceeds from wine sales to benefit , the Alameda community-wide school supply drive. Free raffle and prizes on hand. Equipped for Success will be collecting donations of school supplies on-site. Visit alamedaeducationfoundation.org for a list of approved donations.
USS Hornet Museum Fourth of July Celebration
This all-day event aboard the historic aircraft carrier USS Hornet runs from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Live entertainment begins at 2 p.m. All-day admission is $20 for adults and $10 for children ages 5-17. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 510-521-8448 x 282 or visit www.hornetevents.com.
Fireworks
The closest fireworks displays are in San Francisco and Berkeley, both starting at 9:30 p.m. Fireworks are illegal in Alameda. Main Street at Alameda Point, the site of informal Fourth of July celebrations in years past, will be closed to vehicles, bikes and pedestrians all day and evening beyond the ferry terminal.
