Fourth of July celebrations

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Have a fabulous Fourth with everything from old-fashioned bucket brigades to family parades and, of course, fireworks. Cities large and small across the Central Valley and foothills will celebrate our nation's independence. Here's a look at Fourth of July activities across the region:

TODAY-FRIDAY

GUSTINE

Gustine celebrates Independence Day by hosting the Little Mr. & Miss Gustine, Junior Miss Gustine and Miss Gustine contests at the Gustine High School Auditorium. On Thursday, enjoy the tractor pull at Gustine High, then a street dance at the GPS Hall. On the Fourth, watch the parade, take a dip in the Gustine swimming pool, visit the Gustine Museum and watch fireworks at the high school. www.gustinechamberofcommerce.com.

Thursday, 5:30 p.m. tractor pull, 8:30 p.m. street dance; July 4, 10:30 a.m. parade, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. pool, noon-4 p.m. museum, 8 p.m. fireworks. Free. 854-6268.

LIVINGSTON

Annual city celebration includes opening ceremonies, entertainment, vendors and carnival games.

Carnival opens today and runs 4-11 p.m. daily through Friday. Friday events, 4 p.m. opening ceremonies; 9:30 p.m. fireworks. Memorial Park, Main and Park streets. Free. 394-8830.

THURSDAY

DELHI

Commemorate our independence with concessions, music and a fireworks display.

7 p.m. event; dusk fireworks. Delhi Educational Park, 16881 W. Schendel Road. Free (parking $3-$5, but free also available). 358-1526.

FRIDAY AND SATURDAY

JAMESTOWN

Enjoy Independence Day at Railtown 1897 with rides, tours and more. Festivities include rides, hand-car rides, food, music and an ice cream social.

Hourly rides 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Railtown 1897 State Historic Park. $8 adults, $3 ages 6-17, free 5 and younger. 984-3953.

FRIDAY

ATWATER

Start the Fourth of July with the annual Run for Independence, 2- and 5-mile run-walk races. Continue the day with a downtown parade, vendors, music, family fun and more at Ralston Park. Fireworks at Buhach Colony High School, with music by Los Angeles-based rockers Killola and Atwater band Nadine before the display starts.

7 a.m. run; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. festival at Ralston Park; 10 a.m. parade starts on Winton Way; 5:30 p.m. gates open for concert and fireworks at Buhach Colony High School, 6 p.m. concert and dusk fireworks. Fireworks $5 parking, $2 per ticket at the gate; festival free. 358-2260.

COLUMBIA

Have a glorious Fourth of July celebration with old-fashioned fun including a flag raising and cannon firing. The event continues with the 156th annual parade down Main Street plus a nail-pounding competition, egg races, greased-pole climbing, watermelon-eating contests, bucket brigade, tug of war, cake walk, barbecue, live music and more. Tri-tip barbecue at 4 p.m. www.columbiacalifornia.com.

10 a.m. flag raising; noon parade; 1-4 p.m. activities and exhibits. Main Street. Free (barbecue $8 adult, $5 ages 10 and younger). 533-4176.

LA GRANGE

Come to the Fourth of July Town Party in La Grange with a potluck picnic and fireworks. The La Grange Improvement Association will provide free hamburgers and hot dogs; please bring a side dish.

6 p.m. potluck, dusk fireworks. At Highway 132 and Main Street. Free. 853-2110.

LAKE DON PEDRO

Enjoy a fireworks display over the water. Viewing locations from the water, near the dam and from land at Blue Oaks Recreation Area, the Don Pedro Recreation Agency Visitor Center and at two locations adjacent to the visitor center on Bonds Flat Road. Gold Chain Lions Club will have food and beverages available for purchase.