Eight great spots to catch the Fourth's fireworks show

Time to show some patriotism! Celebrate the 4th of July with family and friends at one of these eight great spots. (AP file photo)

Time to show some patriotism! This Sunday, we the people of America observe our  Independence Day. We often celebrate by displaying our patriotism through the streets of our hometown followed by the stuffing of our faces with hot dogs, hamburgers and your aunt’s famous potato salad. The festivities can’t get any better than that right? Oh contraire, they can. After the parades and the BBQs, be sure to check out one of these eight great fireworks shows that will be showcased right here in Southern California. With dinner and a show, you may have so much fun, you’ll explode…and yes, the pun is always intended.

# 1.   Temecula – Ronald Reagan Sports Park - Just like Reagan was a favorite, so is this park that’s named after our 40^th President, located in the heart of Temecula. Find yourself a spot on the rolling lawns this Sunday and enjoy the city’s 4^th of July Extravaganza. From 2 to 10 p.m. activities include food vendors, a fun zone for the kiddies and the annual spectacular fireworks show that will start at 9 p.m. Take Ynez Road to Rancho Vista and you will find this recreational area, make plans to come and park it at this park ahead of time because it definitely draws a crowd. For a whole day of Red, White and Blue come on down to Old Town at 1 p.m. and witness Temecula’s Star Spangled Parade.

#2.    San Diego – Big Bay Boom - San Diego has such a great nightlife it’s almost guaranteed that even their fireworks show will sparkle. The 10th annual “Big Bay Boom” takes place over the San Diego Bay, where fireworks will shoot off from four different barges. Tune into radio station 105.7, because the choreographed show will be accompanied by simultaneous radio broadcast. If you are visiting friends that live in San D, check out their FOX 5 T.V. station to witness the live telecast. Voted the seventh best Firework Show by Shermanstravel.com more than 800,000 people attend this event. It’s highly recommended that you carpool or hitch a ride from one of the many free shuttles that will be offered.

#3.   Big Bear - Take a trek up to Big Bear Mountain where you can experience their BIG fireworks display. Considered to be the best fireworks show in Southern California, finish a whole day of Independence fun with an extravagant fireworks exhibit right on the lake. Before the BIG show, take some time to explore Big Bear and enjoy some BBQ eats, put on by their Rotary Club. Spend some time with your family by listening to live entertainment and making arts and crafts during the Independence Festival.

#4.   Lake Arrowhead - Similar setting, different lake. If you would like a slightly shorter drive, head to this location to experience fireworks in the village, rather than the city. Go up to Arrowhead if you want to see pyrotechnics in a serene setting. Before the 9 p.m. show, check out the great restaurants and enjoy shopping in the village. Spend the whole day up here or even the weekend by lodging in one of their great resorts. A fourth of July picnic will be held as well as live music, all part of their summer concert series guaranteed to make a splash!

#5.   Disneyland - Have you ever wanted to see a mouse on fire? I’m kidding… or am I? Something you might have to investigate yourself this Independence Day weekend at the happiest place on earth. What better place to commemorate the Fourth of July than with a bunch of characters. The park is open from 8 a.m. to midnight this Sunday, with a fireworks concert in the sky beginning at 9:30 p.m. There’s nothing like a trip to Disneyland to create some all- American memories with your family.

#6.   Moreno Valley - This year Mo Val’s celebration is so explosive they are using two days to celebrate the holiday. A parade will take place Saturday, followed by many more events on Sunday from 2 to 10 p.m. at Mountain View Middle School/Morrison Park. Events include a Moreno Valley Idol competition, food vendors, activities for the kids and two cover bands playing the likes of the Beatles and The Beach Boys. The tunes will surely get you in the mood for radio station KOLA 99.9 simulcast with the spectacular firework presentation that will take place at 9 p.m.

#7.    Lake Elsinore – Fireworks at The Diamond - Take me out to the ballgame, take me out to the crowd, we can tell Uncle Sam that it’s gonna get loud! This year, show your patriotic spirit by watching the Storm team play the all American sport of baseball. Buy me some peanuts and cracker jacks, it doesn’t matter if you sit in the back. Any spot at in this stadium will allow you to catch the explosive ending. Bring your family here by 6 p.m., then you can root, root, root for the home team, if they don’t win it’s a shame, but really, it’s ok, because there’s a show worth staying for after the game!

#8. Fontana – Red, White and Cruise - Red, White and Blue…these colors don’t run…they cruise on down to the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana for a Fourth of July celebration! This here is an all day event that you won’t want to miss! Admission for adults is $15 and admission for children is $10. If you are active military, admission is free. Gates will open at 2 p.m., and a car and motorcycle show will follow. Food vendors, a kids carnival, entertainment, and motorcycle stunt teams will also be performing freestyle demos. The fireworks program will take place at 9 p.m. There will also be a community parade and the opportunity to see “The Moving Wall” a replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall that stands in Washington D.C. It lists those who fought and sacrificed their lives for our great country, America, the beautiful.