Fireworks, dancing in the streets, vintage cars, and a variety of live entertainment are on tap for this weekend's Independence Day celebration in Morgan Hill.
Organizers of the two-day festivities in the downtown area are excited for a big turnout, and are hoping the weather will allow the fireworks presentation to proceed as planned.
Independence Day, Inc., the nonprofit organization that organizes the city's annual holiday events, ran into a financial crunch earlier this year, jeopardizing the fireworks display. But now IDI reports that community fundraising efforts have been successful, particularly in the last couple of months.
"Our sponsors really came together, and we had a lot of community donations," said IDI President Brigitte Heiser.
Last year's fireworks presentation was called off at the last minute due to high winds. The pyrotechnic display is scheduled to begin at sundown Saturday night, with the optimal suggested viewing site at the Morgan Hill Community Park on West Edmundson Avenue.
"We're expecting about 30,000 people," Heiser said. "We think a lot of people from outlying communities that don't have fireworks will come."
But the celebration has already started. About 75 golfers participated in the 13th annual Fire Cracker Classic golf tournament at Gilroy's Eagle Ridge Golf Course last Friday.
The events resume this Friday with the 20th anniversary Morgan Hill Patriotic Sing at Britton Middle School, at 80 West Central Ave. The choir concert, starting at 6 p.m., features children of the community performing patriotic songs such as the "Star Spangled Banner" and "This Land is Your Land."
Following that performance, the streets of downtown Morgan Hill will shut down for the annual street dance, which features The Dadz, a classic rock band.
It's not too late for runners and walkers to register for Saturday morning's "Freedom 5-K and one-mile walk," Heiser said. Those who still wish to participate can still do so, and should just show up at P.A. Walsh School on West Main Avenue. Sign-up starts at 6:45 a.m., and the race starts at 8 a.m.
The Independence Day parade will feature about 200 entries this year, including marching bands from schools all over Santa Clara County, equestrian groups, military vehicles, youth sports organizations, public safety agencies, and an array of floats and characters.
"Barbie, Elvis and Marilyn will be in the parade," said IDI parade committee member Jeff Dixon. The parade, the theme of which is "A Salute to America's Heroes," will also feature a flyover by vintage aircraft.
Prior to the parade, along the same route will be a "car cruise" featuring vintage cars, and live music will continue at Community Park before the fireworks begin.
Event organizers are still in need of volunteers to help with post-parade cleanup downtown, and post-entertainment cleanup at the park, Heiser said.
Morgan Hill Independence Day schedule of events
July 3 6 p.m. Patriotic Sing - Britton Middle School, 80 West Central Ave.
July 3 7 p.m. Street Dance - Downtown Morgan Hill
July 4 7:45 a.m. 5K Race/Walk - Parade Route beginning at P.A. Walsh School on West Main Ave. Registration begins 6:45 a.m.
July 4 9 a.m. Liberty Parade Cruise
July 4 9 a.m. Pre-Parade Entertainment, downtown Morgan Hill
July 4 10 a.m. Parade
July 4 6 p.m. Live entertainment, Morgan Hill Community Park
July 4 Fireworks at dark
Michael Moore Michael Moore covers county and law enforcement issues for the Morgan Hill Times. Reach him at (408) 779-4106, ext. 202, or mmoore@morganhilltimes.com.
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