By Tricia Chambers
Santa Clara’s annual Fourth of July All-City Picnic and Fireworks Spectacular usually comes in like a lamb and goes out like a lion. But with the cancellation of fireworks in neighboring San Jose, the city’s celebration went out like two lions and required the shutting down of extra streets.
The event kicked off with a pancake breakfast that led patriots into a jam-packed event that was scheduled to run for more then 12 hours.
A booth to honor Veterans was set up near the Pavilion for five hours.
Also staged at the Pavilion was a flag dedication sponsored by the Veteran’s Memorial.
Joe Tobin of the Santa Clara Fire Department was out with a 5-gallon RE-1 reserve truck.
“It’s always fun to watch 5-year-olds,” said Tobin. “They walk up very shy and you never know what will catch their attention.
On the tamer side there was endless hours of entertainment that emanated from the Central Park Pavilion. First up was a group of dancers sponsored by the city’s Park and Recreation Department. Later the Sizzling Seniors took their turn on the stage with their fancy footwork and then made way for Lava, a Classic Latin rock band and The Hitmen and their Earth Wind and Fire tunes.
For the athletes there was lawn bowling and swimming. And who can ever resist the always-amusing duck watching?
Entertainment for the kids included face painting, a dunk tank, carnival games and a “jump” house. More than a few enthusiastic Moms were spotted with flags painted on their faces and were invited to challenge themselves with patriotic crafts.
Education came in the guise of Santa Clara Reserve Officer Jim Revel who said, “No incidents. Everyone’s having a good time.”
Growling tummies had a huge array of food to pick from. Just ask San Jose resident Nellie Enriquez who came with her son and daughter-in-law.
“I think the band’s are the best part,” she said. “And I really like the linguicia. Last year I had one too.”
Santa Clara PAL sold BBQ Tri-tip, and the Kiwanis offered hamburgers and hotdogs. In addition there was Chinese Chicken Salad, nachos and corn on the cob. No need to look too far for dessert: There was plenty. Wilcox Grads, Dads and Mom’s Booster Club offered Strawberry Shortcake while the City Optimist Club sold ice cream bars.
Even at 9:30 pm when the Fireworks Extravaganza got underway at MillikinLawn, the celebration hadn’t slowed down a bit. The Santa Clara Police Department deemed it necessary to shut down Benton and Homestead between San Tomas and Kiely due to a shortage of parking as a result of the largest turn out in recent memory.
For information about the City’s Park and Recreation Department, call 408.615.3140.
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