Fireworks, Food and Fun! Your Ultimate Guide to the Fourth!

Independence Day is just around the corner! That’s why this month’s newsletter is dedicated to local events, parades, and patriotic happenings taking place in and around the Sacramento area. We’re also sharing a few of our favorite recipes that you can whip up in no time for your Fourth of July bash. And last but certainly not least, we take a look at the current real estate market to see what’s in store for buyers and sellers this summer.

Looking for ways to celebrate the Fourth this weekend? Click on the below links for an unforgettable lineup of fireworks and fun!

Sacramento County:

Rancho Cordova Fourth of July Celebration (July 3rd – 4th): The Rancho Cordova Fourth of July Celebration returns with a one-mile road race and parade down Coloma Road. There will also be carnival rides, concerts, and fireworks at Hagan Park. The fireworks display will take place at 9:45 pm on both Sunday and Monday. Tickets can be purchased online. Click here for additional information.

Salute to the Red, White, & Blue in Elk Grove (July 4th): Join Elk Grove as they salute the red, white and blue! Festivities begin at 5 pm. A “Let Freedom Ride” bike parade will start at 6 pm, which will be followed by a performance by Sacramento cover band Apple Z. The fireworks display will be set to the soundtrack from 94.7 The River and will start at 9:40 pm. Click here to learn more!

Folsom Pro Rodeo (July 1st – July 3rd): Yee-haw! The Folsom Pro Rodeo is celebrating its 60th year. Along with non-stop rodeo action, there will be nightly fireworks displays starting at 10 pm. Click here for a full schedule of events and get your rodeo tickets here.

Fourth on the Field at Sutter Health Park (July 4th):  Get ready for food trucks, fireworks, and family fun! Attendees are able to enjoy a picnic out on the outfield as well as access to vendors, 19+ food trucks, and a wide assortment of beverages. Fireworks will begin at 9:30 pm. Field access general admission costs $12. For the 21+ club level admission, tickets cost $20. Visit rivercats.com to plan your outing!

Red, White, & Blue Celebration in Carmichael (July 2nd): Carmichael’s Red, White, & Blue Celebration returns on Saturday, July 2nd, and will be held at the La Sierra Community Center at 6:30 pm. Food trucks and the Beer Garden will open up at 6:30 pm. There will also be a FREE kid zone and a live band performance featuring the Great Wilde Open, beginning at 7 pm. Fireworks are set to begin at 9:30 pm. Click here to learn more!

Arden Park July 4th Bike Parade and Festival (July 4th): If you love parades, visit the Arden Park Recreation and Park District for their annual Bike Parade and Festival. The parade starts at 10 am and afterwards, you can enjoy live music, food, and a kid zone with giant inflatables throughout Arden Park from 11 am to 1 pm. Free admission includes the pool too. The hot dog and hamburger meals are available for $5 and $6, respectively. Learn more here.

Placer County:

Roseville’s Fourth of July Parade & Fireworks (July 4th): Celebrate the 4th in Roseville! The parade begins at 9 am along downtown Roseville. Fireworks will take place at the Grounds. Gates open at 4 pm with seating at the grandstand being first-come, first-serve. Admission is free, but parking is $10. There will be activities and concessions. Fireworks will begin between 9:15 and 9:30 p.m. Click here to learn more!

Kings Beach Drone Fireworks and Beach Party (July 3rd): The 41st annual July 3rd Beach Party will feature the first-ever drone light show in North Lake Tahoe! The party takes place at Kings Beach State Recreation Area starting at 7 pm and is open to all ages for free. Enjoy three delicious food vendors, and a beer/wine garden as well as a dazzling drone light show display at 9:30 pm. You can buy preferred seating located at the North Tahoe Event Center here. Click here for more information.

Lincoln 4th of July Celebration (July 4th): Join the Lincoln community for a family-friendly and FREE event at McBean Memorial Park! Activities include a pancake breakfast, parade, annual horseshoe tournament, vendor booths, a kid zone, concerts, a baseball game, and much more! Click here for more information.

Celebrate America 2022 in Rocklin (July 1st – 2nd): Destiny Community Center in Rocklin is hosting a two-day celebration for the Fourth of July weekend. Doors open at 4 pm on July 1st. Twin Oaks Park will be filled with music, food, and a kid zone. This event boasts one of the largest fireworks displays in the area, along with a military flyover demonstration. Fireworks start at 8 pm. Click here to plan your weekend!

El Dorado County:

Annual Fourth of July Family Blast (July 4th): Celebrate the 4th in Placerville! The El Dorado County fairgrounds has a wide range of festivities – from carnival rides and live music to face painting and a festive fireworks display. Gates open at 3 pm. There will be live music with Dream and the Dreamer from 6 to 10 pm and fireworks will start after dark! Click here for the cost of admission and to learn more.

Lights on the Lake Fireworks (July 4th): The “Lights on the Lake” fireworks show, named one of the country’s top Fourth of July celebrations, is set to take place along the South Shore of Lake Tahoe on July 4th. The show is scheduled to begin at 9:45 p.m. The fireworks are visible from all over town. Click here for a roundup of places to see the show.

Are you hosting a Fourth of July bash at home with friends and family? While barbecuing is a given, you can sweeten up your celebration just a bit more with these fabulously festive apps, drinks, and desserts!

Patriotic Appetizers:

1. Patriotic Trail Mix: Nothing says “Happy Fourth” like this simple yet delicious trail mix recipe, which is loaded with mini marshmallows, M&Ms, and licorice. Get the recipe here.
2. Fourth of July Brie: While you’re waiting for the grill to heat up, this Fourth of July Brie is a must! Because who doesn’t love fresh fruit paired with warm cheesy goodness? Learn how to make it here.
3. Watermelon Strawberry Caprese Salad: Looking for something light and refreshing? Try out this easy-to-make, star-studded Watermelon Strawberry Caprese Salad.
4. Red, White, & Blue Sliders: They may be miniature, but these sliders are jam-packed with bold flavor thanks to a magical combination of strawberries, blue cheese, and hamburger patties. Not a fan of blue cheese? Swap out for swiss or jack. Get the recipe here.
5. American Flag Veggie Tray: There’s nothing more patriotic than an American flag veggie tray! Learn how to assemble it here.
6. Fireworks Pasta Salad: This pasta salad will have your taste buds creating their own fireworks show! This recipe takes a fiery twist on traditional pasta salad with the help of spicy dill pickles and an extra dose of heat in the dressing. Make it here.

Sparkling Beverages: 

1. Red, White & Blue Frozen Sangria: What’s better than a frozen slushy? A red, white, and boozy one…This adult beverage is naturally flavored and is sure to be a hit at your Fourth of July celebration! Get the recipe here.
2. Rocket Jello Shots: Jello just got an adult makeover thanks to this sparkling recipe! See how to make Rocket Jello Shots here!
3. Blackberry Mojito: Beat the heat with this refreshing Blackberry Mojito!
4. Red, White & Blue Wine Spritzer: Another refreshing favorite is this wine spritzer packed with blueberries, strawberries, and of course, some white wine of your choice. Learn how to make it here.
5. Sparkling Cherry Limeade (Non-Alcoholic Drink): This delicious mocktail is a must for your party – and the kids will enjoy it too! Get the recipe here.
6. 4th of July Mocktail: This 4th of July mocktail is loaded with fresh juice, seltzer, and fruit to create the ultimate drink for all guests to enjoy. Make it here.

Dazzling Desserts:

1. Firecracker Milkshake: Kids will go crazy over these decadent (and festive) Firecracker Milkshakes. You can add toppings like hot fudge or strawberry sauce for a little extra flavor! Check out the recipe here.
2. Mini Stars Berry Pies: These adorable miniature cherry-berry pies are packed with flavor and an assortment of cherries, strawberries, and raspberries. Top with ice cream and enjoy! Get the recipe here.
3. Star-Spangled S’mores: Nothing screams summer like s’mores. This patriotic version is a delicious way to enjoy Independence Day! Click here to make your own batch.
4. Brownie Flag Cake: Who doesn’t love ooey-gooey brownies? You can use the homemade brownie batter recipe or a mixed box. Topped with fresh blueberries, strawberries, and vanilla frosting, this brownie cake is sure to be a real hit with guests! Learn how to make it here.
5. Patriotic Popsicles: Fourth of July and popsicles go hand in hand. Learn how to make this patriotic dessert here.
6. Dipped Ice Cream Cones: Ice cream anyone? This summer staple is taken to the next level with red, white, and blue hand-dipped cones. Add sprinkles and scoop in your favorite ice cream for the ultimate treat! Click here for the recipe.

Good news for buyers. According to recent housing statistics, it looks like the Sacramento real estate market is finally taking a breath. For the first time in nearly two years, the number of homes for sale in the market has surpassed one month’s worth of inventory. As of June 27th, nearly 40% of all active listings have had a price drop. Median prices are still going up slightly, but price reductions on individual homes for sale are becoming far more common.

“I think we’re in a place where we’ve legitimately shifted and we’ve said goodbye to the most aggressive market ever,” Sacramento appraiser and real estate market analyst Ryan Lundquist said. Local real estate experts expect the market to continue its modest pace through the summer and into the fall. Read the full article here.