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The Sacramento Bee
Celebrating Fourth of July in Sacramento? What to know about weather, fireworks and more
By Sarah Linn, Hanh Truong, Angela Rodriguez, Brianna Taylor,
18 days ago
Happy Independence Day!
In Sacramento County, the Fourth of July means parades, fireworks displays and much, much more.
Whether you’re wondering which grocery stores are open, planning the perfect backyard barbecue or simply looking for something to do, The Sacramento Bee has the information you seek.
Here’s what you need to know to celebrate the holiday in the capital region:
Zayd Gmyr, 4, cools off in the pool at North Natomas Aquatic Complex as temperatures reach 103 degrees on Monday, July 1, 2024 in Sacramento. His mom, Ezra Gmyr, drove from the Arden area to the pool and said he is just learning to swim. Paul Kitagaki Jr./pkitagaki@sacbee.com
What’s in the weather forecast for Sacramento on July 4?
Thursday is expected to be sunny and hot in the Sacramento area with the high temperatures reaching 109 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.
Winds of around 6 mph are forecast in the afternoon.
At night, temperatures are expected to dip to 69 degrees with west-southwest winds up to 8 mph.
Painted Ladies rodeo performer Jade Sweeney, of Sacramento, stands on a horse named Cody while greeting people arriving to the Star Spangled Drive In Independence Day event, presented by Folsom businesses and organizations, on Friday, July 3, 2020. Xavier Mascareñas/Sacramento Bee file
Which grocery stores, pharmacies are open for Fourth of July?
Need last-minute groceries? Party supplies?
Although some Sacramento-area businesses will close on Thursday in observance of the Independence Day holiday, several stores will remain open for the Fourth of July.
They include a number of major grocery stores, supermarkets and retailers, as well as drug stores, pharmacies and discount stores.
Several government offices, including post offices and public libraries, and most banks are closed on Thursday.
Terry Gough, past regent of the Rancho Cordova Moose Lodge, hands out beaded necklaces at the Million Dreams Fourth of July Parade on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. The parade went down Coloma Road and was part of a 2-day festival with carnival rides, music, fireworks and drone shows at Rancho Cordova’s Hagan Community Park. Kevin Neri/Sacramento Bee file
Things to do in Sacramento area on Independence Day
The sweltering heat isn’t stopping Sacramento from celebrating the Fourth of July.
There will be several Independence Day events in and around the capital city on Thursday, featuring firework displays, parades and live entertainment.
They include the Rancho Cordova Fourth of July Festival, the Fourth of July Carnival in Sacramento and the 4th on the Field event at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento.
Fireworks launched from Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento explode over the Tower Bridge on Sunday, July 4, 2021. Daniel Kim/Sacramento Bee file
Which fireworks are illegal to use?
“California has zero tolerance for the sale and use of illegal fireworks,” the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said on its website.
It is illegal to sell, transport, or use fireworks without the “safe and sane” seal.
In California, illegal fireworks include:
Sky rockets
Bottle rockets
Roman candles
Aerial shells
Firecrackers
What’s more, you can face penalties if you’re caught breaking the law, Cal Fire said.
Arianna Sorensen spins a toy light as she watches the fireworks display at the 61st Folsom Pro Rodeo on Friday, July 1, 2022, at Dan Russell Rodeo Arena. Xavier Mascareñas/Sacramento Bee file
Is it dangerous to light fireworks during a heat wave?
Modesto residents should be extra cautious when lighting fireworks during the heat wave, according to state fire officials.
Heat, wind and fireworks can create a dangerous combination, Cal Fire deputy state fire marshal Kara Garrett told The Sacramento Bee via email.
When it comes to storing fireworks, Garrett said “it’s always best to err on the side of caution to prevent any accidents from occurring.”
That includes “not storing fireworks in a hot car.”
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