FOURTH! Freedom Rings In Southeast Cities

Southeast Los Angeles County gets ready to celebrate America’s Birthday!

By Justin Cooley

CERRITOS – In celebration of the nation’s 237^th birthday, cities all around Southeast Los Angeles County will be hosting their own festivities and lighting up the skies with dazzling fireworks displays.

As Independence Day draws near, cities including La Mirada, Cerritos, Hawaiian Gardens, La Palma and Downey have planned major festive events for its residents.

La Mirada

La Mirada is celebrating Independence Day with its annual Independence Celebration at the La Mirada Regional Park on July 3^rd from 4 to 9:30 p.m. Entertainment will be provided by a number of performing musical acts and food will be sold by the city’s local service and sports groups.

La Mirada Regional Park is located at Alacante Road and Adelfa Drive near La Mirada City Hall.

Downey

Downey will also be hosting a festival of its own sponsored by Calvary Chapel, which will include live entertainment, food, and a dazzling firework show on July 4^th. Festivities will take place at the Downey High School Football Stadium.

Downey High School is located at 11404 Brookshire Avenue.

Hawaiian Gardens

Hawaiian Gardens is hosting a similar celebration with its own fireworks display at Furgeson Elementary School from 4 to 10 p.m. this Independence Day. The location is at 22215 Elaine Avenue. Admission is free.

La Palma

In turn with its own festivities, La Palma will be having its annual “Fitness Run For Fun,” a 5k/10k to encourage health and wellness over the summer. The USATF (USA Track & Field) sanctioned event starts at 6 a.m. and ends with an awards ceremony at 9:00 am. La Palma will also be offering it 3^rd annual “Yankee Doodle Dash” geared towards younger children. The run will begin at 7821 Walker Street.

Lakewood

Also in the region, Lakewood is organizing its annual Civic Center Bloc Party, shutting down Clark Avenue to make way for the festivities on June 29^th to celebrate Independence Day.

The popular “Taste of Lakewood” booths are returning, as well as its Family Fun Zone. Live bands and food booths will also be available. For more info visit the cities website at www.lakewoodcity.org.

Cerritos

Organized by the Let Freedom Ring Committee, Cerritos’ annual Let Freedom Ring Celebration offers a variety of food, games, and entertainment. The live entertainment features performances from the Cerritos College Band, the Gahr High School Percussion Ensemble, and a special guest appearance of Captain Cardiac and the Coronaries.

Other rides and attritions will be available with the purchase of individual tickets before the firework spectacular lights the skies at 9 p.m. For more information, please feel free to call the Cerritos Recreation Services Division at (562) 916-1254.

This is the 40^th Annual Let Freedom Ring Event and several past members of the committee will be honored at the event, including founder Rosemary Economy and other members of the first LFR Committee.