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Community Corner

GREAT ESCAPE: Go Forth on the Fourth for the Fireworks

Pining for pyrotechnics? Here's a guide to local fireworks displays.

Let’s face it — there’s just something about a great fireworks display that gets your heart racing, and on our nation’s Day of Independence, it does pump up that patriotic fervor in your soul. Good thing, then, that there are numerous fireworks displays in Santa Clara County to choose from that are on and around July 4. The displays are free unless otherwise indicated. Here’s a look at where to see the rocket’s red glare near where you live.

• Red, White and Boom! July 4th Celebration at Milpitas Sports Center Football Field: Bring a picnic dinner to the sports field on Monday, July 4, and enjoy music by JamFunkShus before the fireworks start around 9:30 p.m. Gates open at 7:30 p.m.; activities will be from 8-10 p.m.

No alcohol, glass containers or pets are allowed; no barbecuing or tailgating in the parking lot, and personal fireworks are also a no-no. The field is at 1325 E. Calaveras Blvd., Milpitas. Details: www.ci.milpitas.ca.gov/_pdfs/rec_activity_guide.pdf or (408) 586-3210.

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• San Jose Giants Fireworks Extravaganzas: Buy a ticket to San Jose’s minor league baseball games on Monday or Tuesday, and as a bonus, you’ll get fireworks after the Giants battle the Modesto Nuts. Games begin at 6:30 p.m. each evening.

Tickets are now available at www.sjgiants.com or by calling (408) 297-1435, ext. 15; all seating is reserved for these games. The municipal stadium is at 588 East Alma Avenue, San Jose.

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On Monday, all tickets are $12; on Tuesday, prices range from $10 to $18, depending on where you’re seated, and it’s just $9 for seniors 65 and older and children ages 5-12. Kids 4 and under are free.

• Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular with the San Francisco Symphony: Enjoy the sight of starbursts in the night sky, set to stirring patriotic songs and marches, performed by the world-class San Francisco Symphony at Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View. Few tickets remain for the event, although premium box seats are still available for $200. For information, see http://www.sfsymphony.org/season/Event.aspx?eventid=48766. Tickets may be purchased through Live Nation (www.livenation.com).

Saturday Night Fireworks at California's Great America: Okay, so it’s not on the Fourth, but Great America does put on a great fireworks display every Saturday during July and August. If you want to thrill to a little pre-Independence Day pyrotechnics, included in the price of park admission, check out the evening action this Saturday at the Santa Clara amusement park, open 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Information: www.cagreatamerica.com or (408) 986-5866.

• Gilroy Community Fireworks Display: If you want fireworks, and just fireworks, then Gilroy has the event you’re looking for. The display gets under way around 9:30 p.m. on Monday, July 4, and fireworks will be launched from Gilroy High School. It’s advised that you get there early to get a spot for the best viewing.

Spectators will enjoy 400 fireworks and the show, sponsored by the City of Gilroy, will last about 20 minutes. The high school is at 750 W. Tenth St., Gilroy. Details: www.cityofgilroy.org/cityofgilroy/ or (408) 846-0419.

• Cupertino Fourth of July Fireworks Show: The City of Cupertino has a full day of Independence Day activities planned on Monday, starting with a 7 a.m. pancake breakfast at Quinlan Community Center and culminating in a fireworks display that will be launched from Cupertino High School. Residents can watch from their backyards, or from three recommended viewing locations in the city.

Beginning at 6:45 p.m., strolling jazz musicians will play in the parks, with games planned and evening picnics encouraged, at Creekside Park, Hyde Middle School and Sedgwick Elementary School. No alcohol, pets or barbecues will be allowed. The fireworks display starts at 9:30 p.m.

Creekside Park is at Miller Avenue and Calle de Barcelona; Hyde Middle School at 19325 Bollinger Road between Hyde and Miller; and Sedgwick Elementary at 19200 Phil Lane at Tantau Avenue.

For safety reasons, there will be no public access to the Cupertino High School campus.

In addition, Finch Avenue and Tilson Street will be closed to traffic from 6 p.m. to midnight. Information: (408) 777-3110 or www.cupertino.org/index.aspx?page=395.

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