Classic Hometown Parade, Fireworks Top Nevada County Fourth of July Festivities

Published on Jun 20, 2008 - 9:15:04 AM

By: Nevada City Chamber of Commerce

NEVADA CITY, Calif June 20, 2008 - A colorful parade through historic downtown Nevada City and the Sierra foothills' largest aerial fireworks display top the 2008 Fourth of July celebration in Nevada County.

The classic hometown parade begins at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jul. 4. More than 100 entries and several thousand spectators are expected to take part.

The festive parade begins at the top of Broad Street and moves through the center of the downtown historic district. Parade-goers are advised to bring lawn chairs and arrive by 10:30 a.m. or so to find a good vantage point.

Grand marshals for this year's parade are George and Christine Foster, longtime Nevada City residents and community leaders. Parade announcers are Friar Tuck's owner Greg Cook and former mayor and city councilman Paul Matson. The parade is under the direction of George and Pat Harper. Parade entry judging is under the direction of Jim Mackey.

Following the parade is a traditional family celebration under the pines at the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley. Live music and entertainment, food and refreshments are offered. The aerial fireworks spectacular blasts off at 9:30 p.m.

Entertainment includes the ever-popular Ophir Prison Marching Kazoo Band, Montra, a Blue Suede tribute to Elvis, Gold Country Swing and clogging exhibitions.

In addition, the extensive and intricate Nevada County Narrow Gauge model railroad project will be open for public viewing at no charge from 4-8 p.m.

Fairgrounds gates open at 3 p.m. and entertainment begins at 4 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults; children 12 and under are admitted free. Parking is $3 at Fairgrounds Gate 4. No alcohol, glass, pets, barbecues or personal fireworks may be brought onto the grounds.

Nevada City and Grass Valley are located at the 2,500-foot elevation, off state routes 49 and 20, a one-hour drive northeast of Sacramento. From the capital city (60 miles), take eastbound Interstate 80 to Auburn and Highway 49 north. From Marysville (35 miles) and the north valley, take eastbound Highway 20. From Reno (80 miles), take westbound I-80 and westbound Highway 20.

The Nevada County Fourth of July celebration is cosponsored by the Grass Valley/Nevada County and Nevada City chambers of commerce and the Grass Valley Downtown Association.

Major donors and supporters of this year's celebration include Sierra Nevada Medical Associates, Economy Pest Control, Capital Beverage Company, SPD Markets, Raley's and the Grass Valley Rotary Club.

For information on the activities, call (530) 273-4667, (800) 65-4667, (530) 265-2592 or (800) 655-6569. Online information may be found at www.nevadacitychamber.com. or www.grassvalleychamber.com.

Entries Open for NC Fourth of July Parade

Have you ever wanted to march or ride in a parade? Well, now's your chance.

Parade coordinators George and Pat Harper are still accepting entries for the Fourth of July parade in historic downtown Nevada City, the Nevada City Chamber of Commerce announced this week (Jun. 20).

"Everybody is always welcome to be in the parade," says parade coordinator George Harper, who has been organzing local parades for many years. "We never turn anyone away."

The classic hometown patriotic parade begins at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jul. 4. It forms at the top of Broad Street and moves down through the historic district.

For information and entry application forms, contact the Nevada City Chamber of Commerce at 265-2692.

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