Parade, fireworks on tap for July 4 in Ramona

Independence Day in Ramona will start with a morning parade in San Diego Country Estates and end with evening fireworks in town. In between are free hot dogs and hamburgers at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3783.

The parade will start at 10 a.m. at the Casey Tibbs Western Center at Pappas Road and Avenel Lane and continue along Pappas

Fireworks.DSC_8234.FEATRoad to Ramona Oaks Park. While the parade is open to the public and features entries from throughout Ramona and the region, festivities in the park after the parade are open only to Estates residents and their guests.

Seasoned parade-goers arrive early for prime seating in the shade along the parade route.

VFW members will start handing out free hot dogs and hamburgers at 1 p.m. at the post at 2247 Kelly Ave. Those joining them to celebrate Independence Day are asked to bring a side dish to share.

Also on Friday, Country Wine & Spirits at 23658 San Vicente Road will offer free food and music from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Fireworks.DSC_8215.FEATRamona Rotary Club’s 22nd annual July 4th Family Picnic & Fireworks will be an old-fashioned, community-spirited celebration behind Olive Peirce Middle School, 1521 Hanson Lane, from 5 to about 9:30 p.m. The fireworks are set to start at 9.

Festivities include food, games, family activities, music, and the grand finale skyshow synchronized to music on KYXY 96.5 FM Radio.

The community each year makes the fireworks event possible with donations ranging from pennies to the $2,000 from the Norris-Hinkle Family. The goal this year was $25,000 and, as of early this week, $20,371 had been raised.

Donations may be mailed to Ramona Rotary Club, P.O. Box 276, Ramona, CA 92065, with checks payable to Ramona Rotary Fourth of July. If the goal is not met by July 4, Rotarians will accept donations at the picnic.