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Independence Day fireworks, parades and more. Find them in the Merced region

Fireworks explode in the night sky during the 2021 Fourth of July fireworks show in Atwater.
Fireworks explode in the night sky during the 2021 Fourth of July fireworks show in Atwater. Merced Sun-Star

You can start celebrating Independence Day early in the Merced region, as well as on the holiday itself, with a host of community patriotic events set.

And across the board, there will plenty of bombs bursting in air. Here’s a look at some of what’s planned:

Los Banos

June 28: Los Banos starts its festivities early. The city’s Independence Day celebration will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. the Saturday before July 4. There will be live music by Troublesome, food vendors, arts and crafts and a carnival. Fireworks start at 9 p.m. Henry Miller Plaza, 600 H St. See tinyurl.com/lbfourth.

Merced

July 3: The Diamonds in the Sky in Memory Of Margie event also will be held before the holiday at the Merced Speedway. There will be racing events and a fireworks show. Gates open at 5 p.m. with racing starting at 7 p.m. and pyrotechnics after dark. Both are free. The speedway is at 900 Martin Luther King Jr. Way. See www.mercedspeedway.net/profile/?r=560376&rt=sch.

Livingston

July 4: Livingston plans an old-fashioned Fourth of July celebration this year. Festivities begin with a Wee Miss and Mr. Livingston Fourth of July Pageant. Also planned are carnival games, live entertainment, a pie-eating contest, food vendors and more, all ending with a fireworks show. 4:30 to 10:30 p.m. Max Foster Sports Complex. 2600 Walnut Ave. Event entry is free. See www.cityoflivingston.org/recreation/page/4th-july-festivities.

Lake McClure

July 4: The Lights on the Lake Independence Day Celebration returns to Lake McClure for an over-the-water display. Recreation at the lake is available all day, with fireworks viewing areas open at McClure Point at 6 p.m. Entrance to Lake McClure is at the Merced Irrigation District parks entrance, 9090 Lake McClure Road, Snelling. Entrance fee is $25 per vehicle, boat entrance fee $9 per trailer. All entry tickets must be purchased in advance. See www.lakemcclure.com/events-at-lake-mcclure-lake-mcswain-new

Fireworks explode in the night sky during the 2021 Fourth of July fireworks show in Atwater.
Fireworks explode in the night sky during the 2021 Fourth of July fireworks show in Atwater. Merced Sun-Star

Atwater

July 4: The day begins with a Run for Independence at 7:30 a.m. A parade downtown begins at 9 a.m., and there will be a festival at Ralston Park from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. A concert featuring Troublesome and a fireworks show will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. at Castle Commerce Center, with admission $20 per car, $5 per walk-in. See www.atwater4thofjuly.org.

Gustine

July 4: Festivities include a parade at 10:30 a.m. in downtown. Afterward, there will be activities, food and more at Henry Miller Park beginning at noon. At night, there will be fireworks at the Gustine High football field. See www.gustinechamberofcommerce.com or call 209-777-9382.

Lake Don Pedro

July 4: The annual Fireworks-on-the-Water Celebration will be held at Lake Don Pedro. Parking is limited, so spectators should arrive early for the 9:30 p.m. show. 11500 Bonds Flat Road, La Grange. $40 per vehicle, $20 per vessel. www.donpedrolake.com/recreation-area/fireworks-show.

This story was originally published June 26, 2025 at 12:00 PM with the headline "Independence Day fireworks, parades and more. Find them in the Merced region."

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