SANTA CRUZ — This Thursday marks America’s 248th birthday, which means Americans from all over will be firing up their barbecues, unfurling their flags and securing a good spot to watch fireworks. That includes Santa Cruz County, which will be hosting numerous events all day in just about every corner of the county. If you are the type who wishes to get outside their home to celebrate Independence Day, there is something for you.
Below is just a sample. All events are Thursday. For many, the Fourth of July is a calorie-heavy holiday with not a lot of opportunities to burn them off before gorging on hamburgers and potato salads.
Thankfully, as it has done since 1985, the Rotary Club of Santa Cruz Sunrise will be providing just that opportunity with its annual Firecracker race. The full course is back with a flat 5K race in the Harvey West Business Park, 10K race that winds through Pogonip park, Spring Trail and the meadow by UC Santa Cruz and a 1K Fun Run for kids. The race will conclude with a party in Harvey West Park with live music, a gourmet hot dog park and awards ceremony.
The 1K, 10K and 5K begin at 8, 8:30 and 8:40 a.m. respectively.
Harvey West Park’s address is 326 Evergreen St., Santa Cruz. To sign up, visit Runsignup.
com . La Selva Beach will have a full day of events, courtesy of the La Selva Beach Improvement Association. It all begins with 5K walk/run and 10K run at Triangle Park on Playa Boulevard at 8:30 a.
m., followed by a pet show on the lawn outside .