My first 4th of July in Mt. Shasta city was likely 1976

This was a big one likely because this was the 200th anniversary of July 4th 1776 when the Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. My first wife and I moved to Mt. Shasta for the first time in 1976 from San Diego also.

If you don't live in the U.S. July 4th is the biggest summer holiday of the year followed by Memorial Day at the end of May (memorializing all soldiers who have died in wars to keep America intact and going) and Labor Day in September to honor Labor or workers in all walks of life throughout America.

For Mt. Shasta being a small town up in the mountains in Northern California, July 4th celebrations are likely the biggest single event of the entire year. They do a small town parade which is both entertaining and very quaint and also funny at times and precious at others but be prepared for a hot day. But this year not so bad likely the hottest will be 81 to 84 degrees so not too bad. In Previous years it has been up to 100 degrees or more. So, this year is more survivable in the heat.

It starts with a walk-run depending upon what you like to do or whether you are a real long distance runner or not and how old you are and in what shape you are in. Thousands of people go for the 2 mile fun walk which isn't a competition as much as families having a good time with bands playing music along the sides of the roads you walk on. So, music is everywhere for the Fun walk but also for longer runs in many categories which start early the morning of the 4th. People come from all over the world to compete in the runs by the way. And there usually is a raffle for a new car and there is one that will be given away this year too.

At night, when it is dark enough, fireworks go off over Lake Siskiyou nearby. Everyone either gets into their boats out on the lake and gets hit with debris form the fireworks or they gather around the edges of the lake and watch the fireworks which usually begin sometime after dusk usually around 9:20 or 9:30 at night for this time of year this far north.

All in all it is a fun time for locals and tourists alike.

Happy 4th of July!