South Coast shows canceled

In the time-honored tradition of Independence Day, many communities are lighting up the sky with fireworks tonight, but a nearby fire has forced one South Coast city to forego the tradition.

The Gap Fire raging for two days in the hills above the city of Goleta had put the Goleta Fireworks Festival at Girsch Park in doubt.

Thursday afternoon, the Rotary Clubs of Goleta in close collaboration with city officials, decided to cancel the fireworks show and related activities to maintain public safety.

Additionally, organizers canceled the 34th annual Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration today at Rancho La Patera & Stow House in Goleta has been canceled due to the Gap Fire.

“We regret the inconvenience that this brings to our supporters, volunteers, sponsors, and vendors,” organizers said Thursday. “Our thoughts are with the firefighters and their families during this challenging time.”

However, many other events are happening north and south of Goleta.

Solvang will host an Old-fashioned Fourth of July Celebration at 11 a.m. today at Mission Santa Ines. The parade will travel down Mission Drive, to Fourth Place, to Copenhagen Place and then back to the mission. A festival at the Mission will follow, featuring carnival games as well as food, local beers and wines. A fireworks display at 9 will close the evening. Admission is free.

Other Fourth of July fireworks shows today will be held at:

9 p.m. at the Santa Maria Fairpark, at Thornburg Street and Stowell Road. Gates open at 6 p.m. Admission is free.

Dusk at Lompoc High School's Hyuck Stadium. Gates open at 5 p.m. General admission is $6 for adults and $4 for children.

9 p.m. off the Pismo Pier in Pismo Beach. Admission is free.

9:30 p.m. off Santa Barbara's West Beach. Admission is free.

July 4, 2008