RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - Two days of carnival rides, circus acts, music, food and fireworks kick off Tuesday, July 3 as the Rancho Cordova Fourth of July Celebration rolls into high gear for Rancho Cordova’s biggest community bash.

Gates open at 4 PM on July 3 and July 4 for two great days of fun.  Admission is $5 and parking is $10.

The fun is to include the All-America Mile Run followed by the Rancho Cordova Fourth of July Parade, filling Coloma Road with runners, floats and six high school marching bands – all in celebration of Independence Day, a tradition dating back to 1776.

July 3 opens with a fun-filled evening in Hagan Park, with gates opening at 4 PM.  Inside, guests can enjoy carnival rides, take in the Los Moralitos Circus (shows are at 5 and 7 PM), explore gastronomic offerings from 20 food vendors, take a miniature steam train or pedal boat ride or engage in laser tag.  At 8:15 PM, the action shifts to the concert venue where the Cripple Creek Band will entertain with Southern Rock music.  When it’s dark, fireworks will light up the skies.

July 4 features a long and busy schedule beginning with the All-America Mile Run, sponsored by the Rancho Cordova Track Club at 9 AM.  It’s a fast and fun one-mile jaunt down Coloma Road, clearing the way for what follows.

The beloved Rancho Cordova Fourth of July Parade comes next at 10 a.m., traveling down Coloma Road before turning down Chase Drive.  The parade will feature an astounding six high school marching bands, all providing music to assure a great and patriotic show.

The July 4 action in Hagan Park begins at 4 PM when the gates open for another evening of activities, featuring carnival rides and Los Moralitos Circus shows at 5 and 7 PM.  Pedal boat and steam train rides continue, as does laser tag.  At 8:15 PM the Rancho Cordova Fourth of July will rock you with “Queen Nation” "' a Queen tribute band "' followed by the Rancho Cordova Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular, the most artfully planned fireworks show in the region.

“We are thrilled to be bringing back fan favorites we have not seen since the pandemic,” said Shelly Blanchard, event organizer.  “We are pulling out all the stops for two fantastic fireworks shows and they will be the biggest and the best in the region, bar none.”

Admission tickets should be purchased in advance online at www.ranchocordovajuly4th.com.  All day carnival ride wristbands will be available online or at Koreana International Market through July 2 for $30.  The price increases to $40 on July 3 or 4 when they will be available onsite only, so purchase tickets in advance to beat the lines and get the best value.  Parking is $10 – cash only – and is paid onsite. 

The Rancho Cordova Fourth of July Celebration, now in its 37^th year, will attract 20,000 visitors to Hagan Park over the two days.  The event is produced by the Cordova Community Council and an army of volunteers.  For full details and information, visit www.ranchocordovajuly4th.com.