Patch Picks: Independence Day Fun and Fireworks

Fourth of July is shaping up to be a perfect-weather day–great for some outdoor fun before enjoying the evening fireworks. Exercise safety and caution, and stay engaged in outdoor activities such as barbecues and picnics–to ensure a more enjoyable day of fun in the sun.

Although many venues will not have fireworks displays this year due to budgetary constraints, our very own at ’s fireworks show will go on. Check out the fireworks and parades that will take place nearby for some explosive entertainment.

Fireworks in Mountain View

• San Francisco Symphony and Radio Disney’s Road Crew will light up the night with music and family festival fun at the 25th Annual 4th of July (and 3rd of July) Fireworks Spectacular at the Shoreline Amphitheatre presented by Live Nation. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. Prior to the show, there will be prizes and live music by artist Amber Lily. The show will feature tunes from E.T., Fantasia, Star Wars, Beach Boys and more. the Price of tickets ranges from $24 to $79. Telephone 650-967-3000. Tickemaster: 800-745-3000. Located at 1 Amphitheatre Parkway, Shoreline Amphitheatre.

Fireworks and Parades Nearby

• San Jose Giants Fireworks Extravaganzas: Celebrate Independence Day at Municipal Stadium in San Jose on July 4 and 5. What a deal–get a fireworks show and a game – one after the other! The minor league baseball game starts at 6:30 p.m. and the fireworks show will follow afterwards. Price of tickets range from $9 to $18 and can be purchased at www.sjgiants.com. Telephone: 408-297-1435 ext. 15. All seating is reserved for the July 4 and 5 games.You can get tickets in person at the Municipal Stadium Box Office, located at 588 East Alma Avenue, San Jose.

• Rose, White & Blue Parade in San Jose: Bring the family to an old-fashioned family-style parade with a picnic and entertainment including live music, arts & crafts booths and an antique & classic car show on July 4th! This parade goes back to 1896 when it was known as the Rose Carnival and it became later known as The Fiesta de Las Rosas Parade in the 1920’s. Parade begins at 10 a.m. on Shasta and Martin Avenues and ends about one and a half miles later at Alameda and Randolph Ave. Picnic and entertainment begins at 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be food and drink available from local restaurants and picnic tables will be set up under the shade trees in front of the Westminister Church. Telephone: 408-436-8581.

• Fourth of July All-City Picnic in Santa Clara, featuring the Santa Clara Vanguard Drum & Bugle Corps. City of Santa Clara has a traditional event–a picnic at Central Park. It will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and starts out with an outdoor pancake breakfast from 8 to 10 a.m. There will be live entertainment throughout the day at the Pavilion. You can bring a picnic or purchase “All-American” foods by the local community. There will be activities such as carnival games, face painting and swimming. At noon a flag dedication ceremony takes place followed by band performances by The Bell Brothers and Busta-Groove. Located at Central Park, 909 Kiely Blvd, Santa Clara. Telephone: 408-615-3140. Price: No entrance fee but food, activities, and games can be purchased at site.

• July 4th Fun at Blackberry Farm in Cupertino. Great family time outdoors with free swimming, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., a barbecue lunch from 12noon to 2 p.m., for the first 800 people, and live music from 12noon to 3 p.m. by The Groove Kings. Locted at 21979 San Fernando Avenue, Cupertino. Telephone: 408-777-3140.

Note that fireworks are prohibited at all these events.

A fun recipe for the family

Sparkler Cupcakes by Better Homes and Gardens

This will take about 45 minutes to prepare, 20 minutes to bake, 45 minutes to cool and 1 hour 5 minutes to stand.

Ingredients

1/2 cup red candy coating disks
1/2 cup blue candy coating disks
1/2 cup white candy coating disks
2-1/2 cups Creamy White Frosting or canned creamy white frosting
12 Confetti Cupcakes or other 2-1/2 inch cupcakes in  paper bake cups cups 
Red, white, and blue sprinkles and/or jimmies (optional)

Instructions

1. Place colored candy coating disks in three separate small microwave-safe bowls. Microwave one bowl on 100 percent power (high) for 30 seconds. Stir; microwave for 20 to 30 seconds more or until melted. Repeat, one at a time, with the remaining bowls of candy coating. Transfer the melted candy coatings to three small heavy resealable plastic bags. Snip off a small piece from one corner of each bag. On sheets of waxed paper, make 8- to 9-inch-long sticks (about 1/4-inch thickness) of each color candy coating by piping back and forth over waxed paper in a zigzag pattern. Let stand about 1 hour or until firm. (If necessary, place the sticks of candy coating in the freezer until firm.)

2. Meanwhile, place Creamy White Frosting in a disposable pastry bag fitted with a medium star tip. Pipe frosting over Confetti Cupcakes.

3. Break the zigzag sticks of candy coating into 3- to 4-inch lengths. Insert the candy sticks into frosting, radiating out from the center like a sparkler. If desired, sprinkle with colored sprinkles. Makes 12 (2-1/2-inch) cupcakes.

Creamy White Frosting: In a large mixing bowl beat 1 cup shortening, 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla, and 1/2 teaspoon almond extract with an electric mixer on medium speed for 30 seconds. Gradually add 2 cups powdered sugar, beating well. Add 2 tablespoons milk. Gradually beat in another 2 cups powdered sugar. Gradually add another 1 to 2 tablespoons milk until frosting reaches a spreading consistency. Makes about 3 cups.

Confetti Cupcakes: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line twenty-four to twenty-six 2-1/2-inch muffin cups with paper bake cups. In a large mixing bowl combine one 2-layer-size package white cake mix, one 4-serving-size package instant cheesecake pudding and pie filling mix, 1 cup water, 3 eggs, 1/2 cup sour cream, and 1/3 cup vegetable oil. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed until combined. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes more, scraping down sides of bowl occasionally. Stir in 1/2 cup red, white, and blue sprinkles or jimmies. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups, filling each two-thirds to three-fourths full. Use the back of a spoon to smooth out batter in cups. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. Cool cupcakes in muffin cups on wire racks for 5 minutes. Remove cupcakes from muffin cups. Cool completely on wire racks. Makes 24 to 26 (2-1/2-inch) cupcakes.

Credit: Better Homes and Gardens

Have an explosively fun Independence Day!