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The sun may be scorching this Fourth of July, but residents won't have to burn through money to have a good time. Local residents can just head to downtown Los Gatos and get ready to gear up in sunscreen, stars, and stripes for a full day of festivities to celebrate America's independence.
For the third year in a row, the town of Los Gatos has prepared a full spread of food and frolic for all ages and interests, including bounce houses, bingo games and a barbecue.
Events ignite at 11 a.m. and last until 8 p.m., ending slightly earlier than in former years. Town volunteer coordinator Susan Buxton said the town shortened the day so residents can enjoy all the activities,while still having time to visit locales with fireworks.
"It's really a great day," she said. "It's nice to have different activities so that people can come, go home, and come back or stay all day, however they want to celebrate the day."
Councilwoman Diane McNutt, who has been active in the event planning since its inception, believes this celebration is one of the most special for Los Gatos.
"It is such an All-American town, such a Norman Rockwell painting we live in, so we decided to use the lawn concert as a centerpiece and use that to build an old-fashioned community event," McNutt said.
As in past years, the town expects between 3,000 and 5,000 residents to attend.
Councilman Joe Pyrzinski originally pushed the idea for a full day family event when he was mayor. After months of meetings and planning, the format was drawn up and has grown every year since.
"We wanted to expand this celebration because it is such a wonderful holiday," Buxton said. "We try to do something for everyone—children, seniors—it's a great day for the community as a whole."
McNutt said planning for this year's event was relatively easy, as the town kept in line with the program of previous years. "This event is really special," McNutt said "It's been very fun to work on something that touches the hearts of the community, and an event where a lot of families make memories."
The day will begin at 11 a.m. with an American-style picnic, sponsored and served by local service clubs including the Los Gatos Kiwanis, Lions, and Rotary clubs, the Los Gatos Community Foundation, Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Los GatosMonte Sereno Police Department.
While parents chow down, kids can play a variety of games or visit the dunk tank. At 1:30 p.m., the San Jose Wind Symphony will perform on the lawn of Los Gatos High School as part of Music in the Park. A cake and ice cream social follows, along with several rounds of bingo giving away a variety of town-related prizes, such as "Keep Los Gatos Beautiful" shirts and water bottles.
As evening draws near, a barbecue dinner will be prepared by Johnny's Northside Grill, followed by a performance by Capitola-based Plain James Band to close out the night.
All events will take place at the Civic Center lawn, located at 110 E. Main St., except for the San Jose Wind Symphony performance which will take place on the lawn of Los Gatos High School, 20 High School Court.
Event Schedule
All-American Picnic and Games
Free entertainment and games for kids
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Strike Up the Band
San Jose Wind Symphony
1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Happy Birthday America
Free cake and ice cream social
3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Bingo & Lemonade in the Shade
Bingo games with prizes
4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Red, White & Blue BBQ
Barbecue dinner
5 to 7 p.m.
Yankee Doodle Dancing
Free music and dancing
6 to 8:30 p.m.
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