7 star-spangled ways to celebrate Fourth of July in SLO County
Along with barbecuing and baseball, Fourth of July festivities are some of the most American of pastimes.
From boats and bluegrass to parades and a pie-eating contest, San Luis Obispo County offers plenty of patriotic ways to celebrate Independence Day.
Here are seven star-spangled events in store for Tuesday. (Arroyo Grande, Pismo Beach, Santa Margarita and Templeton also offer Fourth of July celebrations.)
Atascadero 4th of July Bluegrass Freedom Festival
What: Shake your tail feathers to the sounds of The Honeysuckle Possums and Snap Jackson and the Knock On Wood Players at this brand-new bluegrass festival emceed by Dan “BanjerDan” Manzer. Highlights include a beer garden barbecue, bounce houses and kayak and paddleboard races.
When: 4 p.m.
Where: Atascadero Lake Park, 9315 Pismo Ave., Atascadero
How much: $8 to $13
Info: 805-466-4086 or atascaderofourthofjuly.com
Avila Beach 4th of July Pancake Breakfast and Doggie Parade
What: Enjoy a hearty breakfast of pancakes, sausages and bacon (puppy sitters are provided while you eat). Then watch patriotic pooches parade along the Avila Beach Promenade in their most fashionable Fourth of July finery.
When: 8 to 11 a.m. breakfast, 11 a.m. parade
Where: Avila Beach Community Center, 191 San Miguel St., Avila Beach
How much: $3 to $7 breakfast; doggie parade and costume contest registration is free.
Info: 805-627-1997 or www.avilabeachcc.com
Morro Bay’s Family Funday 4th of July
What: From a speedy skateboard race to bike and boat parades, Morro Bay offers enough Fourth of July fun to keep the entire family entertained. The main event at Tidelands Park includes live music, a watermelon-eating contest and a water balloon toss plus a carnival complete with dunk tank, bounce houses and games.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Various locations, downtown Morro Bay
How much: Free
Info: 805-772-6278 or www.morrobay.org
Independence Day Festivities in Cayucos
What: Sun, surf and stunning sand sculptures await in Cayucos. After you scope out the artistry on shore, head inland for a parade, barbecue lunch, beach games and bingo. A classic Fourth of July fireworks display caps the celebration.
When: 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Various locations, downtown Cayucos
How much: Free
Info: 805-995-1200 or www.cayucoschamber.com
Cambria’s Picnic in the Park
What: Chow down on dessert during the hands-free pie-eating competition sponsored by Linn’s Fruit Binn in Cambria. Also in store at Cambria’s Picnic in the Park are old-fashioned children’s activities and the Waiter and Waitress Relay Race, plus a bounce house, music and fireworks. (There’s also a free Fourth of July barbecue at Cambria’s Pinedorado Grounds at 940 Main St.)
When: 11 a.m. to 8:45 p.m. Picnic in the Park; 1 to 4 p.m. barbecue
Where: Shamel Park, 5455 Windsor Blvd., Cambria
How much: Free
Info: 805-927-3624 or cambriachamber.org
Patriotic Boat Parade in Avila Beach
What: Come sail away with the San Luis Yacht Club. Join the parade led by the Port San Luis Harbor Patrol. Watch from the waves or hang out on the beach as boats decorated in red, white and blue cruise the Avila Beach coastline.
When: Noon
Where: Avila Beach
How much: Free
Info: 805-474-4125, 805-550-8050 or www.slyc.org
Pozo 5K
What: Run off extra calories from all those Fourth of July barbecues while you explore the scenic countryside just east of Santa Margarita. This 5-kilometer race, sponsored by San Luis Obispo’s Running Warehouse, begins and ends at the historic Pozo Saloon.
When: 7 a.m. registration, 8:30 a.m. race
Where: Pozo Saloon, 90 W. Pozo Road, Santa Margarita
How much: $45 (includes T-shirt, breakfast and refreshments)
Info: 800-606-9598 or www.active.com
Sarah Linn: 805-781-7907, @shelikestowatch
This story was originally published July 2, 2017 at 4:37 PM with the headline "7 star-spangled ways to celebrate Fourth of July in SLO County."