July 2, 2008 > Red, White & Boom! Red, White & Boom! By Meenu Gupta Photos By Courtesy of Aaron Bueno, Sports Center Supervisor Patriotism, joy, fun and celebration - that is how the city of Milpitas celebrates the nation's birthday. Living up to its annual tradition of celebrating Independence Day with grandeur, Milpitas Sports Center is prepared for a full day of fun and frolic. Unlimited water fun will be followed by an evening of fireworks on the Sports Center football field. Admission to all events is free. Parking is available at the Milpitas Sports Center, Milpitas Unified School District parking, within the surrounding neighborhoods and across the street at local businesses. There is no parking fee but spaces are limited on a first come first serve basis. "Although there is no historical reenactment, it's a celebration of our nation's birth," said Dale Flunoy, Program Coordinator, City of Milpitas. Talking about the popularity of Milpitas event he added, "Milpitas is one of the few cities still providing a fireworks show for the community. It's the closest you can get to any fireworks show." The City of Milpitas has been sponsoring a ground fireworks display since 2002. Just as in previous years, the 4th of July pool party, called "Waving the Red, White & Blue," is from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. at the Sports Center. Space may be limited at the party due to pool capacity. As an additional attraction to the Pool Party, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Milpitas Firefighters Local 1699 will host a barbecue at a nominal fee. Daytime activities will be followed by an evening of music by "Silicon Valley Houserockers" and ground fireworks on the sports center football field. Gates open at 7:30 p.m. and the concert begins at 8:00 p.m. and will continue for an hour and half. Fireworks will start around 9:30 p.m. In order to make sure everyone will enjoy the activities, there are a few restrictions: Alcohol and glass containers are prohibited. Animals are not allowed at these events. Barbecuing and tailgating is not permitted in the parking lot. Please do not bring personal fireworks since they are illegal in the City of Milpitas. Milpitas is proud of its traditional events that are a safe and enjoyable way to enjoy our nation's birthday, so pack your favorite picnic dinner and prepare to enjoy Red, White & Boom! with friends and family. July 4th Celebration Red, White & Boom! Friday, July 4th Pool Party: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. Concert & Fireworks: 8 p.m. (Gates open 7:30 p.m.) Milpitas Sports Center, 1325 E. Calaveras Blvd., Milpitas (408)-586-3210 TDD users call (408) 586-3267 www.ci.milpitas.ca.gov Free Admission Alcohol and glass containers are prohibited. Animals are also not allowed at these events. Barbecuing and tailgating is not permitted in the parking lot. Personal fireworks are also prohibited as fireworks are illegal in the City of Milpitas.