July 8, 2011 > A weekend of fun A weekend of fun Fourth of July celebrations are usually a hard act to follow, but this weekend is up to the task and then some. Major events and activities are beckoning, no matter what age or preference. Listings in "It's A Date" are bursting at the seams with special activities and there is little reason to travel any farther than the Southeast Bay Area this weekend or following weeks - check the TCV "It's A Date" section each week - because it's all here. Look at this sample of what is happening in our area over the next few days... Blues at the Russell City Blues Festival Hot vibrations and cool microbrews at Newark's Summerfest Open art studios of Mission Trails artists Health expo and "Run to the Lake," Niles Town Plaza concert Japanese Bazaar Birthday celebration at McConaghy House Rockin the night at St. Anne's Newark's Relay for Life Super Flea Market Live Theatre performances Regional Parks, National Wildlife Refuge, swimming and outdoor fun at local parks Last call for Alameda County Fair And as if all the above isn't enough, Saturday evening will feature the epitome of precision and sound as the beat of the greatest marching bands in the nation fills Tak Fudenna Stadium in Fremont. Hosted by Santa Clara Vanguard Cadets, the California State Open Championship will feature some of the best Open Class and All-Age Corps in the United States. Competitors are world class musicians that have mastered the multi-tasking rigors of this demanding genre. Drum Corps International holds high standards for membership and the groups performing are among the best within this elite organization. This is a rare chance to watch "drumlines" and musicians of world class competitors Mandarin and Cascades as well as the current DCI Open Class defending world champion Blue Devil "B" and their closest competitor, host Vanguard Cadets in head-to-head battle. The San Francisco Renegades will also be competing, as well as Oregon Crusaders, Gold, Incognito, Impulse, SoCal Dream, Velvet Knights, Blue Devil 'C'. This is a visual and auditory feast that is beyond compare. Be there! Drum Corps State Open Championship Saturday, July 9 Gates open 3:30 p.m. Competition begins at 4:30 p.m. Tak Fudenna Stadium Washington High School 38442 Fremont Blvd, Fremont General Admission: $18