EMBED >More News Videos Did you miss the 4th of July festivities in San Francisco? You can watch the full fireworks show here. Were you unable to watch the fireworks live in San Francisco, never fear! You can take in the entire show in 30 seconds here. ⬇️🎆 https://t.co/E6sZiRc1Pn — ABC7 News (@abc7newsbayarea) July 5, 2018 SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Tens of thousands of spectators flocked to San Francisco's waterfront to celebrate Independence Day.At least one person attempted their own fireworks show. This is not only dangerous but illegal with offenders facing possible fines or even jail time.Luckily, fog stayed away and spectators got a crystal clear view of the fireworks sky show. "It was really amazing and clear, what a show," said Brandi visiting from Birmingham, Alabama.The fireworks launched promptly at 9:30 p.m. from two barges anchored off Pier 39 and Aquatic Park.Traffic on The Embarcadero was jammed for several hours before the show, as spectators searched for parking. "Wow, we've been circling for one hour," said one driver.Some started celebrating early, lighting their own illegal fireworks near crowds. No one was injured.A total of about 10,000 fireworks burst into the sky over San Francisco.<doc-sep>Alameda County Fair Live performances, exhibitions, fair foods, wine and beer, carnival rides, community competitions. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. $8-$12. Alameda County Fairgrounds, 4501 Pleasanton Ave., Pleasanton. www.alamedacountyfair.com Alameda Fourth of July Parade 10 a.m. Tuesday. Route begins at Lincoln Ave. and Park St., proceeds down Park St. to Otis Drive, Grand St., Encinal, Central and Webster St., ending at Lincoln Ave. Free. Downtown Alameda. alamedaparade.com Antioch Fourth of July Celebration Parade, live entertainment, pancake breakfast, car show, kids zone, prizes, fireworks. 11 a.m. Parade; 9:30 p.m. fireworks. Events run 8:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Free. Contra Costa County Fairgrounds, 1201 W. 10th St., Antioch. celebrateantioch.org/event/hometown-4th-of-july-2018 Benicia Freedom Festival Torchlight parade down Main St. 6:30 p.m. Tues., July 3; Picnic celebration with live music, arts and crafts, food, children’s activities, noon-9 p.m.; 9 p.m. fireworks. Free. Downtown Benicia, First St., Benicia. www.beniciamainstreet.org/freedom-festival-3rd-4th-of-july-activitie ALSO: Fog will make San Francisco's fireworks display less than spectacular Blue and Gold Fireworks Cruises Departures from 8 to 8:40 p.m. from Piers 39 and 41; 8:30 p.m. departure from Tiburon Ferry Terminal. 8-10 p.m. $85. San Francisco and Tiburon ferry terminals. www.blueandgoldfleet.com/ferry/4th-of-july-fireworks-cruise-2 Commodore Fourth of July Cruise Dinner, dancing and fireworks from the bay. 6-11 p.m. $55-$130. Commodore Cruises, 2394 Mariner Square Dr., Alameda. www.commodoreevents.com Concord Fourth of July 8 a.m. 5-k/kids run; 10 a.m. parade starting on Grant St., then right on Willow Pass Rd., and right on Mt. Diablo St., ending at Mt. Diablo High School; 4 p.m. festival at Mt. Diablo High School with live entertainment, children’s events, food and drink; 9 p.m. fireworks. Free. Mt. Diablo High School, 2450 Grant St., Concord. www.concordjuly4th.com Corte Madera Fourth of July Parade and Festival 10:30 a.m. parade begins at Redwood High School, ending at Corte Madera Town Center; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. festival with live music, children’s activities, arts and crafts, food vendors at Corte Madera Town Park. Free. Town Center Corte Madera, 100 Corte Madera Town Center, Corte Madera. www.cortemadera.org/events/fourth-of-july-parade-festival Cupertino Fourth of July 7 a.m. pancake breakfast; 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. children’s carnival; 9:30 a.m. flag raising; 10 a.m. children’s parade; 10:30-noon life music. Free swimming and food trucks at Blackberry Farm, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Memorial Park/Quinlan Community Center, 10185 N. Stelling Rd., Cupertino. www.cupertino.org El Cerrito Fourth of July Festival Live entertainment, children’s fun area, arts and crafts vendors, food and drink. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. Cerrito Vista Park, 7007 Moesner Ln., El Cerrito. www.el-cerrito.org/july4 Foster City Fourth of July Celebration 9 a.m. pancake breakfast; 11:30 a.m. barbecue; noon-9:15 p.m. live music, arts and crafts vendors, carnival rides; 11 a.m. family dog parade; 1 p.m. veterans wall ceremony; 9:30 p.m. fireworks. Free. Leo Ryan Park, 650 Shell Blvd., Foster City. www.fostercity.org ALSO: Secret spots for viewing 4th of July fireworks around the Bay Area Fremont Fourth of July Parade Route runs along Paseo Padre Parkway from Stevenson to Capitol Ave. 10 a.m. Free. Downtown Fremont. www.fremont4th.org Golden Gate Park Band A program of patriotic and American music. 1-2:30 p.m. Free. Bandstand, Golden Gate Park Music Concourse, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr., S.F. goldengateparkband.org Green Music Center Fourth of July Spectacular Performances by Transcendence Theatre company and the Santa Rosa Symphony, children’s activities and fireworks to close the evening. 7:30-10 p.m. $25. Green Music Center, Weill Hall, 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. gmc.sonoma.edu/event/3748818-4th-of-july-fireworks-spectacular-br Hornblower Fourth of July Dinner Cruise Dinner, live entertainment, premium cocktail bar and bay views of fireworks. Departures from Berkeley as well as S.F. Tours depart between 7 and 8:30 p.m. 7-11 p.m. $158-$213. Pier 3, 1398 The Embarcadero, S.F. www.hornblower.com/home/sf Jack London Square Fourth of July Block Party Live music and entertainment, beer/cider garden, barbecue, local shopping, kids zone. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Jack London Square, 472 Water St., Oakland. jacklondonsquare.com Livermore Family Fun Fireworks Celebration Family activities, restaurants and shopping specials. 4 p.m. street closure; 9:30 p.m. fireworks. Free. Downtown Livermore, 2400 First St., Livermore. livermoredowntown.com/4th-of-july-2018 Marin County Fair Themed “All For One, Fun For All” and featuring live music, carnival rides, livestock exhibits, community art exhibitions, vendors, craft beer and wine, fair fare, 9:30 p.m. fireworks. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. $15-$20. Marin County Fair, 10 Ave. of the Flags, San Rafael. www.marinfair.org Menlo Park Fourth of July Parade and Celebration 11:45 a.m. parade on Chestnut St.; noon-2:30 p.m. festival with live music, food, children’s activities. 11:45 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Free. Burgess Park, 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park. www.menlopark.org Napa County Fair Star-Spangled Social A parade through downtown Calistoga, street party, carnival rides, goods, games, live music and fireworks viewing. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. $15-$20. Napa County Fairgrounds, 1435 N. Oak St., Calistoga. www.celebratenapavalley.org Novato Fourth of July Parade “Community Spirit Alive.” Parade route spans Grant Ave. from Reichert to Seventh Ave. 10 a.m. Free. Downtown Novato, Grant Ave. between Redwood Blvd. and Seventh St., Novato. www.novatoparade.com Ol’ Fashioned 4th of July Parade Noon parade down Main St.; 8 a.m. pancake breakfast; community barbecue, beer and wine, live music. 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Main St., Half Moon Bay. www.miramarevents.com/4th-of-july-parade Orinda Fourth of July Parade Route traverses Camino Pablo and Orinda Way. 7:30 a.m. pancake breakfast, 8 a.m. Haley’s Run for a Reason, 9 a.m. book sale at Orinda Library; 10 a.m. parade; 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. festival. Free. Orinda Community Park, 28 Orinda Way, Orinda. orindaassociation.org/parade-info Pacifica Fourth of July 8:45 a.m. 5-mile Rocket Run at Pacifica Community Center; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. celebration with crafts, games, live music. Frontierland Park, 900 Yosemite Dr., Pacifica. business.pacificachamber.com/events Palo Alto Chili Cook Off and Summer Festival Food, beer, margaritas, chili, live music, kids area. Noon-5 p.m. $5. Mitchell Park, 600 E. Meadow Dr., Palo Alto. www.paloaltochilicookoff.com Pardee Historic Home Museum Annual Fourth of July Patriotic Picnic Burgers, dogs and corn on the cob off the grill, live ragtime music, raffle prizes. Noon-3:30 p.m. $5-$15. Pardee Historic Home Museum, 672 11th St., Oakland. www.pardeehome.org Redwood City Fourth of July Parade, Festival and Fireworks 7:30 a.m. pancake breakfast; 8:45 a.m. parade run 5K; 10 a.m. parade; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. festival; noon carnival; 9 a.m. car show; 7 p.m. concert at the port; 9:30 p.m. fireworks. Free. Courthouse Square, 2200 Broadway, Redwood City. www.redwoodcity.org/ S.F. Symphony Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular Hero-themed favorites led by conductor Edwin Outwater and featuring Broadway vocalist Capathia Jenkins. The evening ends with a fireworks display accompanied by the Symphony. 8-10 p.m. $25-$40. Shoreline Amphitheatre, 1 Amphitheatre Pkwy., Mountain View. www.sfsymphony.org San Francisco Pier 39 Fourth of July 3 p.m. live music, special events and activities; 9:30 p.m. fireworks. Free. Pier 39, S.F. www.pier39.com/event/july-4th-celebration-pier San Jose Rotary Fireworks Various downtown food options. 9:30 p.m. fireworks. Free. Discovery Meadow, 180 Woz Way, San Jose. www.rotaryfireworks.org San Ramon Independence Day Celebration Live music by Foreverland, arts and crafts, children’s activities. 5-8 p.m. Free. San Ramon Central Park, 12501 Alcosta Blvd., San Ramon. www.ci.san-ramon.ca.us/our_city/departments_and_divisions/parks_community_services/events/fourth_of_july Santa Clara All-City Picnic and Fireworks Extravaganza 2 p.m. flag ceremony; 2:15-9 p.m. live music; 9:30 p.m. fireworks; as well as picnic activities, free swimming, food and drink vendors, carnival games, children’s activities. Free. Central Park Santa Clara, 909 Kiely Blvd., Santa Clara. santaclaraca.gov/government/departments/parks-recreation/parks-recreation-special-events/4th-of-july Sausalito Fourth of July 10 a.m. parade down Main St.; noon-6:30 p.m. picnic in Dunphy Park; 6:30 p.m. live music followed by 9:30 p.m. fireworks. Gabrielson Park, Humboldt Ave. & Anchor St., Sausalito. www.oursausalito.com/calendar-of-events/4th-of-july-fireworks-parade-amp-picnic.html USS Hornet Independence Day Celebration Live music, family activities, food and drink vendors, views of city fireworks. 2-10 p.m. $15-$25. USS Hornet Air and Space Museum, 707 West Hornet Ave., Alameda. www.uss-hornet.org/calendar/4th-of-july-2018 USS Potomac Fourth of July Fireworks Cruise Champagne, dinner, dessert and views of the fireworks from the bay. 7:30 p.m. $125. USS Potomac, 540 Water St., Oakland. www.usspotomac.org<doc-sep>
For more than six decades, San Francisco has celebrated the Fourth of July with fireworks over the bay. And for more than six decades, the scene has shifted and the fog has rolled in. The Chronicle has long covered the celebrations surrounding America’s birthday, even when the colorful fireworks were captured only in black-and-white photos and reporters’ choice words. A recent trip to the archive at 901 Mission St. turned up images, negatives and articles from the past San Francisco century of July Fourth festivities. Starting in the 1950s, holiday event stories were written and photos were taken on topics that included: children playing at the Marina Green, the city Municipal Band, folk dancing, clowns (creepy, creepy clowns), heat waves and swimsuits, and, of course, people enjoying the San Francisco summer — bundled up in several layers. In 1967, after a few particularly foggy July Fourth evenings, the city’s fireworks show was moved to Candlestick Park. TV personality “Mayor” Art Finley was the master of ceremonies, the Fourth Air Force band from Hamilton Field was in concert, and the rock band Main Attraction played for the younger generation in attendance. More than 40,000 people showed up, the largest crowd in the show’s then-10-year history. The San Francisco fireworks extravaganza at Candlestick was nearly canceled in 1978. Scheduling difficulties were exacerbated by budget cuts, and the Giants had a game scheduled for July 5, which would have significantly increased cleanup costs. The organizers considered the Presidio as a site, but several tons of missiles, tanks and other artillery were occupying the area. “It would be too dangerous to let people in before we had a chance to move all of the equipment out of the area,” an Army spokesman said. That sounds like it was the right call. Federal officials said the only other appropriate site was Alcatraz. Two years earlier, however, an attempt to stage a fireworks show from the island had turned into a pyrotechnics “disaster,” they said. “We had 100,000 people lining the banks of the bay for nothing but a slight reddening of the fog every time we set off fireworks,” said Jerry Schober, superintendent of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Fog, in San Francisco, in July? Say it ain’t so. The show would go on after all at Candlestick, with numerous groups volunteering to help with staging and cleanup. In 1979, the fireworks returned to San Francisco’s north shore, kicking off with an afternoon of music and family-style entertainment at Crissy Field. The fireworks were shot in the air from a U.S. Navy barge and were visible within view of the Golden Gate Bridge. It was a ka-booming success. David Randolph / The Chronicle 1969 More from Chronicle Vault •Going boom: Let’s take a look back at the biggest Fourth of July party that San Francisco has ever seen. •From Peter Hartlaub: From Pride to 49ers celebrations to Lunar New Year, San Francisco has loved a parade for 150 years. More from the Archive The Vault Home of the San Francisco Chronicle's archive and more than 150 years of journalism covering the Bay Area and beyond. •Bring your beads: Do you remember when San Francisco had visions of throwing its own Mardi Gras? •No holding back: The original Chronicle architectural review of Pier 39 was merciless. •Black, red, white and blue: See The Chronicle’s front page covering the 1976 bicentennial celebrations in San Francisco and across the nation. From the Archive is a weekly column by Bill Van Niekerken, the library director of The Chronicle, exploring the depths of the newspaper’s archive. It’s part of Chronicle Vault, a twice-weekly newsletter highlighting more than 150 years of San Francisco stories. It is edited by Tim O’Rourke, The Chronicle’s assistant managing editor and executive producer of SFChronicle.com. Sign up for the newsletter here and follow Chronicle Vault on Instagram. Contact Bill at bvanniekerken@sfchronicle.com and Tim at torourke@sfchronicle.com.