THE SANTA MARIA PUBLIC LIBRARY presents “Free Movie Nights @ the Library” featuring a screening of National Treasure July 1 at 6:30 p.m. in the Shepard Hall, Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria. Info: 925-0994, Ext. 117 or dhildinger@ci.santa-maria@ca.us.
LOMPOC’S ANNUAL 4TH OF JULY SPECTACULAR FIREWORKS come to Lompoc High School’s Huyck Stadium on July 4. Gates open at 5 p.m. Jump Drive provides live music, children will find face painting and carnival games with prizes, and hungry visitors will enjoy snacks, cotton candy, and cold drinks. Tickets cost $4 for adults and $2 for children until July 2 at Anderson Recreation Center, 125 W. Walnut Ave., and Lompoc Community Bank. Tickets will be available at the gate for $6 for adults and $4 for children. Info: 875-8100.
TEMPLE BETH EL OF SANTA MARIA holds its annual 4th of July barbecue including tri-tip, hot dogs, and veggie burgers on July 4 at 1 p.m. at the temple, 1501 E. Alvin Ave., Santa Maria. Guests should bring their own place settings as well as salads and/or deserts to share. Cost is $8, $6 for members, $3 for children, military free. Info: 938-7728 or kennethlwolf@msn.com.
THE SANTA MARIA FAIRPARK presents the 4th of July Community Fireworks Celebration on July 4 featuring a free classic oldies concert by Hot Rods at 5:30 p.m. and the fireworks show at 9 p.m. at the Santa Maria Fairpark, 937 South Thornburg St., Santa Maria. Info: 925-8824 or santamariafairpark.com.
INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE AND BARBECUE start at 1 p.m. on July 4 in Solvang Park, downtown Solvang. This is event is sponsored by the Rotary Club. Info: 688-6144.
INDEPENDENCE DAY FESTIVAL & FIREWORKS SHOW features games, entertainment, and food at the Santa Ines Mission grounds in Solvang. Info: 688-6144.
STARS, STRIPES, AND SYRAH is a wine tasting passport event on July 4 with 14 participating Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country member wineries. For more information, visit SantaYnezWineCountry.com.
MANNY’S OF SOLVANG re-opens with food and fun on July 4 at the restaurant at Mission and Alisal in Solvang. Info: 403-4400.
THE RIGHETTI HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1980 is planning its 30th class reunion, and the committee is looking for classmates. Info: erhsclassof80@yahoo.com.
WORTH THE DRIVE
THE SANTA BARBARA CONTEMPORARY ARTS FORUM presents a screening of “Fast-Forward: A Screening of Contemporary American Video Art” July 1 at 7 p.m. at the Contemporary Arts Forum, 653 Paseo Nuevo, Santa Barbara. Info: 403-8108 or press@sbcaf.org.
AGHS EAGLE ROBOTICS holds a fundraiser Firework Stand July 1 through 4 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Old JJ’s Market, 33 East Branch St., Arroyo Grande. The AGHS Band Boosters pitch their fireworks stand on 19th and Highway 1, Oceano.
LIVE-LOVE-BE: GAY PRIDE IN SLO takes place July 2-11 and includes an art reception, drag show, beach bash, and marriage equality forums. It culminates with Pride in the Plaza on July 11 from noon-5:30 p.m. with a following reception at Novo. Lisa Lampanelli performs on July 10 at the PAC in SLO. Info: slopride.com or 541-4252.
OCTAGON BARN OPEN HOUSE is July 4 from 1-4 p.m. at 4595 South Higuera in San Luis Obispo. Cost is a $5 suggested donation per person or $10 donation per family. Enjoy a tour of the historic barn (every half-hour) and learn about the Land Conservancy’s vision to open the site for community use. Info: LCSLO.org or 544-9096.
4TH OF JULY IN THE VILLAGE—ARROYO GRANDE is 12:30-3 p.m. downtown at Heritage Square Park. Village Band performs at the bandstand. Enjoy period costumes and barbecue. Info: ArroyoGrandeVillage.org or 473-2250.
4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION ON THE PISMO PIER invites everyone to celebrate the nation’s independence with live music, food, military bands, clowns, and a fireworks show. This event is free. Spectators can sit on the sand beside the Pismo Beach Pier or on the new Promenade where it meets the Pismo Pier. Info: 773-7063 or pismobeach.com.
OLD FASHIOINED 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION IN SLO is at Mitchell Park on Santa Rosa Street. Enjoy free carnival games, sweet treats, a Rotary fundraiser barbecue, and musical entertainment at the bandstand from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Info: 781-7300 or slocity.org/parksandrecreation.
UCSB ARTS AND LECTURES presents “Monsters! Classic Horror Films from Universal Pictures” featuring a screening of Dracula July 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the UCSB Campbell Hall and July 9 at 8:30 p.m. at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Garden, Santa Barbara. Info: 893-3535 or 568-2461.
THE WILDLING ART MUSEUM presents “Connections @ the Wildling” every third Friday of the month from 6 to 8 p.m. through September at the museum, 2928 San Marcos, Los Olivos. Info: 688-1082 or wildlingmuseum.org.
This article appears in Jul 1-8, 2010.