The Cupertino Courier

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Fireworks show is set for 9:30 p.m. on July 4th

On-line map offers best places for viewing the pyrotechnics

By HUGH BIGGAR

For the third straight year, Cupertino's annual fireworks display is ready to blast off from Cupertino High School on July 4.

The fireworks are to be launched at 9:30 p.m. and will be visible from nearby neighborhoods and parks on the east side of town. As part of the show, Finch Avenue will be closed between Stevens Creek Boulevard and Phil Lane from 6 to 10:30 p.m. (Cupertino's city hall will also be closed July 4.)

The fireworks festivities begin at 6:45 p.m. with entertainers, face painters and games at Creekside Park and Hyde Middle School and Sedgwick Elementary School. Residents are advised to arrive early and secure a prime viewing spot.

There will also be Independence Day activities in the morning.

The De Anza Optimists Club sponsors a Fourth of July pancake breakfast at Memorial Park at 7 a.m. A children's parade takes place at 10 a.m. from Memorial Park to the Quinlan Center, followed by a singing performance and then the evening activities.

The popular fireworks show marks its third year at Cupertino High School. Earlier, it had taken place at De Anza College. However, construction at the school and financial difficulties led the city to cancel the event in 2003, before reinstating it a year later.

If you go:

Free parking is available at Vallco Fashion Park. There is limited handicapped parking at Creekside Park, 10455 Miller Ave. The park is one of three places recommended by the city for viewing the fireworks. The other two are Sedgwick Elementary, 19200 Phil Lane, and Hyde Middle School, 19325 Bollinger Road. It is recommended individuals arrive early to secure a spot. In addition to Finch Avenue, Calle de Barcelona, Phil Lane and Tilson Avenue at Tantau will be closed July 4 from 6-10 p.m.

For more information, or to view a map of parking and viewing sites, visit www.cupertino.org.