Posted by Editor, a resident of the Menlo Park: University Heights neighborhood, on Jul 1, 2007 at 11:49 pm

Here's some information on local fireworks shows: Web Link

Posted by Andrea Gemmet, Almanac staff writer, on Jul 2, 2007 at 12:00 pm
Andrea Gemmet is a member (registered user) of Almanac Online

My new favorite spot is a grassy lawn near Stanford's Frost Amphitheatre for the fireworks that from the Lively Arts concert on July 3. Bring a blanket and plan to clear out quickly after the fireworks are over -- last year, dawdlers were blasted by sprinklers and had to scramble to gather their kids and belongings.

For the Redwood City fireworks on July 4, I usually head to the top of the downtown parking garage behind the county court building.

Posted by Joe, a resident of another community, on Jul 2, 2007 at 12:09 pm

One place that would seem ideal but one I can't recommend is a distant but high place, such as Skyline Drive. From there, you can see fireworks up and down the peninsula but it's anticlimactic because they're so very small compared to what you might expect.

It's a bird's eye view alright, but the bird in question is a high-flying eagle and you won't have the benefit of an eagle's eyesight.

Posted by happyfourth, a resident of another community, on Jul 2, 2007 at 5:24 pm

Wow, I never thought of the county parking garage. That's a good idea! Do you know of any good restaurants in the area that will be open that night?

Posted by Andrea Gemmet, a resident of the Menlo Park: University Heights neighborhood, on Jul 2, 2007 at 6:00 pm

I don't know what nearby restaurants will be open, but I do have one more tip for you -- park as close to the ground floor entrance as you can and walk to the top. We made the mistake of parking near the top of the garage one year, and we spent a lot of time in a queue of idling cars waiting to get out.

Posted by happyfourth, a resident of another community, on Jul 2, 2007 at 11:17 pm

What time do you recommend getting to the county parking garage? Do you recommend that over going to the port itself?

Posted by MP neighbor, a resident of another community, on Jul 3, 2007 at 5:17 pm

The Palo Alto baylands affords a good view of the fireworks at Shoreline Amphitheater. Redwood City fireworks are farther away but still very visible. It is also possible to see fireworks in the east bay, south bay - pretty much a 360° view, but as you might expect many are quite small. Still it is a pretty good show from there.

Posted by Andrea Gemmet, a resident of the Menlo Park: University Heights neighborhood, on Jul 6, 2007 at 11:08 am

In an improvement over last year, Stanford not only kept the sprinklers turned off, but also turned on the lights in the track and field stadium after the fireworks were over, so the mobs of families could exit safely.

Posted by Jeannie, a resident of the Portola Valley: other neighborhood, on Jul 16, 2007 at 7:58 pm

Where were the fireworks displayed on July 3, 2007. I sounded like the Alpine swim and tennis club.

Posted by Editor, a resident of the Menlo Park: University Heights neighborhood, on Jul 17, 2007 at 12:29 am

Stanford had a fireworks show July 3. Here is the info:

Grammy-nominated Big Bad Voodoo Daddy will kick off the mid-week party at Stanford University on July 3 with its swing and jump blues music. A display of fireworks will close the evening celebration at Frost Amphitheater.

Gates open at 5:30 p.m. for picnicking. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. Fireworks will begin at 9:30 p.m. Tickets range from $22 for Stanford students to $750 for tables. For information, call 650-725-2787 or visit Web Link .