Guide: FREE Independence Day events around SELA

The 4th of July is here once again. And while the White House may have had mixed success drawing crowds, Southeast LA is sure to turn out for a full slate of community celebrations honoring the United States Semiquincentennial—or, for those who prefer fewer syllables, America's 250th birthday!

Here's your guide to FREE Independence Day events happening around SELA this week, celebrating the country, its diverse communities, and the freedoms that continue to be worth protecting.

Bell Gardens Independence Day Celebration

Bell Gardens will host its Independence Day Celebration on Thursday, July 2, at Veterans Park, 6662 Loveland St.

The event runs from 5 to 9 p.m., with activities beginning at 6 p.m. The celebration will include games, food trucks, crafts and live music by Gabrielito y La Verdad.

A fireworks show is scheduled to begin at 8:45 p.m.

For more information, call (562) 806-7650.

South Gate Fourth of July Celebration

South Gate will host its annual Fourth of July Independence Day Celebration from Thursday, July 2, through Sunday, July 5, at South Gate Park.

The carnival will feature rides, games, live entertainment, and food vendors throughout the four-day celebration. Admission is free for children ages 12 and under.

Hours are 5 to 11 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, 2 to 11 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The city's annual fireworks show is scheduled for 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 4. 

For more information, contact the Parks and Recreation Administration Office at (323) 563-5479.

Paramount America 250 Celebration and Summer Concert

Paramount will celebrate America's 250th birthday on Thursday, July 2, in Downtown Paramount, near Paramount Boulevard and Jackson Street.

The event begins at 5 p.m. and will feature local food vendors, family activities, dancing, face painting, a watermelon eating contest and live music. Classic Rock Rebels will perform from 7 to 9 p.m.

For more information, call the Community Services Department at (562) 220-2121.

Huntington Park Celebration of Community & Resilience

Huntington Park will host its Celebration of Community & Resilience on Friday, July 3, at Salt Lake Park, 3401 E. Florence Ave.

The free event runs from 5 to 9 p.m. and features family activities, games, food vendors, and live performances by local artists, including Thiago Contreras, Maribel Robles "La Picosita," Laura Solano "La Nica," Evelyn Tang, Betsy Lopez, Malcolm Mafei and The Place on Rugby. 

The evening concludes with a 9 p.m. drone show instead of traditional fireworks. 

Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets. Parking is available along Salt Lake Avenue, in Salt Lake Park parking lots off Florence Avenue and at the Huntington Park Community Center, 6925 Salt Lake Ave. Bike racks will be available in front of the Recreation Center on Florence Avenue, and rideshare drop-offs should use the Community Center. Bissell Street, between Saturn Avenue and Florence Avenue, will be closed from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., and parking lots within the closure area will also be closed. 

Lynwood USA 250 Celebration

Lynwood will host its annual Independence Day celebration on Friday, July 3, at Lynwood City Park, commemorating both America's 250th birthday and 105 years of Lynwood history.

Festivities begin at 5 p.m. and feature live entertainment, food vendors, local vendors, and a fireworks show.

Cudahy Independence Day Celebration

Cudahy will host its Independence Day Celebration on Friday, July 3, at Cudahy Park, 5220 Santa Ana St.

The event begins at 7 p.m. and features live music by Old School, with the city's fireworks show scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. Show times are subject to Fire Department direction.

Admission is free but limited to 1,500 guests on a first-come, first-served basis. Wristband distribution begins at 6:30 p.m. and is required for entry. No early entry, lawn chairs, or seat reservations will be permitted.

Artesia Independence Day Celebration

Artesia will host its annual Independence Day Celebration on Friday, July 3, at Artesia Park, 18750 Clarkdale Ave.

Family games and activities begin at noon. The day's schedule also includes a flag-raising ceremony at 2 p.m., a chili cook-off at 4 p.m., a City Council welcome at 5:45 p.m., and a live performance by Latin Soul Band beginning at 6 p.m.

The celebration will conclude with a fireworks show beginning at 9 p.m.

Norwalk Independence Day Festival

Norwalk will host its annual Independence Day Festival on Friday, July 3, at Holifield Park, 12500 Excelsior Dr.

The event runs from 3 to 9:30 p.m. and features food vendors, arts and crafts, and family-friendly activities.

The celebration will conclude with a fireworks show beginning around 9 p.m., with the display expected to last 15 to 30 minutes.