Finding Your Perfect Fourth of July

By ALYSIA GRAY PAINTER

Updated 8:59 AM PST, Fri, Jul 3, 2009

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AMERICAFEST AT THE ROSE BOWL: This is the 83rd time the Fourth has been feted at the Rose Bowl, so if you're looking for a longstanding lark with tradition to boot, Americafest is your party. Drum corps units, a flyover, eats, and a sky show after dark are part of the festivities. Stadium gates open at 6PM on July 4.

FREE FIREWORKS DISPLAY: It's at Exposition Park (the Coliseum is closed, so you'll have to watch them from outside somewhere; suggestions here), it lasts for one solid, sparkly-things-in-the-sky hour, and it is lovely lovely free. Parking is $8 at the Exposition lots, note. 8:45PM

KABOOM! Another mondo SoCal bash. The Fairplex in Pomona unleashes the monster trucks and the moto-based spectacles; fireworks are on the bill, and barbecue-type foods with fixins galore. Gates 5PM; July 4.

SINGING ATTORNEYS: No briefs, no trials, no "I objects, your honor" -- just patriotic tuneage from The LA Lawyers Philharmonic; the group will be raising a voice in song on the Farmers Market Plaza at noon on July 4. Also, Uncle Sam will be around the Market, and he will be carrying small American flags. He might hand you one. How great would that be? 12-3PM, Farmers Market

BELL RINGING CEREMONY: The famous Korean Friendship Bell at Angels Gate Park in San Pedro -- you've seen it in movies like "The Usual Suspects" -- is only rung four times a year. The Fourth of July is one of those special dates. 10:30AM, July 4

MONDO AMERICA! Willie Nelson, some smoky-good grilling, and fireworks (on the big screen). The Cinefamily is showing "Willie Nelson's 4th of July Celebration" and honoring the day with a behind-the-theater cookout. Plus more patriotic treats... Tie a bandanna on and get to the theatre at 6PM on July 4

MORE HAPPY BIRTHDAYING OF AMERICA: Fireworks shows over water, over parks, over outdoor theaters. Plus parades, sparkler waving, patriotic speeches, apple-pie baking. Find a Fourth of July celebration near you (we're betting the last scoop of potato salad that there's one fairly close...)