"Sights & Sounds of Liberty": Moreno Valley Celebrates Independence Day

The City of Moreno Valley's annual Independence Day festivities will be held on Saturday, July 4. The daylong celebration will kick off with a parade from 9:30 a.m. to noon and launches into an afternoon celebration at the Family FunFest. The parade route will begin at Alessandro Boulevard, head north on Frederick Street, continues west on TownGate Boulevard, and ends at the TownGate Plaza at approximately 12 p.m. The parade theme this year is "Sights & Sounds of Liberty." The festivities will continue at Morrison Park and Mountain View Middle School located at the northeast corner of Dracaea Avenue and Morrison Street. Gates open at 1 p.m. with the festival beginning at 2 p.m. Several entertainers will perform on the Skechers Main Stage this year. At 3:30 p.m., the excitement will begin with a performance from the Pacific Crest Marching Band. At 4 p.m. performances by "The Band of Brothers," followed by "Ghost in the Machine - A Tribute to Police and Sting," and then "Wanted - A Tribute to Bon Jovi." The event grand finale is a long-time favorite in Moreno Valley with the fireworks extravaganza beginning at 9 p.m. The fireworks show will be simulcast with patriotic music by KOLA 99.9 FM. This promises to be the best 4th of July show ever! Presale tickets for the event are available at the Moreno Valley Conference and Recreation Center through July 2. Cost is $2 per person, or $10 for a family up to 6 people. On July 4, entry is free between 1 p.m. and 4 pm. After 4 p.m., entry fee is $3 per person. Military service members with valid identification and children under 5 are free. The City thanks the following major sponsors who have contributed to this year's Independence Day celebration: Skechers, Waste Management, Discount Tire Centers, KOLA 99.9, McDonalds, Rightway, Moreno Valley Unified School District, Visterra Credit Union, West Coast Turf, Coast Recreation, Valley Cities Fence, Renaissance Village, NPG Asphalt, Access Electricity Supply, Miracle Playgrounds, Ultra Serv, and Altura Credit Union. For more information on the celebration, go to the City's website , or contact the Moreno Valley Parks and Community Services office at 413.3281.