Happy (almost) Birthday, America! Independence Day is tomorrow and Shasta County has lots in store for residents and visitors alike. In need of some holiday plans? We’re sharing all of the local events, parades, and patriotic happenings taking place in and around the area. Hosting a Fourth of July bash at home? Party like it’s 1776 with some festive recipes that you can whip up in no time. Read on for the full scoop!
Looking for ways to celebrate the Fourth? Click on the below links for an exciting lineup of music, parades, festivals and plenty of fireworks.
Shasta County Events:
ANDERSON — ANDERSON EXPLODES (July 3rd)
The City of Anderson and Community for Anderson Explodes will once again be hosting Anderson’s July 3rd fireworks show. It takes place at the Shasta District Fair & Event Center and will go from 7 pm to 10:30 pm. The event, which will feature live music from Northstate native and country artist Jared Hovis, is free, but parking will cost attendees $5. For more detailed information about this event, visit the City of Anderson, California Facebook page.
MOUNT SHASTA — MOUNT SHASTA’S FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION (July 3rd & 4th)
Mount Shasta will be celebrating the Fourth now through July 4th. Downtown Mount Shasta will be putting on street fairs, live music, dancing, and various other festivities. Independence Day itself will feature a Fun Run & Walk and Fourth of July parade. Fireworks will take place over Lake Siskiyou at dusk.
For a specific roster and schedule of the upcoming celebration, click here.
REDDING — FREEDOM FESTIVAL & FIREWORKS (July 4th)
Redding’s Fourth of July celebration will take place at the Redding Civic Auditorium. The City of Redding says the free event will feature live music, food and family fun. The celebration begins at 6 pm on July 4th, with fireworks scheduled to start at 10 pm. Tune in to Today’s Country Q97 FM on the radio to hear the show’s soundtrack, or stream it from the radio station’s website here. For more information, click here.
Are you hosting a Fourth of July bash at home with friends and family? While barbecuing is a given, you can light up your celebration just a bit more with these fabulously festive apps, drinks, and desserts!
Patriotic Appetizers & Sides:
- Fourth of July Charcuterie Board: Get the party started with a patriotic charcuterie board. Click here for inspiration.
- Red, White & Blue Potato Salad: Who doesn’t love potato salad? This recipe uses a trio of colorful potatoes for a festive Fourth of July side dish. Get the recipe here.
- Fresh Corn, Avocado & Tomato Salad: Corn, avocado, and tomato salad is a fresh and light side, perfect for your BBQ. Grill the corn to elevate the dish even more! Learn how to make it here.
- Civil War Mac & Cheese: This easy mac & cheese recipe is based on an authentic American Civil War era recipe for macaroni and cheese. Get the recipe here!
- Fourth of July Brie: While you’re waiting for the grill to heat up, this Fourth of July Brie is a must! Because who doesn’t love fresh fruit paired with warm cheesy goodness? Learn how to make it here.
- Watermelon Strawberry Caprese Salad: Looking for something light and refreshing? Try out this easy-to-make, star-studded Watermelon Strawberry Caprese Salad.
- Red, White, & Blue Sliders: They may be miniature, but these sliders are jam-packed with bold flavor thanks to a magical combination of strawberries, blue cheese, and hamburger patties. Not a fan of blue cheese? Swap out for Swiss or Jack. Get the recipe here.
- Patriotic Veggie Platter: There’s nothing more patriotic than an American flag veggie platter! Learn how to assemble it here.
- Fireworks Pasta Salad: This pasta salad will have your taste buds creating their own fireworks show! This recipe takes a fiery twist on traditional pasta salad with the help of spicy dill pickles and an extra dose of heat in the dressing. Make it here.
Sparkling Beverages:
- Firecracker Sangria: This all-day sipper is perfect for cookouts, barbecues, and, of course, your Fourth of July celebration. Learn how to make it here.
- Red, White & Blue Frozen Sangria: What’s better than a frozen slushy? A red, white, and boozy one…This adult beverage is naturally flavored and is sure to be a hit at your Fourth of July celebration! Get the recipe here.
- Rocket Jello Shots: Jello just got an adult makeover thanks to this sparkling recipe! See how to make Rocket Jello Shots here!
- Blackberry Mojito: Beat the heat with this refreshing Blackberry Mojito!
- Red, White & Blue Wine Spritzer: Another refreshing favorite is this wine spritzer packed with blueberries, strawberries, and of course, some white wine of your choice. Learn how to make it here.
- Sparkling Cherry Limeade (Non-Alcoholic Drink): This delicious mocktail is a must for your party – and the kids will enjoy it too! Get the recipe here.
- 4th of July Mocktail: This 4th of July mocktail is loaded with fresh juice, seltzer, and fruit to create the ultimate drink for all guests to enjoy. Make it here.
Dazzling Desserts:
- Red, White & Blue Rice Crispy Treats: These delicious cereal treats will be the talk of your Fourth of July cookout. The different layers are easily achieved with a few drops of food coloring, then the whole pan is topped with a dusting of red, white, and blue sprinkles. Learn how to make these here.
- Fourth of July Fireworks Cookies: Add a plate of these fun-colored Fireworks Cookies and Cream Cookies to your holiday plans. Sprinkles and red, white, and blue M&M’s will make these soft and puffy 4th of July cookies disappear in a hurry. Get the recipe here.
- Firecracker Milkshake: Kids will go crazy over these decadent (and colorful) Firecracker Milkshakes. You can add toppings like hot fudge or strawberry sauce for a little extra flavor! Check out the recipe here.
- Mini Stars Berry Pies: These adorable miniature cherry-berry pies are packed with flavor and an assortment of cherries, strawberries, and raspberries. Top with ice cream and enjoy! Get the recipe here.
- Red, White & Blue Ice Cream Sandwiches: Need a last-minute treat? Look no further. You can turn old-fashioned ice cream sandwiches into patriotic treats in just 10 minutes.
- Star-Spangled S’mores Tray: Nothing screams summer like s’mores. This patriotic version is a delicious way to enjoy Independence Day! Click here to create your own tray.
- Brownie Flag Cake: Craving some ooey-gooey brownies? You can use the homemade brownie batter recipe or a mixed box. Topped with fresh blueberries, strawberries, and vanilla frosting, this brownie cake is sure to be a real hit with guests! Learn how to make it here.
- Patriotic Popsicles: Fourth of July and popsicles go hand in hand. Learn how to make this patriotic dessert here.
- Dipped Ice Cream Cones: Ice cream anyone? This summer staple is taken to the next level with red, white, and blue hand-dipped cones. Add sprinkles and scoop in your favorite ice cream for the ultimate treat! Click here for the recipe.
Wondering if the Shasta County housing market will light up over the remainder of the summer? According to the latest available stats from The California Association of Realtors, the number of home sales went down 12.5% year to date compared to May of 2023. However, they went up 61.8% compared to last month. Median sales price is down 5.2% from last year and also down just slightly at 1.3% from last month. Unsold inventory is up 7.7% from last year but down 34.9% from last month. The average home in Redding was on the market for 12 days which is up 33.3% from last year but down 45.5% from last month.
So what does this mean for those looking to enter the market? While the market is still a sellers market because of increased interest rates and limited inventory, (among other factors) is it beginning to level out for buyers looking to purchase. Check in next month for additional updates!