Culminating with a dazzling 20-minute fireworks show, which will begin at dusk (approximately 9:30 pm), the celebration of America’s Birthday will include a community parade, live music, fun activities and delicious food.

And, the much anticipated meaning of “X” will be announced during the fireworks display.

Saturday begins at 7:30 am with the start of the 3rd annual Freedom Run and a Pancake breakfast at Avendale and Daisy. 

The Freedom Run actually begins at 6:00 am with registration and warm ups. The breakfast features pancakes, sausage, coffee and orange juice for $5 with the proceeds benefiting Laura’s House, a comprehensive domestic violence agency headquartered here in Ladera Ranch that provides residential shelter services, counseling, legal services, and a 24 hour crisis hotline to families throughout Orange County that are affected by domestic abuse.

The holiday fun continues at 10:30 am with a community parade down Avendale Boulevard. 

Neighborhoods, Ladera Ranch clubs, community groups, families, and individuals are encouraged to participate by designing a banner, wagon or float. Adults and kids alike can also participate a Bike Decorating Contest. Carnival activities will run from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, with fun for all ages.

Since no event is complete without live music, the Tony Suraci Band will be joining us to rock the crowd with everything from Willie Nelson to U2 to Led Zeppelin.

Many local restaurants and food establishments have partnered with LARCS this year offering dinner fair and other concessions, such as shaved ice, ice cream, cotton candy, funnel cakes, caramel apples, and kettle corn. And a beer and wine garden will be selling a variety of ice cold beverages.

Throughout the afternoon, there will be a Pie Eating Contest sponsored by Front Street Realty, and an Art Contest, sponsored by Park Place Lexus Mission. 

Residents should notE that because of the Freedom Run and the fireworks, Orange County requires LARCS to close some of the roads surrounding Founders Park. 

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