An Explosion of July 4th Activities

Fourth of July activities will abound throughout the county this year. Here’s a rundown:

* Oxnard

Gates to the Oxnard High School stadium open at 6 p.m. for an evening of live music and assorted entertainment, including a fireworks extravaganza that begins at 9 p.m. Tickets are $5, $3 senior citizens and children ages 2 to 12. Call 385-7578.

* Ventura

The 18th annual Fourth of July Celebration--minus a fireworks display this year--features a seven-block downtown street fair with foods, arts and crafts, and live entertainment, held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The children’s “Pushem-Pullem Parade” will begin at 10 a.m. on Main Street from Hemlock to Chestnut streets. Call 654-7830.

* Ojai

The Ventura County Symphony will perform its annual holiday pops concert, “This Land Is Your Land,” at 7 p.m. Saturday at Libbey Bowl, featuring Copland’s “Buckaroo Holiday,” Bernstein’s “The Magnificent Seven” and Berlin’s “God Bless America.” Tickets are $17 adults, $10 children 5 to 12. The park will open at 6 p.m. Call 643-8646.

The Ojai Independence Day fireworks show will be held a bit belatedly this year, taking place Monday at Nordhoff High School stadium. The ‘60s group the Turtles will headline an evening of live music, plus there will be children’s games, food booths and more. Gates open at 5 p.m., the music starts at 6 and a laser show--with colorful shooting light beams and mid-air animations--begins at dusk. Picnicking is encouraged. Tickets are $12, $6 for children 4 to 12. Call 583-8700.

* Camarillo

The Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District’s annual Fireworks Spectacular at Camarillo Airport will be held at 9:15 p.m. Admission is $5 per car. Call 482-1996.

* Fillmore

Lots to do here. At Central Park: Sespe Creek Chili Cook-off, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sespe Creek Car Show, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. From 6 to 8 p.m. at Fillmore High School stadium, there’s live music, a children’s Soap Box Derby contest and more. Also at the high school, a fireworks show will blast off at dusk. Call 524-3701.

* Thousand Oaks

The Conejo Pops Orchestra will perform a selection of patriotic songs and American melodies beginning at 5 p.m. at Conejo Community Park. Guest soloist Eugenia Hamilton sings the songs of Kate Smith. Other attractions: karaoke contest, family games and prizes. Call 495-6471.

A fireworks display sponsored by the Conejo Recreation and Park District and the city of Thousand Oaks will be launched from the old Civic Center hill starting at 9 p.m. The best vantage point to view the fireworks is at The Oaks mall parking lot. Call 499-4355.

* Simi Valley

The Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District and the Rotary Club team up to sponsor the 23rd annual Fireworks Show and Extravaganza at Simi Valley High School stadium. Gates open at 6:30 p.m., and the fun begins at 7:30 with drill team and baton performances, sky-diving exhibition, music and a fireworks display at dusk. Advance tickets are $5, $3 children ages 4 to 12, $1 more at the door. Call 584-4400.