Bottle Up and Explode!

So there are more than 30 planned Independence Day fireworks displays in Orange County, but our pick goes to the one held annually at the Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Base. The show's hosted by the cities of Cypress, Los Alamitos and Seal Beach and involves a lot more than fighting crowds and gazing upward come nightfall. Live music, food, military displays and fly-overs will all be there for you and the kids to enjoy. But take note that there are no seats provided, so this will be the perfect opportunity to lug out those folding lawn chairs and a picnic dinner-just be sure to leave the alcohol at home, as it's not allowed on the grounds. Did we also mention that admission is absolutely free? Free is good. Especially right now. Okay, now let's go (safely) blow stuff up in celebration of America.
Fri., July 4, 4 p.m., 2008