DOWNEY - The city of Downey is not hosting a fireworks show this year but there are still places to celebrate Independence Day next week.Closest to home, Calvary Chapel is hosting "Freedom Fest," a free festival at Downey High. The event is from 5-9 p.m. and promises lots of food, games, fac painting, Christian bands and inflatable jumpers for kids. The musical guest lineup includes Brenden McPeek & The Soul Reformation, Guiterrez Brothers, and NKJV Blues Band. It all culminates with a 15-minute fireworks show at 9 p.m. Residents should bring their own chairs and blankets. Just down the road, Cerritos will celebrate Independence Day from 4-9 p.m. with food, game booths and a bell-ringing ceremony in its civic center. Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. The city of Whittier is skipping fireworks but will host a flag-raising ceremony at Palm Park beginning at 8 a.m. That will be followed by a community procession down the Greenway Trail at 9. Independence Day is an all-day celebration in Santa Fe Springs, which is hosting a party at Los Nietos Park starting at 11 a.m. The Chico Band will perform from 6:30-8:30 p.m., followed by fireworks at 9. El Rancho High School in Pico Rivera is hosting a fireworks show. Motown band Soulicous will perform starting at 7 p.m. and fireworks begin at 9. Norwalk is celebrating Independence Day a day early - July 3 - with food, music and an Independence Day Pageant from 6-9 p.m. Fireworks begin at 9.

********** Published: June 27, 2013 - Volume 12 - Issue 11