Every one dreams of that “home town” celebration when you think of the 4th of July. The entire town in the local parade, the candy and swag that gets thrown out to the crowd, the horses, the firemen and the old cars.
Sonoma has it all. I mean they have beyond the normal parade. Perhaps that is why it has been named one of the best small towns in America to celebrate the fourth of July. It is actually interesting to see the dynamics of what happens to this little town starting some mysterious time between the night of the 3rd and morning of the 4th. People start staking their claim of real estate on the plaza like it is gold. The chairs, blankets, cars, tents, umbrella’s, and so on all start getting set up and by 6:00 am almost every square inch of the little town of Sonoma is practically full. I have even seen people make full on living room/tents in the park. Bonus- you can still drink in the Park which is in the center of Sonoma Plaza. People stay there all night long, wake up early, make their coffee’s, Mimosa’s, and Bloody Mary’s in anticipation of another spectacular celebration.
Looking for something fun to make? Try this one, it looks amazing! Photo from here
Here is the rundown of events for that day
The parade begins at 10:00 A.M.- “Rocket to the Moon,” the theme of the 2019 4th of July Parade will honor the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11 landing.
Due to the parade’s attendance that has grown year after year. This year’s famous parade will be routed completely around the Plaza, and will include Spain Street as an addition to the parade route. Parade organizers said that they are hopeful that the added shade along Spain will help reduce the number of “pop-up tents” along the parade route as they obstruct the view of other spectators. I have seen people even set up full on “tiny houses” in the park. It is quite amazing.
True to the Sonoma spirit, there will be a “Splash Zone” near the El Dorado Hotel – where volunteer firefighters will turn their hoses upon the crowds – so spectators can cool off after the parade.
My first 4th in Sonoma was 2013. I innocently walked to Sunflower Cafe, sat at a table, ordered a monster mimosa, and watched the parade, not prepared for the heat, the effects of the mimosa in the heat or getting drenched at the end. It is a memory that always makes me smile as I remember how hard that nap was when I got home.
The Sonoma square will be buzzing with people, the Sonoma Volunteer Firefighters Association booth will be serving mimosas from 9 to 11 a.m., and there will be activities in the Plaza with games, information booths, food, live entertainment and drinks. There will be some shops and tasting rooms open after the parade. It will is always hard to tell which ones. You almost have to just walk the square and see who decided to open their doors. Prior to the fireworks, there will be food vendors in the Field of Dreams parking area from 5 p.m. to midnight.
The fireworks show begins at dusk.
The fireworks show is set up in the field by General Vellejo’s Home. Bring your blankets, chairs, snacks, and please, leave your dogs at home.
It is loud and scary for our four legged friends.
Hope you all have a fantastic Fourth of July in Sonoma!
Vicki's Journeys 
Have a great 4th!! Maybe a follow up after? lol
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