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Family activities start 3 p.m. Face painting, balloon artists, patriotic-themed children’s crafts. The Coveralls play 6 to 9 p.m. Fireworks viewing 9 p.m. Free. Plan for heavy traffic to and from site. Phone: 805.495.2032 Web: www .ShopTheOaksMall.com.
From fantastic food to fabulous fireworks, Conejo Valley residents have a variety of holiday activities to choose from this coming Fourth of July, presented by the Conejo Recreation and Park District at various locations throughout Thousand Oaks and Newbury Park.
Starting off the day’s activities at 8:00 a.m. is Borchard Community Center’s Annual 4th of July Pancake Breakfast. A holiday fixture for more than 30 years, this 3-hour event provides a satisfying pancake breakfast with all the fixin’s plus live music, raffles and tons of holiday spirit. Cost: $3/person. Location: Borchard Community Center, 190 Reino Road, Newbury Park. Information: (805) 381-2791.
After the pancake breakfast, community members can walk on over to Borchard Center’s softball fields for two different Home Run Derbies.
The Annual July 4th Senior Home Run Derby is held on Borchard Field #1 from 9:00-11:00 a.m., with on-site check-in starting at 8:30 a.m. Presented by the Goebel Senior Adult Center, this derby includes men’s and women’s divisions plus age group categories, starting at 50+; with trophy awards. Cost: $5; register in advance at the Goebel Senior Adult Center (1385 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks). Information: (805) 381-2744.
Over on Borchard Field #2 is the CRPD Sports Unit’s Home Run Derby, where residents can also test their skill with a bat for only $5. Registration is taken from 8:30-10:30 a.m.; swinging starts promptly at 9:00 a.m.! Competition Divisions: Men’s Open 16 and Over, Women’s Open 16 and Over, Men’s Masters 40 and Over; participants may only bat in one division. Information/additional rules: (805) 495-4674.
Those looking for recreation of a cooler nature may want to check out Open Swim Afternoon at three community swimming pools. CRPD’s Aquatics Section is hosting FREE Recreational Swim Time from noon to 4:00 p.m. at the Community Pool at CLU (corner of Mountclef Boulevard and Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks), the Newbury Park High School Pool (456 Reino Road, Newbury Park), and the Thousand Oaks High School Pool (2323 N. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks).
Late afternoon brings the popular Independence Day Concert in the Park, part of CRPD’s Summer Concerts in the Park series. Held in the natural amphitheatre at Conejo Community Park, 1175 Hendrix Avenue, Thousand Oaks, this FREE event starts at 5:00 p.m. and features the 50-piece Conejo Pops Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Elmer Ramsey, performing a program of patriotic and Americana music with special guests, The Sherwood Singers. Lawn seating; bring blankets, lawn chairs, etc; attendees are advised to arrive early. Information: (805) 381-1247. Site phone: (805) 495-2163. Please leave pets at home.
Winding up the day of Fourth of July activities at 9:00 p.m., the Conejo Recreation & Park District and the City of Thousand Oaks present “Celebrate Freedom,” the Conejo Valley’s Annual 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular! Best viewing of the FREE fireworks show is from The Oaks and Janss Marketplace parking lots. Tune in to KCLU 88.3FM from 7:00-9:45 p.m. for traffic updates, pre-show salutes, and a patriotic simulcast.
Family activities start 3 p.m. Face painting, balloon artists, patriotic-themed children’s crafts. The Coveralls play 6 to 9 p.m. Fireworks viewing 9 p.m. Free. Plan for heavy traffic to and from site. Phone: 805.495.2032 Web: www .ShopTheOaksMall.com.
To be in the Westlake Village July 4 Parade, line up at 9:30 a.m. at former Westlake Village Medical Center, 4415 Lakeview Canyon Road. Parade starts 9:45 a.m. Families decorate bicycles, scooters, wagons for parade. Pets on leash okay. Veterans lead parade. Parade ends at Berniece Bennett Park in First Neighborhood for post-parade party until noon with flag ceremony, games, inflatables, music, free Popsicles and water. Hot dogs $1. Sheriff’s station hosts Bicycle Safety City. Free admission, open to public at large. Phone: 818.706.1613 Contact: City Hall Time: 9:30 a.m.