ANAHEIM, Calif. (June 24, 2021) — Fourth of July is here and we know many are eager to celebrate the holiday after setting aside traditional block parties, picnics and gatherings with family and friends last year.

Anaheim is back, and we're all ready to kick off summer with Independence Day festivities.

With coronavirus transmission rates the lowest we’ve seen during the pandemic and the success of widespread vaccinations, we can find some comfort in the idea of coming together again.

Of course, some commonsense precautions should still be followed, especially if you’re unvaccinated, but for the most part, this year we'll be largely back to normal. 

One thing that sadly hasn’t taken a break during the pandemic is the use of illegal fireworks. 

As a reminder, only safe and sane fireworks are allowed in Anaheim, and they can only be used on July 4. Illegal fireworks that leave the ground and go into the air are never allowed in our city.

And due to high fire danger in east Anaheim, no fireworks of any kind -- even safe and sane -- are allowed east of the 55 Freeway.

But that doesn’t mean those in east Anaheim have to miss out on the fun.

The Anaheim Hills 4th of July Celebration returns this year to Peralta Park on Sunday, July 4. The day will kick off with a firecracker 5k/10k run and Yankee doodle dog show. The afternoon will be filled with a patriotic parade, food vendors and live entertainment. The day will wrap up with a spectacular fireworks show. 

Find more information at AnaheimHillsCommunityCouncil.com. 

If you're planning to celebrate at home with safe and sane fireworks, please consider supporting a local school or nonprofit by purchasing from a stand here in Anaheim.

A list of stand locations and the schools or nonprofits they benefit can be found at Anaheim.net/fireworks.  

During the Fourth of July weekend, we’ll have enforcement teams patrolling the city for illegal fireworks use. We know how frustrating it is to feel and hear the surprise of illegal fireworks. While enforcement remains a challenge, we do our best to focus patrols in the areas where fireworks are reported most frequently.

Tell us when and where you see or hear illegal fireworks. The more details you can provide, the better. And your report can be anonymous. Visit Anaheim.net/ReportFireworks to report fireworks.