I figure Redding July sometimes laughs at Redding June and says, “Yeah, you may give people a break here or there in your month, but I’m all about frying them. Me and my buddy August.”
But we can deal — Whiskeytown Lake, AC, shade, drives to higher elevations.
Speaking of that, I’ve been attending the Mount Shasta Fourth of July Celebration the past couple of years, and considering the heat, it continues to be appealing. A short drive up the canyon and get next to that mountain that still has snow on it — oh, yeah. One good option is to go up for the Mt. Shasta Runners’ massive run/walk with all the vendors and musicians, hang out for the day, then head back to Redding for the evening Freedom Festival fireworks show. The Shasta College Community Band always does a nice show and the always excellent fireworks display shoots off at about 10 p.m.
The fireworks over Lake Siskiyou aren’t bad either, should you choose to remain up in Mount Shasta. The Mt. Shasta Resort is a fine place to watch from.
As for Redding’s show, consider riding a bike into the venue. We’ve done this several times and it’s always such a congestion beater.
• If you’re crazy for fireworks (and maybe a little car racing), the Anderson Explodes! event gets the party started on Friday night at the Shasta District Fair grounds.
• I’ve had fun at Weaverville’s Fourth of July Celebration as well. The festivities take place in and around Lowden Park today, Friday and Saturday. Friday night is fireworks night.
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• Just received a report that Majical is sounding great at MarketFest right as I write this. Maybe I’ll head down for the last set.
• The Shasta College play “James and the Giant Peach” sounds interesting to me. A lot of great artistic people are collaborating on this show (which takes place at 7:30 p.m. today and beyond through July 25. Check the poster for showtimes.)
Robert Soffian is directing and the show includes live music composed by Elizabeth Waterbury and her advanced composition students. Also, the Dance Project’s James Santos has done the choreography. Something interesting will come out of that show, a classic children’s tale.
• The young, talented jazz group The Flat Five perform at 7 p.m. Sunday at Old City Hall (1313 Market St.) as part of Dave Short’s jazz series at the downtown Redding venue. Tickets are $10 at Bernie’s Guitar, the Shasta County Arts Council or at the door. I need to check these guys out.
