What you need to know for July 4

Rancho Murieta's July 4 starts with the first pancake at 7 a.m. and ends with the last fireworks explosion 15 hours later. If you’re a regular or a first-timer, here’s what you need to know about the day, Rancho Murieta's biggest holiday.

As always, we appreciate sharing the photos you take throughout the day.  Just send them (ASAP) to editor@ranchomurieta.com. 

Your pets

Every year, Murietans have pets run off when they’re frightened by fireworks.  Make sure your pets are safe and secure inside your home.

Guests

Guest passes for the gate can be picked up at the Rancho Murieta Association Building before July 4.  Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Every lot is eligible for five free passes, then passes are $5 per pass.  

Mail or deliver them to your guests in advance. Passes will speed your visitors through the gate, which can see backups on July 4.

Events are open to RMA members and their guests.  You must accompany your guests.

Placing blankets and towels

No earlier than 6 p.m. Tuesday.  No plastic or tarps -- it kills the grass -- and no rocks to anchor the blankets.

The schedule

Kiwanis Club Pancake Breakfast
7-9:30 a.m., North Gazebo
Pancakes, sausages, scrambled eggs, juice and coffee
Adults: $6.  Kids 4 and over: $3.  Under 4: free.
Advance tickets at the Local Bean and RM Business Center.

Annual Fun Run
7:30 a.m., 5K run for adults
8:15 a.m., run for children
North Gazebo
Sponsored by Murieta Health Club, Erin Howard
No prior signup required

Parade down Murieta Parkway
9:15-9:45 a.m., line up at De La Cruz Drive
Parade starts at 10 a.m.
Sponsored by Rancho Murieta Association

Carnival at Lake Clementia
11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Games, jump house, slide -- wristbands $5
Free hot dogs for kids provided by Rancho Murieta Optimists
Watermelon eating contest
Hamburger meal $5, root beer floats $1
Snow cones $1, sponsored by Boy Scouts
Sponsored by Optimist Club of Rancho Murieta

Music and dancing at the Gazebo
7 p.m.
Sponsored by Optimist Club of Rancho Murieta

Fireworks at Laguna Joaquin
At dark
Sponsored by RMA

Jamba Juice will be available during the day on Murieta Parkway and at the Gazebo to benefit the Cutting for a Cure team, part of the Relay for Life fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.