4th of July Festival at Marina Green

July 4th Festival at Marina Green, June 30 - July 4. An exciting five-day festival in Downtown Long Beach will culminate with a spectacular Long Beach Fireworks Show on July 4 at 9:05 pm. The famed Long Beach Municipal Band will play before, and during, the 20-minute Fireworks Show. The family fun begins with a carnival amusement area at 5:00 pm on Friday, June 30 at the Marina Green Park, just east of Shoreline Village on Shoreline Drive. The festivities start at noon on Saturday and Sunday; at 3:00 pm on Monday; and at 10:00 am on July 4. The festival lasts until 10:00 pm each night. Admission is $1 June 30 through July 3. On July 4, admission is $3. (A ride or beverage credit equal to the admission fee each day will be given to Long Beach residents with current ID or utility bill). Children under 12 are free. For more information, please call 562-495-5959 or email oentertainment@earthlink.net.

4th of July Fireworks Show at Veterans Stadium

49th Annual 4th of July Fireworks Show "Spirit of America" presented by The Long Beach Fireman's Memorial Association
Long Beach Veterans Stadium (Clark Ave. south of Carson)
Tickets sold at Fire Station 19 (3559 Clark Ave.)
June 24 thru July 4 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Prices: Adults (12 & over)…………$10.00
Seniors (60 & over)…….….$6.00
Children (ages 5 thru 11).…$6.00
Children 5 & under….…….FREE
Gates open at 5:30 p.m., Show starts at 6:00 p.m. with musical entertainment.
Other entertainment includes a demonstration by the L.B. Police Dept. K-9 Unit, Fire Dept. Demos, Drawings and Clowns. The aerial fireworks spectacular will start shortly after 9:00 p.m.
FOR MORE INFO CALL (562) 493-9020 (or contact LB Fireman and Memorial Board Member Steve Wiggs @ 714-390-6291or e-mail @ steven_wiggs@longbeach.gov)

Kids Can Help Rebuild New Orleans with Legos

LEGO SYSTEMS ASKS KIDS ACROSS AMERICA TO SEND THEIR LEGO® BRICKS TO NEW ORLEANS SCHOOLS

Dig into your toy chests and pull out your LEGO bricks to help children in New Orleans imagine and rebuild for the future! LEGO Systems has issued a nationwide call to children and parents in towns across America to share their LEGO bricks with the children of New Orleans. We will collect the LEGO bricks and make a LEGO brick for LEGO brick matching donation to New Orleans schools. Some of the LEGO bricks will be used to construct a model of New Orleans in the future, as envisioned by New Orleans children, that will be donated to the city as a public work of art. Kids are encouraged to donate one or more of their Lego bricks and send drawings, photos or notes describing something they think would help New Orleans become strong again. Each child who donates will receive a Lego studded rubber bracelet to recognize their contribution to the cause. For exact details and information, see the Web site: www.legobuildersoftomorrow.com. Click on “Be a Builder.”

Click here to read the press release >>

To donate your LEGO bricks to children in New Orleans and, in return, receive a LEGO Builders of Tomorrow wristband: Mail one (1) or more LEGO bricks, along with a plain piece of 3" x 5" paper on which you have typed or hand printed your complete name, street address (no P.O. Boxes), city, state and zip code and your wristband size (Kid or Adult).
Please mail cardboard or padded envelopes to: LEGO Wristband Offer, PO Box 5735, Blair, NE 68009-5735.
Please mail boxes to: LEGO Brick Collection #5797, c/o DL BLAIR, 1548 Front Street,Blair, NE 68008
Offer requests must be mailed via First Class Mail and must be received by 9/30/06. Limit one request per outer mailing envelope or box. If requested wristband size is not available, an alternate size will be substituted. OFFER REQUESTS MUST BE MAILED IN A CARDBOARD OR PADDED ENVELOPE OR IN A BOX WITH SUFFICIENT POSTAGE AFFIXED. Not responsible for lost, late, postage due, illegible, mutilated or misdirected requests. Offer good only in the 50 United States & the District of Columbia. Offer void where taxed, restricted or prohibited by law. Requests from clubs, groups, or organizations will not be honored. Not valid with any other offer/promotion. Limit one offer/wristband per person. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery of your wristband.

Big! World! Fun! at the Ford Amphitheatre

The opening Big!World!Fun! series event - the Great Gershwin Concert this Saturday - is sold out, but there are 11 more chances to enjoy family-friendly cultural experiences at the Ford this summer. Kids are admitted FREE and adults pay $5 for these one-hour programs at 10 a.m. on Saturdays.

Upcoming on Big!World!Fun!: Taiko drumming on July 8 (pictured right), Flamenco for kids (July 29), Celtic music (August 26), West African dance (August 19) and more. Kids collect stickers for each concert attended and become eligible for prizes!
Complete schedule Tickets: 323 461-3673 (reservations are recommended).

Another family opportunity at the Ford:The 12th Annual What IFFF? Kids Film Camp and Film Festival is a day camp for children ages 8 to 18 running 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., June 26 through 30. The camp features hands-on filmmaking, stage fight mentoring, stunts, make-up, action sports cinematography and film and screenplay festival. For information call 661 257-3131 or visit http://www.iffilmfest.org

Website of the Month: GoCityKids.com

GoCityKids is your guied to the city at its best. They've dug up loads of family-friendly activities and are always on the lookout for more. Stay up-to-date on kid-friendly entertainment options and activities. Sign up for FREE events calendars and newsletters.
www.gocitykids.com

Long Beach Bayou Festival, June 23-25, 2006

Down in the Bayou
A mix of authentic Cajun and Zydeco bands, Creole food, and craft vendors take over the Queen Mary for the annual Long Beach Bayou Festival. From Friday through Sunday, families can enjoy non-stop music, dancing, and eating at the events park next to the historic luxury liner. New this year is The French Quarter, a recreated version of New Orleans' famous Bourbon Street, where most of the activities take place. Tickets can be purchased at the gate or on-line; an on-line ticket purchase discount is available through June 22. For details, as well as a complete schedule of weekend performers, visit www.longbeachfestival.homestead.com.

Long Beach Public Library Summer Reading Club

PAWS, CLAWS, SCALES AND TALES
Summer Reading Program for Kids and Teens
WHO CAN JOIN AND HOW?
The Summer Reading Program is for preschoolers, school-age children, teens, and their families. You may join at your closest public library anywhere in Long Beach.
Here is how it works:
1. Sign up for the Summer Reading Program at your nearest library and collect your reading game card.
2. Borrow some books and read, read, read!
3. Visit the library weekly with your reading game card to collect special prizes and join in the special activities and programs.
4. GOOD LUCK!!
HOW CAN I SIGN UP?
Registration is quick and easy. Go to your nearest neighborhood library of the Long Beach Public Library System and say, "I want to sign up for the Summer Reading Program." If you don't have a library card, you may want to register for one while you're at the library. Library cards are FREE. If you are 17 years old or younger, you will need your parent to sign for your library card.
THEN WHAT DO I DO?
Select some books you like and begin reading, or read aloud together with friends and family.
List the books you read on your reading record, visit the Library often, and participate in the Library's special events and activities.
THAT'S IT!
Long Beach Kids... Get Your Paws on Some Good Books!

If you don't live in Long Beach, you can check your city's local library for similar summer reading programs.

Free Angels game via Paramount Parks

Major League Baseball Excitement Courtesy of the Paramount Lions we’re offering another free Angels game this summer! Start off the evening with a tailgate that includes free hot dogs, chips and sodas. We’ll then wander inside the stadium to see the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim’s new line up in an action packed game against the Seattle Mariners.

*Families of all ages
*Sat, August 19, 4:00 to 11:30 pm (7:05 pm game)
*Free!
*Register by August 15

Paramount Recreation Department: 15300 Downey Ave, Paramount, 562.220.2121, www.paramountcity.com

Long Beach Sea Festival

JUNE 19 - AUGUST 26, 2006
Come Join The Fun At The Long Beach Sea Festival! A boatload of summer fun is on deck for Long Beach residents and visitors at the Long Beach Sea Festival! Various activities (many of them free) are scheduled from June through August at beach areas throughout the City.

Toddlers to seniors, amateurs and professionals, and seafarers and landlubbers alike will have a great water adventure. Sailing excitement includes the Junior Olympic Festival, the Mayor’s Cup Race with all women crews, and the dramatic Dragon Boat Festival. For landlubbers, the Great Sand Sculpture event, Summer Concerts In The Park and the Moonlight Movies On The Beach may be the perfect ticket. For those who like to go to the extreme - the Beach Triathlon Continental Cup 2006 and the 75th Anniversary Off-Shore Power Boat Race must be calling.

Please note that times and dates of scheduled events are subject to change and apologize for any inaccurate listings in our Summer 2006 publication. Please check this site for the latest updated information or call the Sea Festival hotline at (562) 426-7670. You can also link to the Sea Festival website at www.SeaFestivalLongBeach.com.

Free Movies in Long Beach City Parks

Don't miss the free movies in the Park this summer, presented by Signal Hill Petroleum in cooperation with the Long Beach Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine. Family oriented movies shown under the stars on a 29-foot inflatable screen will be featured at local parks. We'll suplly the popcorn and drinks-you bring our lawn chair or blankets, family and friends to settle down to enjoy the fun.

All movies begin at dusk, June 19 - Sept 1, 2006

Movie List:
Shrek, Shrek 2, Ice Age, Dr. Seuss' The Cat in The Hat, Shark Tale, Curious George, Hoodwinked, Racing Stripes, Robots, Madagascar and Chicken Little.

Visit www.LBParks.org for dates and locations or click here> Movies In The Park

Long Beach Concerts in the Park (Free Event)

Long Beach Municipal Band presents "The Joyful Sounds of Summer". The Long Beach Municipal Band is in its 97th season, making it the longest running, municipally supported band in the country. These free concerts provide a chance for neighbors and families to gather outdoors for a relaxing evening of picnicking, entertainment and music.

"The old-fashioned concert in the park is one of the finest family entertainment experiences available," said Curtis. "Many who attend the concerts, bring picnic dinners and blankets or lawn chairs. It’s a very festive atmosphere."

SMG will be the official food concessionaire at all concerts. There will be no need to worry about
dinner with a menu of salads, sandwiches, snacks, drinks, and desserts offered each evening. Call (562) 499-7565 if you wish to pre-order.

All concerts begin at 6:30 p.m.

Week 1: June 27 - June 30
Tuesday, June 27: Whaley Park, 5620 Atherton
Wednesday, June 28: Los Cerritos Park, 3750 Del Mar Avenue
Thursday, June 29: Marine Stadium, 5255 Paoli Way
Friday, June 30: El Dorado Park, Studebaker Road & Willow Street
"Star Spangled Spectacular" This opening week of concerts will lift your spirit in time for America’s birthday celebration on the 4th of July. Our nation’s favorite rousing marches will be a part of the program along with a salute to our Armed Forces. What better way to kick off the summer than to join your Municipal Band in the parks of Long Beach. The uniquely talented Sherwood Sledge joins forces with the Studio Band for the perfect end to the evening.

Tuesday, July 4: Marina Green Park, Ocean Blvd. & Shoreline Stage. "The 4th of July with Fireworks!" Celebrating our nation’s birthday with a concert of great patriotic music and fireworks is an American tradition that the Municipal Band is proud to continue. Barbara
Morrison will perform with the Studio Band. Wave the flag as the band plays along with a spectacular fireworks display at The Marina Green Park in Downtown Long Beach! Long Beach residents – free.

Week 2, July 5 - 7
Wednesday, July 5: Los Cerritos Park, 3750 Del Mar Avenue
Thursdays, July 6: Marine Stadium, 5255 Paoli Way
Friday, July 7: El Dorado Park, Studebaker Road & Willow Street
"Cartoons" The creative music of Saturday morning cartoons has always been an important part of every child’s life. The personality and emotional zeal of cartoon characters would be lost without the music. If you and your family like to smile, join the band for a zany, fun-filled evening. International recording star and the Municipal band’s "first lady of song", Barbara Morrison, concludes the evening.

Week 3, July 12 - 14 (No concert on Tuesday, July 11.)
Wednesday, July 12: Los Cerritos Park, 3750 Del Mar Ave.
Thursday, July 13: Marine Stadium, 5255 Paoli Way
Friday, July 14: El Dorado Park, Studebaker Road & Willow Street
"It Sounds like Sousa" This week’s concerts use the same programmatic format used by the worldfamous Sousa Band. Hear the old classics, featured soloists, and some of the March King’s
favorites. Bring the family and experience the way this legendary band presented itself during the early 1900’s. We’ll close the evening in style with the entertaining vocalization of Derek Bordeaux.

Week 4, July 18 - 21
Tuesday, July 18: Bixby Park, 130 Cherry Ave.
Wednesday, July 19: Los Cerritos Park, 3750 Del Mar Avenue
Thursday, July 20: Marine Stadium, 5255 Paoli Way
Friday, July 21: El Dorado Park, Studebaker Road & Willow Street
"Let the good times roll" Musically speaking, good times never stop rolling! From one generation to the next, great music lives on. Ragtime, Dixieland, Blues, and Big Band, it’s all here in one concert! Singing sensation Jacki DiPiro provides the final touch as she performs with the Studio Band.

Week 5, July 25 - 28
Tuesdays, July 25: Whaley Park North, 5620 Atherton Street
Wednesday, July 26: Los Cerritos Park, 3750 Del Mar Avenue
Thursday, July 27: Marine Stadium, 5255 Paoli Way
Friday, July 28: El Dorado Park, Studebaker Road & Willow Street
"Around the World in 80 Minutes" Can we do it? The band will try to visit as many countries as possible on this quick musical tour round the planet. What a musically gifted world in which we live. It seems appropriate that vocalist Tony Galla provides a rousing finale to this international evening.

Week 6, August 1 - 4
Tuesday, August 1: Bixby Park, 130 Cherry Ave.
Wednesday, August 2: Los Cerritos Park, 3750 Del Mar Avenue
Thursday, August 3: Marine Stadium, 5255 Paoli Way
Friday, August 4: El Dorado Park, Studebaker Road & Willow Street
" Movie Music Magic" Today’s great composers are often called upon to write music for the Silver Screen. Many of these scores have been re-orchestrated so that we can enjoy them tonight in the parks of Long Beach. Bring your popcorn, close your eyes, and listen to the magic. Individual members of the studio band are the featured soloists in closing this all instrumental night.

Week 7, August 8 - 11
Tuesdays, August 8: Bixby Park, 130 Cherry Ave.
Wednesday, August 9: Los Cerritos Park, 3750 Del Mar Avenue
Thursday, August 10: Marine Stadium, 5255 Paoli Way
Friday, August 11: El Dorado Park, Studebaker Road & Willow Street
"Let Me Entertain You" The name of the business is entertainment - no matter whether it’s sports, circus acts, dancing, singing or acting out your favorite role. Come along as we simply enjoy the creative enthusiasm of America at play. Sensational blues and jazz vocalist Barbara Morrison for a return appearance with the Studio Band.

Week 8, August 15 - 18
Tuesdays, August 15: Bixby Park, 130 Cherry Ave.
Wednesday, August 16: Los Cerritos Park, 3750 Del Mar Avenue
Thursday, August 17: Marine Stadium, 5255 Paoli Way
Friday, August 18: El Dorado Park, Studebaker Road & Willow Street
"Broadway Nights" The "Great White Way" is the setting as the band illuminates the parks with magnificent music that has dazzled show audiences for decades. We hope to stir your memories and emotions as you listen to and enjoy these melodic offerings from the musical stage. This grand finale features the return of the one and only, Tony Galla.

Movies Under the Stars, Bellflower Town Center Civic Plaza

Movies Under the Stars livens up the City's Town Center Civic Plaza every Friday evening this summer. The outdoor movie series features “Grease” on June 2nd and continues through September 8th. The film begins at dusk and entrance is free and open to all.

Admission and parking are free for all Civic Plaza events. Lawn chairs, blankets and picnic baskets are welcome, but alcohol, glass containers and pets are not allowed. On-site vendors sell food and beverages. Programs may be canceled during inclement weather.

The Plaza is located in the historic Downtown shopping district east of Bellflower Boulevard off Adenmoor between Oak and Belmont. For more information, call Parks and Recreation at (562) 804-1424 ext. 2268.

June 23rd - Free Willy
June 30th - Chicken Run
July 7th - Kicking and Screaming
July 14th - Curious George
July 21st - Flipper
July 28th - Charlotte's Web
August 4th - Wizard of Oz
August 11th - Goonies
August 18th - Yours, Mine & Ours
August 25th - Dreamer
September 1st - Pink Panther
September 8th - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Plaza Eateries: Come for the Show, Stay for the Food

Kayaks for Kids @ Mother's Beach, Marina Del Rey Lagoon

Summer 2006 Classes: June 4 & 11, July 2 & 9, August 6 & 13, 9:30 am - 1:00 pm
Ages: 9-15 years (12 student maximum)
Cost: FREE!!!
Location: Mother's Beach, Marina Del Rey Lagoon (Palawan Avenue & Admiralty Way)
Parking: $6.00 (Should be $1 per car, if you mention Kayaks for Kids)

Students should dress for the water (you will get wet!), bring extra towels and wear rubber-soled shoes. A light jacket is also suggested as it can get a bit chilly.

In the summer of 2005 we launched our first Kayaks for Kids program at Mother's Beach in Marina del Rey Lagoon. With the help of the Honorable Yvonne B. Burke, Supervisor, Second District Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and the Department of Beaches and Harbors, we were able to successfully graduate over 100 Los Angeles area youths from our classes teaching them the art of Kayaking. Because of the very positive and rewarding feedback we have received, we are offering this program again for students and families during June, July and August 2006.

The Kayaks for Kids program has but one mission and that is to expose youths and their families to the benefits of healthy outdoor fun on the water, promote a greater appreciation and respect for the environment and to provide a rewarding learning experience through kayaking.

We invite you to join us for the 2006 program and help us spread the word about this exciting program by passing along this information to any family with children that may benefit from this experience. Additionally, if you know of any organizations or companies that would be interested in becoming a sponsor of the 2006 Summer Kayaks for Kids program, we would appreciate your referral.

If you have children in your family who have good swimming or water sports skills, we offer internships for high school or college aged kids that would include a stipend for working with us for the summer program.

Classes are filling up. Pre-register now!