Cindy WarnerAlthough Emeryville itself lacks its own firework show and has a zero-tolerance policy toward them, we’re fortunate enough to have a fantastic vantage point of neighboring shows every 4th of July. Shows including the neighboring Berkeley Marina, across the bay at Pier 39, and as far as Sausalito (and of course the “unsanctioned” shows in West Oakland). Most of the shows begin promptly at dusk which will be approximately 9:15 p.m.
Marina Park
The spectacular view from Marina Park extends from the glittering Bay Bridge and San Francisco’s skyline to Mt. Tamalpais, Alcatraz and Angel Island, over to the Richmond Bridge and Red Rock. The Emeryville Marina fishing pier also provides great perspective of the Berkeley Marina show.
Shorebird Park, Frontage Road & Point Emery
Emeryville pedestrians and bicyclists will have several other idyllic options along the SF Bay trail/I-80 frontage road that runs between Powell and University exits. Shorebird Park features a pier with the whimsical Red Baron public art pieces by Tyler Hoare as well as a small sandy beach with access to the bay.
Chevy’s restaurant offers indoor comforts, picture windows and features a rear balcony over the water. They will also offer drink specials for the Fourth Celebration. Trader Vic’s will be closed as it normally is on Mondays. Point Emery is another good vantage point that sits about halfway along the Frontage Road between Emeryville and the Berkeley Marina.
Powell Street and Frontage Road Closures
Emeryville PD Officer Fred Dauer noted if you plan on driving, it’s best to come early in the day to get a parking space at the Emeryville Marina. The EPD will shut down Powell Street to vehicles at Frontage Road at 7 p.m. to reduce gridlock. Only residents will be allowed to pass through the established blockade and others will be cycled back onto Highway 80. Emeryville will also shut down the Frontage Road between Emeryville and Berkeley from approximately 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. The parking lot at Point Emery will also be closed to vehicles.
Community Services event scaled back this year
The Emeryville Community event will be appropriate for all ages for all ages and will include face-painting, kite-making, crafts, music, old-fashioned picnic games and a hot dog vendor. The morning 4K Fun Run has been cancelled due to lack of interest according to Community Services Director Pedro Jimenez. There will not be a live band as previous years but there will be amplified music. More information is provided in our free community calendar.
Neighboring 4th of July Activities:
OAKLAND: Jack London Square Festival of Family Fun
BERKELEY: 4th of July @ Berkeley Marina
ALBANY: A Green, Red, White & Blue Celebration!
EL CERRITO: WorldOne 4th of July Festival
RICHMOND: 8th Annual Oakland Symphony Independence Eve Celebration
Feature Image: emeryphoto.blogspot.com
For those of us living in the Watergate complex, this event is a headache for us since all that noise comes right into the living room of some units. HOLD DOWN THE NOISE.