This year the Fourth of July comes on a Wednesday, which might make weekend going-away plans a little harder to organize. But you have the day off, right? Well, never fear, a Wednesday Independence Day in the SCV offers plenty to do for the whole family, from early in the morning until well after dark.
Enjoy!

Santa Clarita Rotary Club
Pancake Breakfast
Where: Held in Newhall at the Roger Dunn Golf parking lot on Main Street between 5th and 6th Streets
When: 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.
What: The breakfast, at $4, includes pancakes or blueberry pancakes, sausages, orange juice and coffee. This year the menu includes grits and molasses as well. There will be live classic rock and roll music by J.C. Burnett.
Info: For information email Chris Ball at chris@ballcm.com.

Independence Day Classic Run
Where: Newhall Memorial Park, 24933 Newhall Ave., Newhall, CA 91321
When: 10K begins at 7 a.m., Kiddie K starts at 7:45 a.m., 5K and walk start at 8 a.m.
What: Presented by the Santa Clarita Runners, as always there will be a 5K race, and a non-competitive walk, as well as a Kiddie K. The races will benefit the high school cross country programs in the SCV. Register early as there are a limited supply of technical shirts and goody bags for 5K and 10K participants. Kids K participants receive a finishing medal.
Info: Register at www.Active.com or visit www.SCRunners.org

Santa Clarita 4th of July Parade
Where: Parade runs north along Main Street (formerly San Fernando Road) from 5th Street to Lyons Avenue, turns west on Lyons and then north onto Orchard Village Road, ending at 16th Street. (Note: Street closures begin at 7 a.m. – Main Street both directions from Pine Street to Lyons Avenue; Lyons both directions from Main Street to Orchard Village Road; Orchard Village both directions from Lyons to 16th Street; 16th Street.)
When: Parade begins at 9 a.m.
What: Jim and Bobby Stone, 40-year parade volunteers will be grand marshals of this year’s parade (with the theme of Santa Clarita volunteers). As always, the parade will be loaded with horses, floats, music, fire trucks, kids, cars, military and more.
Info: Visit www.scvparade.com for maps, detour routes, street closures and other information.

Castaic Lake 4th of July Celebration
Where: Castaic Lake Recreational Area
When: Music from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m.
What: Enjoy the lake and recreation area all day for $25 per carload or $5 per person walk-in (5 years and under free) — followed by music and fireworks. There will be water slides and jumpers from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Info: Call 661-257-4050

Soakfest 2012
Where: Church On The Way, 23415 Cinema Drive, Valencia, CA 91355
When: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
What: Free event with 10,000 water balloons for age and size appropriate battles, water slide, slip and slide, watermelon eating contest, free hot dogs
Info: www.more2summer.com

Fireworks at Westfield Valencia Town Center
Where: Westfield Valencia Town Center
When: 9:15 p.m.
What: Bring the whole family for the fireworks show and watch from just about anywhere at the Westfield Valencia Town Center. Bring a portable radio or listen from your car radio to the fireworks soundtrack broadcast live on KHTS AM-1220.
Info: http://arts.santa-clarita.com/Index

Stevenson Ranch Fireworks Show
Where: Richard Rioux Memorial Park, 26233 Faulkner Drive, Stevenson Ranch, CA 91381
When: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. (fireworks at 9:05 p.m.)
What: Fireworks show and other entertainment
Info: 661-222-9536

And Nearby...

Acton 4th of July Parade
Where: Acton, Calif. – parade runs along Crown Valley Road from Aliso Street to Smith Avenue
When: 9 a.m.
What: 50th anniversary parade and other events
Info: Call 661-816-7759

Fillmore Fun
Where: Car Show, 300 block of Central Avenue, Fillmore, CA 93015 – fireworks from Fillmore Middle School, 543 A St.
When: Car show 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., fireworks appx. 9:15 p.m.
What: Vintage car show followed by fireworks
Info: www.fillmorecarshow.com/index.html