Little Saigon: A few July 4 options

Titi Mary Tran/ Nguoi-Viet English

Fourth of July celebrations in the United States bring out the patriotic spirit among all Americans, and if you live near Orange County’s Little Saigon, you have some especially good options on how to spend the day. Here are just a few of them.

5K Run and Huntington Beach Parade

Billed as the “biggest Independence Day parade west of the Mississippi,” the Huntington Beach Parade is a tradition that dates back to the city’s founding in 1904. Aside from the parade, the day’s festivities include bonfires, fireworks, a 5K run morning run, and lots of music and festivities at the pier.

Floats, celebrity guests and organizations will be part of the parade, which will take place on Main Street from Pacific Coast Highway to Yorktown Avenue from 10 a.m. to noon. The parade has a number of grand marshals, including actor Lorenzo Lamas and Minnie Mouse, who will serve as the children’s grand marshal.

The fireworks show will be at the Huntington Beach Pier at Main Street and Pacific Coast Highway. Gates open at 7 a.m., with the fireworks at 9 p.m.

Downtown Disney

The July 4 spirit will be evident at Downtown Disney, where local bands will perform .  The sounds of everything from hip-hop bands to string instruments will fill the air as you window shop, and you’ll be in place to see the 15-minute Disneyland fireworks extravaganza light up the night sky.

If a food adventure is your thing

Check out the local night market at the Asian Garden Mall on Bolsa Avenue in Westminster. From seafood barbeque to fruits to specialty Vietnamese street food, you will travel to Asia with this special summer night market

While you’re at it, enjoy some pho and banh mi.  Don’t order too much since you won’t have enough room in your stomach to taste all the treats that this corner of food heaven offers.