A Belated Fourth in Agoura Hills

Picnic blankets and summer dinners were spread out across the Chumash Park lawn on Sunday evening in celebration of a belated Fourth of July in Agoura Hills.

"It's a fiscally responsible way to give the city a great fireworks show," said Director of Community Services Amy Brink.  "A show like this would cost the city $25,000-$50,000 if we held it on the Fourth."

Since fireworks are illegal in LA County unincorporated areas like Agoura Hills, the city provides a show one week later for less than $8,000, said Brink, accompanied this year by Sharkey & The Babes. The band played a variety of hits from the '60s, '70s, and '80s, including Bonnie Raitt's "I Can't Make You Love Me" and Donna Summer's "Last Dance."

The second concert of the series also featured the city of Agoura Hills' first "City Walk." Employees from the city manager's office, the finance department, city council, building and safety, Reyes Adobe, and Parks and Recreation were all on hand to talk to residents.

"Everyone really seems to be enjoying this. It's fantastic to be able to get out here and interact with the public and let them know about all we have to offer," said Recreation Manager Meredith Petit. "I think we'll definitely do this again next year."

Reyes Adobe docent Hank Koslov found the "City Walk" valuable to informing residents of Agoura's local historical site. The Reyes Adobe received a marker from the Daughters of the American Revolution in May.

"So many long-time residents seem to know about the Adobe, but have never visited the site," said Koslov. "Our booth has been really busy and people seem to have a genuine interest in visiting the Adobe. This is a great way to remind the community about the site."

When park-goers weren't perusing the city booths, they were playing catch with their kids, eating their picnic dinners, or dancing in front of the stage to The Temptation's "My Girl."

"The female singer in the band has an amazing voice," said Sumac Elementary and Lindero Canyon Middle School parent Marisa Hoff of the Sharkey & The Babes' lead vocalist. "This is such a fun event and a great way to catch up with school friends over the summer," she added.

Red, white and blue lit up the night sky above Agoura High School as attendees pulled sweatshirts over their heads and families covered up with blankets.

"The fireworks show was great," said resident Terie Paley. "I especially loved the patriotic music they played with it. It was definitely worth the wait."

See a slideshow of the event below.