Stay Active Locally for the Fourth

The Fourth of July is about being with family and friends, enjoying the weather and celebrating our country’s heritage.   

The long weekend allows for some fun activities that can get you out and keep you moving.

Run or walk the 26th annual Fourth of July fun run: The Santa Cruz Firecracker 10k is the premier Fourth of July family event that’s guaranteed to get your day off to a good start.

Activities include a 1k kids’ run, a 5k run, and the “Thrill of the Hill” 10k. 

The traditional event has a challenging course that begins at Harvey West Park and winds its way up the trail into the majestic hills of Pogonip park, then descends back down through Santa Cruz's beautiful upper west side neighborhoods.  

A pancake breakfast will be provided to all participants at the end of the race.  

Instead of watching the Scotts Valley Parade, be a part of it: It’s always fun to watch the parade, but it’s really special to be a part of it. Scotts Valley encourages the community to take part as spectators or participants in the parade, including businesses, service organizations, music, martial arts, dancing groups, classic cars, and neighborhood groups. Click here for parade entry form.

Take a hike: Henry Cowell, Fall Creek and Lodato Park are all local destinations you can explore. 

Walk the beautiful river trail in Henry Cowell, visit the Lime Kiln’s at Fall Creek, or challenge yourself to the steep terrain at Lodato Park. It’s the perfect way to add a little adventure and scenery to your day.

Play golf: Visit Valley Gardens Golf Course of Scotts Valley for a great day on the green. The nine-hole course is a hidden gem that is always sunny and warm. It is a fun place to play and great exercise too.

Play classic outdoor games: A three-legged race, potato sack race or water balloon toss are perfect for your backyard barbeque, and a lot of fun for everyone.

Planning to take in the fireworks? Walk or bike to the festival and fireworks taking place at Skypark instead of driving. You may even get home faster than those who drive. 

No matter what your plans are for the Fourth of July, celebrate freedom by being active in the Scotts Valley Community. 

Cool Spotlight 

Six boys from Scotts Valley play on the Santa Cruz Pony Baseball All-Star Team. The team is undefeated, winning four games in Section play that advances them to Regionals in Campbell next week.  

On the team from SV are Ben Christensen, AJ Collishaw, Jack Palmer, Tanner Spence, Sawyer Stemm and Jacob Wiechmann. Coaches Mark Collishaw, Randy Palmer and Eric Stemm are also from Scotts Valley.

Bocce teams wins first place in the senior spring league:

The Scotts Valley Senior Center Bocce Ball team won the overall championship in the Spring League. Al Telles, Virginia LeRoy, Margaret Schraft and Dave Wilson were players on the team.