Summer Fun Kicks Off in Santa Monica

By Lookout Staff

June 23, 2011 – Summer vacation's just started, and the beaches are already crowded, but there are other ways to enjoy yourself in Santa Monica this weekend, including hot fireworks and cool water.

First, get a jump on Fourth of July with “Celebrate America,” Santa Monica College's annual fireworks display, held this year on Saturday, June 25.

Fireworks light up the night sky at SMC. (Photo courtesy of Santa Monica College)

Corsair field will be reopened to picnickers this year so families and friends will be able to spread out on blankets, eat and relax as they look up at the spectacle in the night sky.

Booths will provide food, beach balls and community information, and a live auction on the stage will feature wares donated by local merchants.

And the Texas jump and Louisiana roots sound of Chris Mulkey and Deluxe is sure to get the crowd on its feet as the sun goes down.

Once it's dark, around 9 p.m., the fireworks are sure to be dazzling, if past years are any indication. It takes Pyro Spectaculars the better part of a day to set up the display, and don't worry, they're licensed by the State Fire Marshal.

Entry to the event is free but donations are welcome. Parking is $5. Alcoholic beverages, glass containers, barbecues, fireworks and chairs with pointed legs are prohibited.

For information, call (310) 434-3001. Additional updates on Celebrate America will be posted on the SMC website at www.smc.edu.

During the day, check out the Annenberg Community Beach House.

Fun in the Beach House pool. (Photo courtesy of The Annenberg Community Beach House)

Starting at 10 a.m. Saturday, the Aqualillies will perform in the classic pool designed for William Randolph Hearst's lover Marion Davies by Julia Morgan.

Then children and the young-at-heart can create chalk art in the courtyard, go on a scavenger hunt or make and play with a personalized hula hoop or assemble large-scale and small hand puppets for Santa Monica Rep's August production of The Tempest..

The pool will be open this weekend from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and fees are $4 for youths (1-17), $10 for adults, and $5 for seniors (60 or over) Family passes are available for $24.

During the summer, water lovers can take advantage of Dollar Splash Monday rates, Pool Power Hours, and the Sand and Sea Fitness Room.

And summer classes include stand-up paddleboarding, snorkeling, open ocean swimming and yoga.

Limited pool reservations are available, but not required, Tuesdays through Sundays, and limited parking reservations are available daily. Reservations can be made online at www.annenbergbeachhouse.com

The Annenberg Community Beach House is wheelchair accessible and ADA compliant.