A+E

A large crowd of all ages enjoyed the warm afternoon sunshine and the family fun at the Fourth of July Festival in Eureka along five city blocks in Old Town. Informational and food booths lined Second Street, along with classic cars and electric vehicles. A children's petting zoo, face painting and a bevy of rides offered fun for children, along with the carnival at the foot of D Street. Live music from two sound stages played all day and a fireworks show sparked over Humboldt Bay after sunset.

Meanwhile in Arcata, "Bubbles Promenade" led off the festivities, as children and adults circled the plaza two times blowing soapy spheres. The parade started — where else? — in front of Bubbles, which donated bubble-making supplies to the first 100 families. Vendors and info booths lined the streets and live music, aerial dancers and other performances entertained the large crowd.

Check out the slideshow below for sun-filled highlights from both parties.