The San Gabriel community will celebrate Independence Day on Monday, July 4 with the annual 4th of July Parade and Kids’ Day Picnic.

The parade will begin at a new earlier time this year, 9 a.m., at Plaza Park and will continue up Mission and along Broadway to end at Smith Park. After the parade, attendees can enjoy a free barbecue lunch prepared by San Gabriel firefighters, plus fun games and activities for the family until 1 p.m.

For the first time this year, there will also be a live band, Rock Bottom, playing music for picnic-goers to enjoy. Don’t forget the watermelon eating contest, carnival games, a juggling performance sponsored by the San Gabriel Library, open swim from 11-12:30 and much more.

And don’t forget to post your photos from the festivities on social media using the event hashtag #SGJuly4. For more information, call the Community Services Department at 626.308.2875 or visit the Facebook event page.