By KAREN VELIE

For two years, the pandemic curtailed our county’s Fourth of July festivities. Now is the moment to make up for lost time!

Celebrate your Fourth of July with a concert by Kevin Graybill on the oceanfront lawn at the Cliffs Resort in Shell Beach from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Open to the community, there will be music, lawn games, a full bar and fire pits. It is a great place to escape the crowds and enjoy beautiful ocean views.

Events:

• The Doggie Parade and Costume Contest at Avila Beach starts at 11 a.m. at the Custom House on Front Street. Dogs and owners need to preregister.
• Nipomo Fourth of July Parade from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. travels through most of the town.
• Templeton’s Fourth of July Parade starts in the downtown at 10 a.m.
• Santa Margarita’s parade starts at 10:30 a.m. at the Santa Margarita Park. Its is followed by a community BBQ, music, games and face painting.
• Cayucos’ Fourth of July celebration starts with a sand castle contest on the beach from 4 a.m. to 10 a.m. The Hometown Cayucos Parade starts at 10 a.m.
• Music by Kevin Graybill at the Cliff’s Resort in Shell Beach from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Open to the community, the event includes lawn games, great food, a full bar and fire pits.
• Annual Colony Days Bluegrass Freedom Festival in Atascadero at the Atascadero Lake Park from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Open to the public, there will be food, beer, wine and music.

Fireworks displays:

• Cayucos fireworks display to start at the pier at 9 p.m.
• Pismo Beach fireworks display to start at dusk from the pier.
• Paso Robles fireworks display at Barney Schwartz Park starts at 9:30 p.m.
• Cambria fireworks display starts at 9:30 p.m. at Shamel Park.