MISS HUNTINGTON BEACH and her court in the 2019 parade (Orange County Tribune photos by Jim Tortolano).

The Fourth of July is so big in Huntington Beach that it takes several days to complete.

Starting on Thursday, June 30 and extending through Monday, July 4, the annual Fourth of July celebration in Surf City will be back in its full glory after the interruptions of the coronavirus pandemic.

Highlights of the activities begins Monday with the Surf City 5k run beginning at 7 a.m, on the historic route along Pacific Coast Highway and Main Street, finishing at Worthy Park.

BUTTERFLY girl in red, white and blue.

The parade, in its 118th version, will step off at 10 a.m. on Monday along Main Street from the beach to the civic center. It’s the centerpiece of the celebration and features local celebrities, equestrian units, bands, floats and more.

The Pier Plaza Festival, located at PCH and Main next to the city pier, will run from Friday, July 1 to Monday, July 4 with retail, food and beverage vendors offering a wide variety of items to delight the eye and the palate.

Pier Plaza Festival hours are Friday from 5-10 p.m, Saturday from 1-10 p.m., Sunday from 3-10 p.m. and Monday from 12-10 p.m. 

A carnival runs daily Friday to Monday at PCH and 6th street with a giant Ferris wheel and other rides. There will be free live music, festival food and shopping. Admission is free; you can buy carnival ride tickets in advance. Ten ride tickets sell for $25.

Festival hours are Friday (3-10 p.m.) and Saturday to Monday (10 a.m. to 10 p.m.).

A professional fireworks display will take place over the pier on Monday at 9 p.m. Tickets for reserved pier seating are available.

Patriotic decorating contests have long been part of the event, and they return this year with two categories. The citywide home decorating contest judging will start on Sunday, July 3 at noon, with awards handed out starting at 6 p.m.

For the Main Street home contest, hours are the same, but there are three categories: Best in Show, Most Creative and Best Beach Party Theme.

Additional details are available at https://www.hb4thofjuly.org .