A colorful parade through historic downtown Nevada City and the Sierra foothills’ largest aerial fireworks display top the 2010 Fourth of July celebration in Nevada County.

The classic hometown parade begins at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Jul. 4. More than 100 entries and several thousand spectators are expected. The festive parade begins at the top of Broad Street and moves through the center of the downtown historic district. Parade-goers are advised to bring lawn chairs and arrive eearly to find a good vantage point.

Following the parade is a traditional family celebration under the pines at the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley. Live music and entertainment, food and refreshments are offered. The fireworks spectacular blasts off at 9:30 p.m.

Fairgrounds gates open at 3 p.m. and entertainment begins at 4 p.m. Admission rates will be announced. No alcohol, glass, pets, barbecues or personal fireworks may be brought onto the fairgrounds.

Nevada City and Grass Valley are located at the 2,500-foot elevation, off state routes 49 and 20, a one-hour drive northeast of Sacramento. From the capital city (60 miles), take eastbound Interstate 80 to Auburn and Highway 49 north. From Marysville (35 miles) and the north valley, take eastbound Highway 20. From Reno (80 miles), take westbound I-80 and westbound Highway 20.

The Nevada County Fourth of July celebration is cosponsored by the Grass Valley/Nevada County and Nevada City chambers of commerce and the Grass Valley Downtown Association.

For information, call (530) 273-4667, (800) 65-4667, (530) 265-2592 or (800) 655-6569.