RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - Thousands of residents and visitors gathered July 3 and 4 for Rancho Cordova’s annual Fourth of July Celebration, a two-day event that combined patriotic traditions, family entertainment and community pride while also kicking off local efforts to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary.

The 41st annual celebration, organized by the Cordova Community Council, featured a packed schedule of activities including carnival rides, live music, food vendors, circus performances, a community parade, youth band competition, eating contests, a drone show and fireworks.

Michelle Chacon Honor, Cordova Class of ’86 sings the National Anthem at the Rancho Cordova Fourth of July parade.

One of the weekend’s highlights was the Fourth of July Parade, which brought more than 80 entries and thousands of spectators to Coloma Road. The 1.5-mile procession, recognized as the longest Fourth of July parade in Sacramento County, followed the fifth annual All America Mile Run and showcased community organizations, local businesses, performers and youth marching bands.

“Our Rancho Cordova Fourth of July was one to remember this year with record-breaking entries and amazing groups,” the council said in a statement. “We have the best community around, including those who come from afar to join us. Thank you all who participated, spectated and protected in the parade. And huge thank you to our volunteers who helped make it all come together for our community.”

Friday night's concert featured “Thunder Cover,” a Sacramento-based cover band performing popular rock, pop and dance hits from the past six decades.

The celebration also served as a launch point for Rancho Cordova’s America 250 Patriotic Fire Hydrant Painting Project. The initiative, inspired by a community effort conducted during the nation’s bicentennial in 1976, aims to paint 250 fire hydrants throughout the city in recognition of the United States’ 250th birthday in 2026. The project officially began along the historic parade route on July 3.

Throughout the two-day event, families gathered at Hagan Community Park to enjoy carnival rides, midway games and performances by It’s Showtime Circus. Attendees also participated in the All-American Chowdown eating contests and visited more than 20 food vendors offering a variety of festival fare.

Live entertainment continued into the evening with concerts and a drone and fireworks show that capped each day’s festivities.

Competitors raced to claim Uncle Sam's Top Dog honors by being the first to eat 10 hot dogs and buns.