On Friday June 17, 2005 from 9:00 pm to 12:00 am teens are invited to Third Friday, a teen band night at the Santa Clarita Sports Complex Activities Center. The City sponsors the monthly event as an activity for youth to gather and enjoy music created by their peers. Admission is $5 and the event is for high school-aged students.

Independence Day will also be filled with fun for the whole family. Scheduled July 4^th festivities include the annual SCV Parade, a 5K run, and an after-parade festival at Newhall Park in Newhall. The celebration will include a recognition ceremony for the parade winners as well as music and several local vendors. The parade and festival are run by the Santa Clarita Parade Committee, and events begin at 8:45 am. More information can be found at www.scvparade.com. The 5K is organized by the Santa Clarita Runners. The City will also be presenting its annual free fireworks show at the Westfield Valencia Town Center. The show begins at 9:15 pm and residents are encouraged to come out early to stake out the best viewing spots.

Also, on July 9 the City will begin its annual Concerts in the Park series at Central Park. This annual series draws thousands of residents each summer and provides locals with the chance to come enjoy a free concert under the bright summer stars. This event is free and families are welcome to come out early and bring a picnic dinner to enjoy with the show! The series runs every Saturday through August 27 and all shows begin at 7:00 pm. Preceding the July 16 concert, there will also be an Art in the Park show beginning at 3:00 pm, where residents can come enjoy the creations of artists from all over!

The Arts and Events Office will also be assisting with several other community events happening this summer. Scheduled activities include the Blue Star Mothers Memorial Day Celebration May 30 at City Hall, Unity Day at Golden Valley High School on June 4, the KNBC Travel Expo at the Los Angeles Convention Center June 18 and 19, the 35^th Alumni Reunion at CalArts June 18, and many other great programs!

“We are so pleased to present local residents with so many different activities this summer, both the City-run events and with those were are assisting,” said Phil Lantis, Arts and Events Administrator for the City. “There is something for everyone to enjoy and events are scheduled all summer long, so there is no excuse to not have fun!”

For more information about any of these events, please contact the City’s Arts and Events Office at 661/286-4018 or visit http://www.santa-clarita.com/arts/.