Fourth of July:red, white and to-do

A mechanic has been out, the boat has been tented and a fresh coat of paint covers its exterior. After months of preparation and hours of decorating, Gay Wassall-Kelly and Bill Kelly's S.S. Michigan is ready for competition in the annual Newport Harbor Fourth of July Old Glory Boat Parade.

For the 16th year, the American Legion Yacht Club of Newport Harbor Post 291 will host the parade — themed Patriots of Liberty — which begins at 1 p.m. today at Collins Island and cruises through the harbor

"She's all painted and ready to go," Wassall-Kelly said about her boat. "The Michigan has a reputation of always getting into some kind of trouble, but she'll be out there, and we hope she gets farther than the dock."

The Kellys' converted fishing boat will be one of about 50 vessels competing for 15 awards in today's parade.

An all-day tri-tip barbecue will be held at the Legion, beginning with a pancake breakfast at 7 a.m. Tickets are $10, and guests can watch the boat parade while they eat. Limited parking will be available in the Post lot at 215 15th St., Newport Beach, and at Veterans Memorial Park. For more information, go to www.alyc291.com.

For a Fourth of July-related video, click here.

Here's a selection of Newport-Mesa's festive events:

35th Annual Independence Day Family Celebration

Opening with a community parade at 9:30 a.m., the annual festivity presented by the City of Newport Beach and Mariners Elementary School Foundation at Mariners Park will feature carnival games, concession stands and an opportunity drawing. Tickets for the raffle and all attractions and games are available for $5 to $20. All activities run from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, call (949) 644-3151. The park is at Mariners Drive and Dover Drive.

Mesa del Mar Homeowners Assn. Parade

Decorated bicycles, golf carts and scooters will lead this parade leaving at 10 a.m. from Sonora Elementary School to TeWinkle Park, 970 Arlington, Costa Mesa, where there will be several games set up for adults and children.

Swan Drive Social Club Parade

Mesa Verde resident Carolynn McMahon will show off her 18-by-13-foot American flag sewn by her grandmother in 1912 at this year's Swan Drive Social Club parade, beginning at 10 a.m. at the corner of Albatross Drive and Flamingo Drive in Costa Mesa.

Newport Dunes Fireworks Extravaganza

A day of beachfront activities at the Newport Dunes and Waterfront Resort will culminate in the 49th annual Fireworks Extravaganza.

The firework display begins at 9 p.m. and will be accompanied by a musical salute to the U.S. Armed Forces. For a $30 parking fee, families can enjoy volleyball and horseshoe tournaments, live music, carnival games and other activities, beginning at 11 a.m. The Dunes, open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., is at 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach. For more information, go to www.newportdunes.com.

The following facilities and major streets will be closed for the holiday:

FACILITIES