Declare your independence on Webster Street

Webster Street is the best place in Alameda to view the annual Mayor’s Fourth of July Parade as well as the Ralph Appezzato Charity Event (R.A.C.E.). The mayor’s reviewing stand for the parade and the finish line for the race are both at Haight and Webster, so the energy level will be high.

The 5K race starts at 9:45 a.m., following the parade route to Webster, with the earliest runners finishing well before the parade arrives.

The parade starts at 10 a.m. at Lincoln and Park, reaching Webster Street about an hour later, giving you time to grab a bit of breakfast at Albert’s Café or one of Webster Street’s other eateries before settling in to watch Northern California’s largest Fourth of July parade.

As in year’s past, the sidewalks along Webster from Central to Lincoln will fill up fast, so grab your lawn chairs and get there early.

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Do you have a car trip planned for this summer? Kragen Auto Parts at Central and Webster has everything you need to keep your buggy running smoothly. They’re open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 4, so stop by before, during or after the parade.

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After parade, head on over to Yumy Yogurt in the Neptune Plaza shopping center at Central and Webster and ask owner Benny Leung for the “Fourth of July Special.” He’ll gladly give you one free topping on any yogurt you order. And, if you’re in them mood for something different, try one of his wonderfully healthy blended fruit drinks, loaded with fresh strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries that he buys himself at the twice-weekly West Alameda Farmers’ Market on Haight Street and Webster.

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Later in the day, you can head out to the USS Hornet Museum for the annual Independence Day Party starting at 1 p.m. and culminating in a superb view of Bay Area fireworks from the flight deck. The family event features live music on the flight deck, interactive games for all ages and a bounce house for kids. Tours of the famous aircraft carrier will be available throughout the day. Food, beer and wine will be on sale. All-day admission is $25 for adults ($20 in advance) and $10 for children; museum members receive free admission. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 510-521-8448 x 282 or visit www.hornetevents.com

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The Record Gallery is moving from its storefront it has occupied for 36 years at 1510 Webster to the back of the shop at 1451 Webster that currently houses both the consignment shop Serendipity and the vintage clothing store Muse Reuse Boutique. The entrance to the Record Gallery will be from the parking lot at the rear of the building, something that owner Steve Kennedy says will add to the fun of getting to his shop full of retro music, clothes and collectables.

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Work continues behind the spiffed up façade of the brick storefront at 1536 Webster Street where owners Monica and Miguel Trejo are preparing to open the charming new Wescafe. They’ll serve coffee drinks, pastries, sandwiches and salads. Watch for an announcement about an opening date.

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This year’s series of free outdoor Concerts at the Cove continues from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 10 with the retro rock and roll of "Notorious." The six-member Notorious band plays and sings everything from Madonna to AC/DC and the Commodores to Beyoncé. The Bay Area based group has toured throughout California and performed on stages from Las Vegas to the Caribbean. The concert is produced by San Francisco radio station KOIT.

The Crab Cove Visitor Center, which is adjacent to the concert area, will be open until 7:30 p.m. each night during the concerts offering organized activities for families and children. Free parking is available at Crown Memorial Beach and parking lots at Santa Clara at Webster and Taylor at Webster. Free valet bicycle parking will be available from BikeAlameda at the concert site. For more information, visit www.westalamedabusiness.com.