Get a jump on the Fourth

Talk about a long holiday weekend! With Independence Day falling on a Friday this year, North Bay celebrations stretch from Thursday through Sunday, with plenty of opportunities to be a part of the national birthday party.

Here’s a roundup of what’s happening Thursday, July 3:

SANTA ROSA: Get a jump on other holiday celebrations at 6 p.m. when the gates open to the Sonoma County Fairgrounds carnival lot and lawn, where food vendors will hold forth until 10 p.m.

Bring picnic baskets, blankets and low lawn chairs, but no alcohol, glass containers, pets, tents or canopies. Fireworks start at 9:30 p.m.

Admission to the lawn area is free. Parking at the fairgrounds costs $10. 1350 Bennett Valley Road. 545-4200, www.sonomacountyfair.com.

WINDSOR: The town also celebrates Independence Day a day early, starting 4 p.m. at Keiser Park, 700 Windsor River Road.

There’s a model airplane show at 6:30 p.m. and a performance by the Healdsburg/Windsor Children’s Chorus at 7:30 p.m. Fireworks start at 9:30 p.m.

Admission to the park is free, but the “Kid Zone” ride and games area requires a $12 pass, or $1-$2 per ride. No alcohol, pets or parking at the park. Park at Windsor High School, 8695 Windsor Road. 838-1260, www.townofwindsor.com.

SEBASTOPOL: Leave it to this west county city to host a Third of July Fireworks and Music Festival, an evening of music with, among others, Dgiin, a Santa Rosa band known for its French-Gypsy-Punk stylings with a twist, and Buzzy Martin and the BuzzTones. There’ll also be dancing, games and lots of food, all at the Analy High School football field. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. $7. 6950 Analy Ave., www.seb.org.

SAN RAFAEL: Go to the Marin County Fair Thursday through Sunday and grab a bonus prize at the end of each day: a fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. highlighted by a string of eye-popping new effects.

Admission to the fair, including fireworks show, is $14 adults, $12 seniors and kids 4 to 12. Marin Center, 10 Avenue of the Flags. www.marincenter.org.