Here's a quick look at some of the Independence Day celebrations taking place in Southcentral Alaska:

Anchorage 4th of July Parade and Celebration

Starts at 8 a.m. at the Delaney Park Strip. A pancake breakfast benefits Salvation Army. More than 50 local vendors, activities for kids and adults, reading of the Declaration of Independence, free entertainment.

The parade starts at 11 a.m.

This year's theme is "Welcome Home," in support of returning troops and those still serving abroad. Families will be able to call a soldier stationed overseas and military personnel stationed in Alaska will be able to call home.

Chugiak Community Parade

Starts at 2 p.m. at the Latimer Fire Station on the Old Glenn Highway. The route runs 2 miles to the Chugiak Senior Center. Those interested in participating should register at the Fire Station by 1 p.m. There are no fees.

Wasilla July 4th Parade and Community and Mayor's Picnic

The parade will begin at 11 a.m. on the corner of Nelson and Lucille Street ending near The Valley Performing Arts Center. The theme this year is "Honor the Past -- Imagine the Future."

The picnic will begin at 1:30 p.m. and will be held between the Honor Garden and the Skate Park. Activities include fire performers, jousting, a watermelon eating competition, a BMX and skateboard competition and free food and drinks.

Talkeetna Moose on Parade, 4th of July Parade & Auction

Stop by Talkeetna Gifts & Collectibles to pick up a map to various moose art created by local artists. The fanciful designs will be auctioned off at 2 p.m. at the Talkeetna Village Park Pavilion as a benefit to local non-profit groups.

The parade takes place at noon.

Music will be played at the Pavilion starting at 1 p.m.

Ninilchik Clam Jam (with fireworks)

The traditional 4th of July Rodeo at the Kenai Peninsula Fairgrounds in Ninilchik will take place July 7-8 this year. A music festival will take place at the Fairgrounds on July 4 starting at 4 p.m.

Though official pyrotechnic shows in Anchorage, Wasilla and Seward took place on Tuesday night/Wednesday morning, Clam Jam organizers say they will have fireworks at their event. Admission is $15.

Fireworks prohibited

Use and possession of fireworks without a permit is prohibited in the Municipality of Anchorage and the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, with the exception of the City of Houston. Within Houston city limits fireworks may be used only on private land with permission of the landowner. Use or possess of fireworks is also forbidden within the Kenai Peninsula Borough outside of the boundaries of the cities of Homer, Kachemak City, Kenai, Seldovia, Seward and Soldotna, which have their own regulations.

The penalty for using fireworks in Anchorage is $300. Users of illegal fireworks may also be held civilly responsible for damage that results from their use.

The penalty for illegal use of fireworks in the Mat-Su can include a fine of up to $500 for each violation.

Reach Mike Dunham at mdunham@adn.com or 257-4332.