Southland to Mark July 4 With a Star-Spangled Bang : Holidays: From small communities to major theme parks, Southern Californians will observe Independence Day with fireworks and top-flight entertainment.

George Washington and Thomas Jefferson probably never made it to the Los Angeles area, but that doesn’t prevent residents here from knowing how to celebrate on Independence Day.

Here is a list of some of the major Fourth of July activities going on around Los Angeles:

* The Rose Bowl in Pasadena is the site of this year’s biggest event, “Celebration USA,” which boasts it will have more than 1,500 performers to entertain revelers. Among them will be Smokey Robinson, the Children of the World Choir and Cirque du Soleil. There will also be a production called “Sol de Mexico” with the Ballet Folklorico del Pacifico and mariachi performances, and a song-and-dance routine called “Happy Birthday USA.” Fireworks will close the show. Tickets range from $10-$42, and can be purchased at Ticketmaster outlets. Call (800) 963-4600. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30.

* A Fourth of July in Los Angeles would not be complete without a performance at the Hollywood Bowl. This year, “America the Beautiful” will feature the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra with guest soloist Marilyn Horne and conductor John Mauceri offering a wide range of traditional American music. No box seats are left, but bench seats are available, with a perfect view of the fireworks, ranging from $3-15. Children get in for half-price. Call (213) 480-3232 for tickets and (213) 850-2000 for information.

* The Starlight Bowl in Burbank is offering “Red, White and Boom.” The Bill Elliot Swing Orchestra and the Lucky Stars Vocal Quartet with guest singer Amy Weston will provide the music starting at 7:15 p.m. Gates open at 6 p.m. and fireworks choreographed to music will go off around 9:15 p.m. Children’s entertainment is also provided. Tickets are $5 to $20. Call (818) 953-9572.

* The Queen Mary Seaport in Long Beach will host a variety of Independence Day activities in conjunction with its “Grey Ghost Summer,” which commemorates the end of World War II. The 1940s-style entertainment and exhibitions will last throughout the day, including big-band dancing from noon to 2 p.m. Fireworks explode at 9 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for senior citizens and military, and $4 for children 4-11.

* The many amusement and theme parks around Los Angeles are typically July 4 hot spots. This year, Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park will host Brandy in concert at 8:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. at no additional park charge, and admission is $14 after 4 p.m. Call (714) 220-5200. Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia will highlight its “Batman Forever” stunt show and will also offer fireworks. Call (818) 367-5965. Universal Studios Hollywood offers new “Apollo 13” and “Casper” attractions. Call (818) 508-9600. And Disneyland in Anaheim is presenting a “Pocahontas” live show plus parades and fireworks. Call (213) 626-8605 or (714) 999-4565.

* “Kaboom” will kick off at the Fairplex in Pomona at 3 p.m. This event will feature carnival rides, a chili cook-off and salsa contest, pig races, a petting farm, pony rides and fireworks. The Tokens will perform at 8 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children 6-12. The Fairplex is located off the I-10 Freeway in Pomona. Call (909) 623-3111.

* Those who haven’t seen “Miss Saigon” at the Ahmanson Theatre can take advantage of its discounted mezzanine and balcony seats, available for the patriotic price of $17.76, Tuesday-Friday. Call (213) 386-4000. Show is at 8 p.m.

* The Venice Beach 90th Anniversary Birthday Party and Dance Contest will take place at St. Mark’s, 23 Winward St., off Pacific Street. Featured performers will be the Strawberry Alarm Clock, comedian Paul Krassner and spoken word artist Linda Albertano. Admission is $15 at door, free with dinner reservations. Call (310) 452-2222.

Many local community organizations offer smaller and less-expensive entertainment for their residents. Here’s a list of some of those activities:

* Fullerton residents can see the fireworks show and festival, including live music, games and food booths, beginning at 4 p.m. at Fullerton High School Stadium, Berkeley Avenue and Lemon Street. Adults are $6, children under 12 are $4. Call (714) 738-6545 or (714) 738-6575.

* Laguna Beach will offer the Sawdust Festival, an outdoor arts and crafts exhibition, at 935 Laguna Canyon Road from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $5, children under 12 are free. Call (714) 494-3030.

* Rowland Heights is having fireworks and a concert by the Rowland Heights High School Band at Rowland High football field, 2000 Otterbein Ave. Begins at 8 p.m. Adults are $5, children $3. Call (818) 965-3448.

* Temecula residents can attend the “Star-Spangled Fourth of July” festival at Rancho California Sports Park, 30875 Rancho Vista Road. Activities begin at noon and include live music, food, games and fireworks at dusk. Admission is free. Call (909) 694-0866.