Independence Day returns this week to communities across the Four Corners as the nation prepares to celebrate its momentous 250th anniversary.
Towns and cities will host long-standing traditions unique to their areas. Cortez will host its Parque de Vida festival and a fireworks show; Silverton will put on its mountain-town parade; Durango will host a parade, live music and community party; and Farmington will host its multi-day Freedom Days bash, complete with games, a parade, fireworks and more.
Thousands of visitors and residents are expected to fill parks and downtown centers across Southwest Colorado and northwest New Mexico.
Fireworks are planned in some areas, while others have scaled back or canceled displays because of wildfire concerns.
Here’s a roundup of Fourth of July events leading up to and through the holiday weekend:
Whether arriving by car or aboard the historic train, visitors to Silverton will find a packed schedule July 3 and July 4.
Silverton Area Chamber of Commerce planned its annual, old-fashioned Fourth of July parade, block parties, family activities and live musical performances.
“We really focus on family-friendly events, but this year we have more live music than we’ve had in the past,” said DeAnne Gallegos, executive director of the chamber of commerce. “So, you could choose an intimate patio seat with your family or a block party.”
The brochure was edited several times to add last-minute band entries. The 9:30 p.m. firework show is typically regarded as the “biggest and best” on the Western Slope, but it was officially canceled Monday as a result of the fire danger.
Gallegos said regardless of fireworks, the town is fully booked each year because the mile-long main thoroughfare captures a picturesque summer moment in perfectly cool weather.
With a staggering itinerary, guests can enjoy downtown activities moving from one event to the next.
July 3 events run from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., with a farmers market in Anesi Park, live music on Greene Street and an art walk from 4 to 7 p.m. on Blair and Greene streets. July Fourth festivities begin at 7 a.m. and continue through the day, including the Blue Ribbon 5K and 10K fun run, 10:30 a.m. parade start time, a jet flyover, family picnic in Memorial Park, games, classic cars, mechanical bull riding, live music throughout Anesi Park and more.
The 2 p.m. launch of the annual Ducky Derby, a race of rubber ducks and Chamber of Commerce fundraiser, is located in Memorial Park.
The city of Cortez is set to light off fireworks at 9 p.m. but the Parks and Recreation Department, in a collaboration with the Fundamental Needs Foundation, has put together two days worth of recreation – advertised by the city as expanded programming and strong community partnerships.
At 3 p.m. July 3, celebrations kick off with a pre-show: a volleyball tournament, beer garden for adults 21 and over, food, local vendors and retail – and all kinds of kids’ games, including a play area that includes water activities on the Parque de Vida lawn at 425 Roger Smith Ave.
“We will be having two bands play: the 14ers – local to Cortez – and Moonshine Mafia will close out the night on July 3,” said Jordan Balfour, event director at Fundamental Needs.
Friday is a fundraiser for the organization’s Makerspace in Cortez, helping to support the shared workspace that lends as a launchpad for developing artists, entrepreneurs and students through hands-on learning experiences.
July Fourth events begin at noon and include corn hole and kickball tournaments, food-eating contest, the BumzArodn All‑American Car Show, a kids’ zone and live music up until the firework show led by city and Cortez Fire Protection District.
The events will be concentrated toward the south end of Parque de Vida and Centennial parks. City spokesperson Kelly Codner said families should bring chairs and blankets and can bring food and non-alcoholic drinks.
The city of Durango boasts some 30 events over four days – July 2 to 5 – including a parade, dancing and arts and crafts fair.
The city canceled its fireworks show months ago amid wildfire concerns, and is instead promoting a street dance as the main highlight.
In partnership with KSUT Public Radio, the city’s is bringing in Grammy-award winning Dirty Dozen Brass Band. After the 4:30 p.m. July Fourth parade on Main Avenue, attendees can make their way to Buckley Park for food, dancing and a beer garden until 10 p.m.
The music starts at 5:30 p.m., with Dana Ariel and the Comin’ Up Roses. At 7:30 p.m., Dirty Dozen Brass Band takes the stage.
Food and drink vendors include Ska Brewing Co., Cairo Cafe, Tacos La Carranza, The Ice Cream Lady and others. Other activities include corn hole, face painting, henna tattoos and balloon animals.
A multi-day celebration is planned in Farmington, as the city recognizes several anniversaries, including Freedom Days’ 40th, the nation’s 250th and the city of Farmington’s 125th.
Farmington’s Freedom Days celebration stretches July 1 to 5.
Activities include the July 3 fireworks display over Sullivan Hill at 9:25 p.m., with special choreography to a soundtrack of classic and current patriotic hits and simulcast on KWYK 94.9 FM. The fireworks show, made possible by 40-year sponsor Citizens Bank, was a go as of Monday. Freedom Days organizers said it is subject to last-minute fire and safety reviews.
“Forty years ago, the community got together and said we should do our fireworks on the third, because we wanted people to be able to do their own thing July Fourth,” said Tonya Stinson, executive director of Visit Farmington.
Other events feature games with prizes and tie-dye for the July 2 festival at Bisti Bay Water Park along with the annual weekend-long Gem and Mineral Show at McGee Park. Throughout July Fourth, events include the Electric Light Parade on Main Street, as well as an ice cream social and daytime “Party in the Park” at Brookside Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
awatson@the-journal.com
