Thousands of attendees flocked to Parque de Vida for pyrotechnics and live music
Thousands showed up for the annual festivities in Cortez. (Erika Alvero/Special to the Journal)
The fireworks show beginning at dusk followed a series of musical, recreational and automobile-related events throughout the day to commemorate the holiday. (Erika Alvero/Special to the Journal)
Cortez was one of a handful of local communities that opted to keep the fireworks show amid the ongoing fire landscape. Mayor Dennis Spruell cited the relative safety of Parque de Vida as a launching site, adding that officials would monitor the situation and adjust plans if needed. (Erika Alvero/Special to the Journal)
Families and friends sprawled on blankets across Parque de Vida to watch the fireworks display. (Erika Alvero/Special to the Journal)
A firework stream shoots up behind the Parque de Vida pond. (Erika Alvero/Special to the Journal)
Singer-songwriter Zander Rodriguez performs at the Parque de Vida bandstand at Saturday’s Fourth of July celebration. (Erika Alvero/Special to the Journal)
The fireworks grand finale explodes above the temporary bandstand. (Erika Alvero/Special to the Journal)

