The annual Fourth of July Celebration returns to Parque de Vida on July 4 from 2:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 400 N. Mildred Road, offering a day of patriotism, community spirit and family fun. The event, kicking off with a variety of activities, will culminate in a 20-minute fireworks display.
In addition to announcing the Independence Day festivities, the city’s Parks and Recreation Department announced that they have partnered with the organization Fundamental Needs, a nonprofit that serves underserved communities in rural Colorado and the Navajo Nation. The nonprofit was created by Cortez local Justice Ramos.
“We’re viewing this as the start of a new tradition, something the community can be proud of and rally around each year,” Justice Ramos executive director of Fundamental Needs said. “After last year's unexpected fireworks cancellation, we heard clearly that Cortez wanted something more organized, uplifting and safe. This is our effort to provide exactly that.”
The celebration features live music from 2:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the south field, with performances by Matt Rupnow, Zander Rodriguez, and other local bands. A mobile food court will debut Snyder’s Snowy Snacks alongside returning favorites like Mona Makes and DJ’s Smashed Lemonade. A car show on Mildred Road near Centennial Park begins with registration at 2 p.m., with judging at 7 p.m., showcasing classic and unique vehicles.
The evening will end with the “Star-Spangled Banner,” followed by fireworks launched from the east field, presented by the Cortez Fire Protection District. For safety, the north field, play structure, pavilion, McAndrew baseball field and multiuse ball fields will be closed. Rotary fields and parking lots remain open for spectators.
“At the heart of our Fourth of July Celebration in Parque de Vida there is a deep commitment to cultivating a safe, festive and memorable experience for residents and visitors,” said Asialynn Hager, special events coordinator for the city.
The event invites families and friends to celebrate independence, with more information available online at www.cortezco.gov/709/events or by contacting Hager at (970) 564-4080 or ahager@cortezco.gov.
July 4 will be what Ramos referred to as “free community day,” which will be a free event open to the public.
On July 5, the festival will host a ticketed lineup for the concert. There will be a beer garden, vendors, merchandise sales, community engagement booths and a VIP tent, concluding with a “high-energy headline concert.” Each day will include a beer garden, merchandise sales, food and craft vendors, a VIP tent and community booths and engagement activities.
Some of the funds acquired by Fundamental Needs will go toward a Cortez Makerspace.
“All proceeds from ticket sales, vendor participation, donations and merchandise will go toward the development of the Cortez Makerspace, a new, youth-led facility focused on education, creativity and entrepreneurship,” Ramos said.
The makerspace would provide access to 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC machines, woodworking tools; a commercial kitchen, a sober social NirvaNA business incubated through Fundamental Needs’ high school entrepreneurship class; workforce training, certifications and programming for youths and adults, and public workshops, exhibitions and business development support.
Fundamental Needs also is exploring how the makerspace could support the long-term goal of a Cortez creative district.
“To do this, they are working to start a nonprofit and build consistent funding,” Ramos said.
Hager explained how the partnership with Fundamental Needs will work.
“The relationship between the Parks and Recreation Department and the Fundamental Needs Foundation is a collaborative partnership to enhance community events, showcase growing nonprofits and foster unity in Cortez,” Hager said. “Through this collaboration, the two organizations combine their strengths to celebrate local culture, promote togetherness and provide meaningful opportunities for community engagement, showcasing the positive impact such partnerships can have.”
To learn more, visit their website at www.fundamentalneeds.net or email Ramos at justice@fundamentalneeds.net.
