Colorado Celebrates July 4th
2011
Wherever one finds themselves in Colorado on the 4th of July there’s a nearby celebration eager to welcome residents and travelers. Below is a list of 35 communities with planned events, by no means is this a complete list, there are many more. Be aware that fireworks may be cancelled in areas where the fire danger is extreme.
Aspen – Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration.
Boulder – Ralphie’s Independence Day Blast – Community performances, sing-a-long, Ralphie (CU bison mascot) Run, color guard, fireworks at CU’s Folsom Stadium
Breckenridge – 4th of July Celebration, 10k trail run, hometown parade on Main Street, concerts at Riverwalk Center.
Colorado Springs – Flyovers, games, food, music by the Air Force Academy Band and the Colorado Springs Philharmonic, fireworks at the Air Force Academy football stadium.
Crested Butte – Pancake breakfast, fun and funky parade followed by a big water fight complete with fire truck, old-fashioned games, free patriotic concert, evening concert before the fireworks at the Crested Butte Mountain base area.
Cripple Creek – Live entertainment, beer garden and fireworks.
Dillon – 4th of July celebration at Town Park.
Durango – Breakfast and 5k at Rotary Park, 6pm parade, street dance on Main Avenue and fireworks.
Estes Park – Car show, cowboy sing-along, pancake breakfast, band concert and fireworks over Lake Estes.
Fort Collins – Daytime downtown live music, beer garden, pie eating contest, fireworks in City Park.
Georgetown – Parade, 5k race, BBQ, bucket brigade race. Watch the fireworks from the Fireworks Train high up on the Devil’s Gate bridge.
Glenwood Springs – 4th of July Fanfare.
Grand Junction – Parade, 4th of July on the Monument (Colorado National Monument), fireworks.
Grand Lake – Lakefront fireworks at dusk.
Highlands Ranch – Parade, run and celebration at Town Center, hot dog eating contest, fireman challenge, pet adoption fair, evening concert, fireworks.
Idaho Springs – Fireworks display over Bridal Veil Falls and Tayler Water Wheel.
Julesburg – Volunteer Fire Department fireworks display.
Keystone – Fishing derby, BBQ, live music, bike parade through the village, Kidtopia KidsFest, fireworks.
Lafayette – Late afternoon and evening events a Wanaka Lake Park, food concessions, beer garden, kids’ activities, concert, pie-eating contest, fireworks.
Lake City – Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration, family entertainment, parade, Air Force fly over, races in the town park, street dance music, fireworks.
La Junta – Old Time Fourth of July Celebration at Bent’s Fort, fireworks at La Junta Rodeo Grounds.
Louisville – Fireworks at the Coal Creek Golf Course, early evening kid activities, music by the Boulder Concert Band.
Loveland – Day long in North Lake Park, food, games, music, flag raising, fife & drum corps, largest fireworks in Northern Colorado.
Mancos – Potluck BBQ at the Bauer House, Fireworks at Boyle Park.
Montrose – All day event Cerise Park, fireworks.
Northglenn – Food booths, concert and fireworks at E.B. Rains, Jr. Memorial Park.
Ouray – Morning to night events starting with pancake breakfast, 10k run, parade, BBQ, water fight, kids games, music, fireworks.
Pagosa Springs – Carnival, arts & crafts festival, parade, community picnic, live music, Red Ryder Roundup Rodeo and fireworks.
Pueblo – Rollin’ on the Riverfront July 4 with the Pueblo Symphony.
Redstone – Bike decorating party, pie sale, food concessions, Air National Guard fly over salute, parade, water games.
Silver Plume – Ice cream social and baked goods in Dinger Park after the Georgetown BBQ.
Steamboat Springs – Pancake breakfast, parade, Art on the Mountain, block party with hot dogs and Routt (Routt County) beer floats, pro rodeo, fireworks over Howelsen Hill – also, cross country/Nordic combined roller ski race and Independence Day ski jumping extravaganza.
Telluride – Firemen’s Fourth of July Parade, community picnic, games, fireworks.
Vail – America Days Parade, picnic, patriotic concert, fireworks
Westcliffe – Parade, flea market, car and motorcycle show – fireworks have been canceled due to fire danger.
Happy and Safe July 4th to all.
I suggest making reservations for Afternoon Tea before your tour. Served in the eight-story atrium lobby the traditional afternoon ritual includes tea sandwiches, scones with Devonshire cream shipped directly from England and tea pastries. All accompanied by a harpist or pianist. If your valentine is a chocoholic the Chocolate Decadence Tea is sure to be loved – and, you for the idea.
Tucked between Pikes Peak and the Garden of the Gods, Manitou is immediately west of Colorado Springs. The visitor’s bureau calls the town "magical", I call it quirky. You’ll find characters and class – and, a whole lot of panache. This is a town that knows how to have fun and take a lighthearted look at life.
Where To Go - Travel USA 