Independence Day Celebrations in the Valley

By JOHN WATERS

SAN LUIS VALLEY — From pancakes to soapbox races, fireworks and patriotism, the Fourth of July festivities will resonate throughout the valley.

On July 3, South Fork Fire Rescue will host its annual Fish Fry and Ice Cream Social, starting at 10 a.m. The parade starts at 3 p.m. There will be a rodeo at 6:30 p.m. and fireworks in the evening, weather permitting.

On July 4th, the Alamosa Kiwanis Club will hold its annual Pancake Breakfast from 7 to 10 a.m. in the parking lot of the SLV Federal Bank at 401 Edison Ave. in Alamosa. This is a great way to get ready for the next parade at 10 a.m. The San Luis Valley Community Band, led by Dr. Kerry Heart, will play from 8 to 9 a.m.

The Young Professionals of Alamosa kick off the 4th of July celebration with the annual Independence Day Parade. The party starts at 10:00 am and runs east to west down Main Street. The theme of this year’s parade is SUPERHEROES!

At 9:30 p.m., San Luis Valley Federal Bank will host its 26th annual fireworks show at the Alamosa County Fairgrounds at 8784 Old Stanford Rd., Alamosa.

On Friday, July 5, Young Professionals of Alamosa (YPA) will host the 3rd Annual Block Party for America on the 400 block of San Juan Avenue in Downtown Alamosa. The party will run from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, in conjunction with Visit Alamosa’s First Friday. The event will feature local brews, a patriotic photo backdrop by Mya’S Events, a locally owned foam pit for all-ages bubbly fun, and local musical acts on the main stage.

The event will feature family-style seating, courtesy of High Peak Event Rentals, to encourage curbside pickup from local restaurants. YPA strives to bring the local and visiting community together to celebrate the best of Alamosa. Come celebrate with us.

During First Fridays in Downtown Alamosa, the Sangre de Cristo Natural Heritage Area and Visit Alamosa honor the founding of Alamosa in 1878 with the relocation of the Gem Saloon from the Main Street Marketplace. The Denver Rio Grande Railroad completed its line from Fort Garland to Alamosa and relocated buildings, including the saloon. Everyone is encouraged to wear period clothing and take the historic walking tour.

Crestone and Baca Grande celebrate Independence Day on July 4th with activities in downtown Crestone starting at 9 a.m., including a 5K run. The parade through town begins at noon with a performance of the national anthem at 12:15 p.m. Cheap Therapy takes the stage in the city park at 12:30 p.m. The first round of the Soapbox Derby is at 3 p.m. with finals for a $250 prize at 5:30 p.m.

Not to be missed are the mesmerizing drummers of Shumi Hikari Taiko at 3:00 PM, also in the park. At 5:30 PM The River Arkansas will play, bringing their indie Americana and honky-tonk swing to the crowd.

The Saguache-Moffat-Villa Grove-Crestone Fire Departments will hold a 4th of July celebration at four stations on 4th Street in Saguache starting at 4 p.m. This is a homey celebration featuring food, dancing, children’s activities and fireworks.

Creede hosts three days of events, beginning at 9 a.m. on July 4 with the Colorado State Mining Championships behind Basham Park in downtown. The massive annual parade begins at 10 a.m. in downtown. Historically, about 10,000 people attend the event. Fireworks begin at sunset at Mountain Views RV Park south of town. On Friday, events begin at 9 a.m. and continue throughout the day, culminating at the Creede Rep with a 7:30 p.m. performance of “Importance of Being Earnest” and a 9:30 p.m. show of “Boomtown.” Saturday events include street vendors, a beer garden and a farmers market. There’s a 7 p.m. performance of “Young Frankenstein” at the Creede Rep. and an 8 p.m. dance party at the Elks Lodge. For more information, visit www. creederep.org and creede.com/4th-of-July.