Yes, it’s that special time of year again, and it’s time for us to provide a sampling of special Independence Day events all over our state.  So, put up a flag and let’s celebrate!

(All events listed take place on July 4, 2008 unless otherwise noted)

Arvada – Spectacular Fireworks and Free Family Fun
Where:  Lutz/Stenger Sports Complex on W. 58 th Avenue at Oak St. just west of Kipling (parking lot opens at 2:00 pm)
Events begin at 3:00 PM
Party with some great bands provided by KOOL 105 Radio.
9:00 PM – Fireworks, with a simulcast of great oldies music.
Classic car show, live entertainment, Kids’ Park with bounce houses, caterpillar crawl, face painting, games; Child identification DNA Kit offered by the Citizen’s Police Academy Alumni, Fire truck and emergency vehicle display

Boulder – Ralphie’s Independence Day Blast
Location: Folsom Field
Free admission to AVP ProBeach Volleyball Tour matches,  Skip-Its Jump Rope Team,  Colorado Shakespeare Festival featuring songs from Woody Guthrie’s American Song, City Open Space and Mountain Parks Sing Along
9 PM – Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra
9:30 – 10 PM – Fireworks display

Castle Rock – Rockin’ the Fourth: Red, White & Boom
Location:  Rhyolite Regional Park, 1701 Crystal Valley Parkway – accessible from South Lake Gulch Road (Gilbert Street) and the East Frontage Road (Wilcox Street)
5 to 10 PM – music, including a performance by the Shiloh River Band; Air Force flyover, colors presented by the U.S. Marines and a community mural to U.S. troops abroad; apple pie-baking contest, demonstrations by the Greater Castle Rock Art Guild and appearances by Castle Rock Players and Colorado Renaissance Festival performers. Children’s entertainment will include the Radio Disney Street Team, bouncy houses, water slides, crafts, face painters, balloon artists and a youth parade.
Fireworks will be launched from the top of the park’s Quarry Mesa.

Colorado Springs – Fabulous July 4th Celebration with Fireworks
Location:  Memorial Park; 1605 E Pikes Peak Ave
8 PM – Patriotic Celebration Concert with the Colorado Springs Philharmonic Orchestra complete with canons from Fort Carson 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, and a spectacular fireworks display.
Bring a picnic, claim a grassy spot and enjoy Big band, Broadway, Rock and Roll and patriotic favorites.

Creede - Independence Day Festivities
Location:   Downtown
Parade, fireworks, vendors

Cripple Creek – Fourth of July Celebration
July 4 – 5
Fireworks display choreographed to music on both nights, games, street vendors, competitions, live entertainment, petting zoo, face painting.  Watermelon eating contest on Saturday at 2:00 PM followed by a watermelon seed spitting contest at 2:30 PM.

Frisco – Fantastic Fourth of July
Location:  Frisco Main Street
Kids Fishing Derby (Meadow Creek Park – Kids must bring poles), Arts & Crafts Fair, Kids’ Bike decorating contest, Parade (decorated bikes included), music, live entertainment, Fireworks display over Lake Dillon

Golden – Golden Lions Club Fourth of July Festival
Location:  10th and Maple streets in Golden
Free rides for all the kids, plus entertainment, live bands and a fireworks show at around 9:30 PM.

Highlands Ranch – Fourth of July Celebration
Location:  Town Center Highlands Ranch
Parade at 9 AM;
11 AM – 6 PM:  games, live entertainment, face painting, pony & hayrack rides
3 PM – Pet/Bike Parade
9:15 PM – Fireworks

Keystone - River Run July 4th Bike Parade and Block Party
Time:  10:30 AM – 1 PM
Where:  River Run Village
Bring your bike, tricycle, or wagon and join us for our popular annual bike parade.  Bike decorating party, bike parade, free music, bounce houses, kids crafts, face painting, and entertainment.  No pets.
For more information, call the Keystone Mountain Concierge at (970) 496-4FUN (4386).

Kremmling – Fire Up the Cliffs 4th of July Celebration
Featuring Mike Music and Friends, BBQ by the Kremmling Volunteer Fire Dept. begins at 6:00 PM  in the Town Square Park, Chamber sponsored dessert feast follows.
Fireworks start at dark from the Kremmling Cliffs

Montrose – Summerfest/Red, White & Balloons
9 AM – 7 PM at the McNeil Sports Complex (off Rio Grande behind Tri-State)
Contests and races for kids and adults, DJ playing throughout the day, free balloons, face painting, and Mare rides

Ouray
Where:  Main Street
Parades, kids’ games, firehose waterfights, and spectacular fireworks display; Lemonade & Brownies at the Ouray County Historical Museum; 4WD Flare Parade at dusk, Fireworks after dark

Paonia – Cherry Days
July 4 – 6
Parade, Kids’ Carnival, live music & entertainment

Snowmass -Independence Day Activities
Nature hike or nature trail walks guided by a naturalist, Kids’ Krafts class, Free access to the two 18-hole disc golf courses
July 5 at 7 PM on Fanny Hill:  FREE Sunset Concert and Fireworks by rhythm & blues trailblazer Mavis Staples, a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer – concert will be followed by a fireworks display.

Steamboat Springs – Cowboys’ Roundup Days & Fourth of July Celebration
July 4 – 6
Parade, Art show, Pioneer Day Block Party with Strings in the Mountains free concert at the Tread of Pioneers Museum, fireworks, Farmers’ Market, cattle drive down Lincoln Avenue, Ranch Horse Competition at the Romick Arena (free admission), Rodeo at Romick Arena (free rodeo) — see website for schedule.

We’ve just scratched the surface when it comes to listing all the goings-on around Colorado for the big 4th.  Happy Independence Day to all!