From rubber duck races in Rico to kids games that include climbing a greased pole and a pig chase in Dove Creek – not to mention barbecues and fireworks at dusk pretty much everywhere – the region plans to celebrate the nation’s 243rd birthday in style.
Farmers, rafters and firefighters aren’t the only ones celebrating the deep winter snowpack, Fourth of July fireworks fans will get plenty of opportunities to see pyrotechnics this year, thanks to a fat runoff from deep winter snow and a wet spring.
Fireworks are generally set to go off after dusk – or just before 9 p.m. – for most celebrations, with fireworks set to begin at 8:30 p.m. Thursday in Dove Creek.
“We might just have some drowned duckies this year,” said Rico Town Manager Kari Distefano, noting that the robust Dolores River runoff will invigorate the town’s annual rubber duck race, which will get underway at the Piedmont Bridge north of town at 3 p.m. Thursday.
The rubber duck race is a fundraiser for the Rico Fire Protection District, and tickets and T-shirts will be available at the Rico Firehouse, 119 S. Glasgow Ave., from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday.
Sunset on July 4 will be at 8:39 p.m.
Here’s a look at some of the events planned for the Fourth of July in the region:
CortezCortez plans a free fireworks display at dark July 4, with public viewing at Centennial Park, 802 E. Montezuma Ave.
Dove CreekDove Creek will have one of the more extensive Independence Day celebrations Thursday through Saturday.
Thursday9 a.m., July 4: The Fourth of July Parade. The parade lineup will gather west of town at 8 a.m. at the Dove Creek Airport.10: 30 a.m.: Kids games, including a greased pole.11 a.m.: Adult games.Noon: A barbecue lunch begins.2 p.m.: A pig chase.3 p.m.: A rock drill contest.4 p.m.: A happy hour beer tent with music and vendors opening at 5 p.m. Live music will be preformed from 6 to 8:30 p.m.8:30 p.m.: Fireworks are slated to start.Friday10 a.m. Friday, July 5: Sand volleyball tournament.Noon: A horseshoe tournament.5 p.m.: The 5K Color Run.6 p.m.: A washers tournament.Saturday9 a.m. Saturday, July 6: A softball tournament will begin.
Groundhog ReservoirGroundhog Lake will celebrate Independence Day on Saturday, July 6.
Saturday10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, July 6: A two-person, blind draw horseshoe tournament. The entry fee is $10, with prizes awarded to top finishers.7 to 11 p.m.: Live music will be preformed by the band After Midnight at the RV park. In addition, a bonfire at dusk is planned, weather and wind conditions permitting.
MancosThe town of Mancos will hold a free fireworks display at dark in Boyle Park, 150 Grand Ave., on Thursday.
RicoThe town of Rico will hold a full slate of Fourth of July events Wednesday through Friday.
Wednesday-FridayThe Rico Women’s Club will hold a craft fair from 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, July 3; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, July 4; and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 6. The event will be at the Rico Elementary School, 101 South Glasgow Ave.The Artists of Rico will hold a show from noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 3; from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, July 4; and from noon to 6 p.m. Friday, July 5, at Rico General Mercantile, 14 South Glasgow St.The Rico Fire Protection District will sell tickets and T-shirts for the annual Duck Race from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 3 and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, July 4, at the Rico Firehouse, 119 South Glasgow Ave.Thursday8 a.m. Thursday, July 4: The Covered Oven Breakfast featuring brisket tacitos.11 a.m.: The Fourth of July Parade featuring Grand Marshal and Rico “old timer” Kay Crane and music from the 4 Corners Community Band.Noon: A barbecue sponsored by the Rico Fire Protection District at the Firehouse.Noon to 5 p.m.: The Rico Fourth of July Celebration featuring a community fair, children’s activities, games, volleyball, watermelon-eating contests, log-splitting contests and horseshoes. Live music will be preformed by the Rico Blues Project beginning at 3:30 p.m. Events will be at the Rico Town Park, behind the school building, 101 South Glasgow St.3 p.m.: The Rico Duck Race at the Piedmont Bridge, north of town.9 p.m.: The Rico Fireworks Display begins.Friday9 p.m. Friday, July 5: The Rico Light Parade with all dogs and kids welcome. Participants should gather at 8:45 p.m. at Soda and Silver streets. Participants should bring glow sticks or anything that lights up or sparkles. The Light Parade will be followed by an ice cream social at the Rico Firehouse.Saturday10 a.m. Saturday, July 6: The Rico Women’s Club will hold a bake sale in the Rico Firehouse.Noon to 3 p.m.: The Rico Community Old-Timers’ Picnic featuring Todd Jones’ barbecue at the Rico Town Park. Attendees are asked to bring a side dish or paper plates or plastic utensils.
Ute Mountain CasinoThe Ute Mountain Casino, 3 Weeminuche Drive, Towaoc, plans a fireworks display at dark on Wednesday, July 3.