by Li Tian
The Fourth of July holiday is
Americana at its finest.
Photo: Kelly Shroads Photography
Picnics, concerts and fireworks help turn simple
summer days into epic events evoking a feeling of a simpler time in the U.S. of
A., and a renewed sense for what might still be possible for the “land of the
free and the home of the brave.”
Denver’s wholly encircled neighbor, the
City of Glendale, will kick things off in grand fashion when their 34th annual
fireworks display soars high above the banks of Cherry Creek, Tues., July
3. If you want to snag an up-front viewing location along Cherry St. or Cherry
Creek Dr., head over early, prime spots go fast.
A few blocks south, Whole Foods –
870 S. Colorado Blvd. – will host the store’s 5th annual Fireworks
Feast, July 3, 5-9p.m., Stake out a comfy spot for fun and fireworks
viewing and enjoy a live DJ; kids crafts; a photo booth; Professor Phelyx, the strolling magician; and twin bouncy castles.
The BBQ dinner is $12/adults, $7 /kids. New this year, a Brewery Sampling
features popular locally brewed beers, 7-9p.m., for $12. Info: 303-691-0101.
The Colorado Symphony returns to Civic
Center Park, Colfax at Broadway, for its only free parks performance this
summer. The 3rd annual Independence Eve Celebration, Tues., July 3,
8p.m., will include an accompanying light show and fireworks. Lawn seating
will be available on a first-come, first-served basis; blankets or low-rise
concert/beach chairs are encouraged. Bring a picnic; concessions will will also be offered on-site.
Info: visit civiccenterconservancy.org.
Go back in time to the days of the Pony
Express as Four Mile Park, 715 S. Forest St., celebrates Independence Day in
the style and spirit of our founders, Wed., July 4, 10a.m.-4p.m.
Enter into an authentic Civil War encampment
with hourly cannon-firing; visit the Mountain Men and Native American camps;
view Victorian-era craft demonstrations; try out gold-panning and other kids
games and crafts; tour the oldest standing structure in our city – the
1859-vintage Four Mile House; and take a horse-drawn wagon ride around the
historic 12-acre park (minimal charge).
A variety of festival food and drink will be
available for purchase, 11a.m.-3p.m. Park admission costs $7 for adults, $4 for
kids ages 7-12 and seniors. Info: call 720-865-0800 or visit fourmilepark.org.
East will meet West in perfect harmony
when the neighborhoods on either side of Washington Park come together for the
10th annual Washington Park July 4th Celebration & Neighborhood Picnic,
11a.m.-1p.m., at the newly renovated Washington Park Boathouse. The event is sponsored by West Washington Park and Washington Park
East neighborhood associations.
Youngsters and their parents can explore the
Station 21 fire truck in the Boathouse parking lot, visit with the Denver
Mounted Patrol horses and their riders, and enjoy a picnic and patriotic music
played by Denver Municipal Band’s Brass Quintet. Toting blankets and/or folding
chairs will make the event more comfortable.
Arrive early to decorate strollers, trikes,
and bikes (free decorations are provided) for the bike parade beginning about
11:45a.m. Enjoy complimentary post-parade ice cream and beverages while they
last. The full 40-piece DMB Concert
Band returns that evening at 7:30p.m. in the meadow
south of the recreation center.
Event sponsors and volunteers are needed to
make this day a success. If you are interested in either option, contact Lori
Poole at
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The Stapleton Community honors the
sacrifices made by those who came before us with several July 4th events. Begin
your day at Central Park, Martin Luther King Blvd. at Central Park Blvd., for a 9a.m. Pancake Breakfast, followed by the
neighborhood bike parade at 10:30a.m.
Festivities
resume later that afternoon
with music provided by live DJs at all four Stapleton swimming
pools, from noon to 4p.m. Info: visit stapletoncommunity.com.
Cheesman Park will
be the scene of the 6th annual Independence Day Kids Parade, hosted by Cheesman Pak Advocacy Group on July 4, starting at 9a.m.
Kids can spruce up their bicycles, scooters,
tricycles, etc. with free decorations and join in the parade (10a.m.) along
with the Denver Police Mounted Patrol, a fire truck, the Mile High Marching
Band, the Girl Scouts of America, bagpipers, and Uncle Sam.
Face painting, balloons, and caricatures
will once again be available free of charge, and Yellow Designs Stunt Team will
present heart-stopping bicycle motocross freestyle stunt performances after the
parade. For information, or to volunteer, contact Lynn Baersch,
303-355-0046.
The University Park neighborhood will
mark the holiday with the annual Bike Parade and Water Spray in
Observatory Park (between Fillmore and Milwaukee streets, south of Evans
Ave.), July 4, 10a.m.
Once again, gaily decorated bikes, kids and
dogs will parade along Warren Ave., followed by the traditional soaking
delivered by (if not diverted due to an actual fire call) a fire truck from
Denver Fire Station 24. The University Park Mothers Club will provide
refreshments.
The parade and soak-down
is sponsored by University Park Community Council. Info: email
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Our favorite way to end the Fourth of
July in style is to make our way to 1st Ave. and University Blvd., and find a
good spot to view fireworks courtesy of the Denver Country Club.
Many
folks simply park their cars in one of the lots by Cherry Creek Shopping
Center, but those in the know are aware that the DCC opens its gate on the west
side of University Blvd., just south of 1st Ave., so families can grab a spot
on a roped-off portion of the golf course fairway. A private event is planned
this year until 9p.m., so public admission will begin about 9:15. The fire
marshal keeps a stern eye on the number of people admitted, and no bikes,
cars, pets or alcohol are allowed. Coolers will be searched upon entry. For
information, call 303-733-8242. |
