July 4th is fast approaching, so it’s time to make those holiday plans and get involved in some July 4th events!  If you happen to be staying in Southwest Colorado, you’re in for a treat!  With the holiday falling on a Saturday, you should have a weekend filled with parades, fireworks, BBQs, and good times.

If you’re in Vallecito, be prepared to see the fireworks a day early, allowing ample time to enjoy other Southwest Colorado July 4th events.  The fireworks will be held on July 3 just after dusk.  They are shot from the North end of Vallecito Lake so you can’t go wrong when choosing a viewing spot.  Many people will gather along the North end of the lake to sit in the grass, while others will jump in their boats and watch from the water.  The Vallecito fireworks are entirely supported by donations and launched by the Upper Pine Forest District

If you’re in Silverton, enjoy a day filled with fun July 4th events.  Take part in the 2K, 5K, or 10K, all starting at 8am.  Next, watch the parade at 10:30am and be prepared to get wet immediately following it with the Fireman Water Fight.  Enjoy a classic picnic between the water fight and a brass band concert, and then take part in the ducky derby.  From noon to 3pm, enjoy ice cream and rhubarb at a festival celebrating the two.  Lastly, enjoy thundering fireworks at 9pm. If you want to get above the town, on a mountain-side, to watch the show you will find yourself at eye-level with the fireworks.

Go back in time for Ouray’s July 4th celebration. Attend the “old fashioned” festivities with events that started in the 1900s.  With July 4th events lasting nearly 12 hours, there is something for everyone.  For early risers, stop at a pancake breakfast put on by the Ouray Mountain Rescue Team. The parade will begin a 10am and be followed by kid games, a BBQ/rummage sale, and lemonade at 11am.  A water fight will take place at 2pm and a concert will start at 6pm.  After dark, see the laser show, a jeep “glow” parade, and fireworks.

If you’re in Durango, set this day aside for all sorts of fun July 4th events.  To kick your day right, join an “All American” breakfast from 7:30am-11am at Rotary Park.  Work that breakfast off by taking part in the 5K on Main, then eat more food at the Elk’s Lodge BBQ from 12pm-4pm.  Finish the day off with the “Stars and Stripes” parade at 6pm and conclude the evening with fireworks at 9:15pm.

Want more American themed fun and July 4th events?  Join Mild to Wild Rafting and Jeep Tours for a 4th of July boat parade!  Kids get a special American themed souvenir, and we highly suggest wearing your best 4th of July attire.  Boats will depart at 8:00am, 9:00am, 10:00am, 1:30pm, and 3:30pm.  Be sure to book your seats now, as seats will fill up quickly!  Call (970) 247- 4789 to reserve.