Fourth of July Frenzy

by Caramie Schnell

There is a full line-up on tap for Independence Day

Fireworks, parades, concerts, oh my. People flock to the Vail Valley every year to celebrate the fourth of July, and for good reason. Each town hosts their own celebrations on different days so you can “hop” from town to town until you get your fill of fireworks and fun. Here are the details you need to celebrate Independence Day in the Vail Valley.

The holiday kicks off with Minturn’s celebration on Sunday, July 2.The event starts at 6 p.m. with a parade featuring Smokey Bear, fire trucks, classic cars, decorated children’s bicycles, and Washington Prep High School band. Following the parade, enjoy the Gallegos family BBQ picnic, and free live music by Minturn’s own Pena brothers and the band Suave. Kids love the old-fashioned contests, like sunflower seed spitting and ice cream eating and the potato race. A free petting zoo and face painting will also be available to help keep the little ones entertained. Fireworks at 9:30 pm. Check out www.minturn.org or call (970) 827-5645.

When loads of cars start pulling over along I-70 near Avon, it’s a sure sign the town’s famous fireworks display is about to take flight. Nearly 20,000 visitors and locals flock to Avon each summer for the town’s Independence Day celebration, called Salute to the USA. This year’s event takes place on Tuesday, July 3. Over 10,000 shells explode above Nottingham Lake, making it the largest display choreographed to music in the state (fireworks are usually set off between 9:30 and 10 p.m.). Children’s activities — including a Family Zone geared toward younger children with inflatable toys, balloon sculptors, clowns and carnival games — and live music begin at 5 pm. Arrive early to stake your spot around the lake. Free parking is available in Beaver Creek’s East and West lots. Close-in parking (for a fee) is available in the First Bank of Avon lot and near the Avon Center. Visit www.avon.org.

The fun moves east on Tuesday, July 4 for Vail American Days. Festivities take place all day, beginning with the annual parade, which begins at 10 am in Golden Peak, winds its way through the village and ends in Lionshead. Many parade attendees’ head towards the Ford Amphitheater later in the afternoon for the patriotic concert. Lawn seating is free and on a first come, first served basis. Tickets for the pavilion seating will go on sale on July 1 at 11 am (visit www.vailmusicfestival.org. Fireworks will be held at 9:45 p.m. over Golden Peak. Parking is available at both parking structures. (Check out www.vail.snow.com).

Beaver Creek Village will host its own concert and fireworks display on July 4. The Glenn Miller band will play a free concert on the lawn next to the Centennial Express Chair lift. The opening band (TBD) is set to start at 6 p.m. and Glenn Miller will follow at 7:30 pm. Call the BC Info Center at (970)845-9090.

Eagle and Gypsum will also host a fireworks display above the Eagle County Fairgrounds on July 4. Check out www.eaglevalley.org for more information.