Jun 23 2007
No matter where you are in the Southwest, you are sure to find a memorable 4th of July Celebration. Whether it's a small town 4th or a stay at a luxurious resort, we have some suggestions for a sizzling 4th of July in the Southwest.Arizona
Flagstaff
Annual 4th of July Parade, historic downtown Flagstaff, 10:00 a.m., free, 928-774-4505, www.flagstaffchamber.com. One of Flagstaff’s most spirited community traditions, fun for the whole family and a great way to celebrate our country’s independence.
July 4-6 Rope America Team Roping, Mormon Lake Lodge, 9:00 a.m. daily, spectators free, fee for participants, 928-354-2227, www.mormonlakelodge.com. Championship ropers compete for top prizes, plus vendors, activities and fun!
Phoenix
Tons of ideas for your 4th in the Phoenix area. There are fireworks and concerts all over the Valley of the Sun. One of the biggest events is at Tempe Town Lake.Full 4th of July Article.
Clarkdale
Family fun and learning are on in Clarkdale, located in north central Arizona, at an Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration. This free event has been taking place for 35 years and has become a tradition for family fun. After the parade the Cottonwood Community Band will be entertaining the crowd with songs while families enjoy games. The celebration begins with a pancake breakfast. After the celebration families can cool down and relax by the pool or go for a quick dip. For more information on this event visit www.clarkdale.az.us
Williams
Old Fashioned 4th of July - (June 30th, July 1st and July 4th) Enjoy an Arts and Craft Fair June 30th and July 1st. Then the celebration continues on July 4th with a fabulous parade, local BBQ's, an Ice Cream Social and other family activities. Enjoy our small town mountain community and spectacular fireworks display. This event is a regional favorite.Williams Area Map
Great American Road Show - (July 4th - 6th) – The Great American Road Show will be touring across America, following the famous Route 66. Come enjoy them for the day or join them on their trip and cruise america! This tour will be cruising Route 66 all the way to Chicago! Close to 100 vintage and classic cars will be making a stop to join in William's 4th of July events. Look for them in their parade! For more information visit www.gars.com
Southern Arizona
Benson
Benson’s family fun day begins with a parade at 9 a.m. The festivities move to Lions Park at 10:30 for the annual Water Fight, a competition between local volunteer fire departments. Contestants try to move a barrel on a pulley system using water pressure from hoses to slide the barrel toward the opposing team. Spectators often get a refreshing soak, and the kids can play in the mud. Live music is planned throughout the day. A spectacular fireworks display ignites at dusk. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early for the best view.
When: July 4
Where: Lions Park, Benson
Admission: Free
Info: 520-586-4293; www.bensonvisitorcenter.com
Bisbee
The big day begins at 9 a.m. with the Bisbee Coaster Races down Tombstone Canyon, the oldest and longest gravity-powered race in the U.S. Between heats, runners compete in the Bisbee Iron Man Mile, starting at the Iron Man statue and continuing down the canyon. A parade begins at 11 a.m. in Bisbee’s Warren section. Along the Vista Park route, food booths offer tasty morsels, and the band, Train Wreck, plays 4-8 p.m.
The afternoon features contests of skill in traditional mining activities at Brewery Gulch: at 2 p.m., muckers let their shovels fly, digging and fill mining carts with gravel in a timed competition; at 4 p.m., hard-rock drillers pound metal stakes into rock with a four-pound hammer, vying to pierce the deepest hole and claim the cash prize. The Bisbee Copper Kings baseball team comes out swinging at 3 p.m. in the Warren Ballpark with a double header against the Tucson Stars. Between games, fans can watch the Bisbee Bees vs. the Bisbee Hot Flashes in historic 1890’s dead ball baseball and then enjoy fireworks as they electrify the sky.
When: July 4
Where: Throughout Bisbee
Admission: Varies
Info: 520-432-6016 or 1-866-2BISBEE; www.discoverbisbee.com
Douglas
Douglas launches the Fourth with a parade at 10 a.m. along historic G Avenue and wraps up with an evening concert and fireworks show. Throughout the day, visitors enjoy live entertainment, food booths, games and free swimming and activities at Veterans Memorial Park. The band Ritmo Suave plays 6-10 p.m.
When: July 4
Where: Veterans Memorial Park
Admission: Varies depending on event. Live entertainment FREE
Info: 520-364-2496 or 520-805-4047; www.DouglasAz.gov
