Sky’s The Limit As Holiday Festivities, Fireworks Begin July 1

Four Mile Historic Park Celebration, Glendale Fireworks Top Patriotic Events

Bang, blare, blast, boom, buzz, clap, cackle, crackle, pop, hiss, ka-boom! No wonder kids love the Fourth of July. This year the sizzle, snap and sparkle to Cherry Creek Valley patriotic celebrations begins early as the City of Glendale and Four Mile Historic Park blasts things off on July 1.

Yes, the City of Glendale’s Fireworks Show — symbol of Independence Day and one of the oldest and largest in the Valley — will light up the sky on Friday, July 1. Constantly the biggest, brightest and most extravagant fireworks, the stunning summer holiday show will begin at dusk (generally 9-9:30 p.m.). Families and friends gather at eateries, bars, patios and porches from LoDo to the Dam to view the dazzling display.

Four Mile Historic Park has always featured an Independence Day Celebration. Last year for the first time the park — a serene 12-acre historic oasis on the edge of Glendale — moved its 4th of July celebration to coincide with the Glendale City fireworks. Again this year families can bring the kids to celebrate the holiday here July 1 with old-time games, historic demonstrations, live music and horse-drawn wagon rides from 5-10 p.m. Food trucks and a beer garden will be on site. Furthermore, they can then stay to watch the Glendale fireworks show. Last entry to the park is 9 p.m. Admission is free, but there is a charge for food, refreshments and some activities. Information: 720-865-0800.

Other Fireworks

The annual Independence Eve Celebration in Civic Center Park at Broadway and Colfax is July 3, 8 p.m. It will feature a free patriotic concert, a light show on the Denver City and County Building plus a fireworks finale. Lawn seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to bring blankets or low-rise concert-beach chairs. Concessions will be present on-site but families are also allowed to bring their own picnic.

The City of Aurora’s 4th of July Spectacular is July 4th starting at 4 p.m. and includes a car show and hot dog eating contest. Held at the Aurora Municipal Center on E. Alameda Pkwy., there’s also a Backyard BBQ cook-off and concert by country-pop singer Emily West. Fireworks will start at 9:30 p.m.

Professional lacrosse team the Denver Outlaws will battle it out with the Florida Launch at Mile High Stadium on July 4. Following the game there will be fireworks within the bowl — pyrotechnics paired with visuals on a 220-foot-wide, high-definition screen. Another July 4 option is Elitch Gardens where families can spend the day riding the roller coasters and water slides, followed by watching fireworks at night, starting at dusk.

Musical Pops, Parades

If you prefer a musical holiday, what better way to celebrate Independence Day than with a free concert in City Park July 3. Enjoy the sounds of Ritmo Jazz Latino, one of Denver’s finest jazz ensembles at the City Park Bandstand, 6 p.m. Then celebrate the stars and stripes of the good ol’ U.S. of A with the Colorado Symphony July 4th at Fiddler’s Green, 7:30 p.m. The family-friendly program will celebrate America with the Armed Forces Salute, Stars and Stripes Forever, the Overture of 1812, God Bless America and a slew of other favorite hits from stage and screen. Fireworks will follow.

If you love a parade you’ll be glad to know that Park Hill 4th of July Parade is back. It will again be marching along 23rd Ave. from Dexter St. to Krameria beginning at 1:30 p.m. on July 4. It promises to be bigger than ever before, with marching bands, acrobats and festive floats, including a Boy Scout color guard, classic cars and the Montbello Drum Line. The parade ends at the Kearney Street Fair on the 2200 block of Kearney with sweet treats from Cake Crumbs Bakery, savory snacks, live music plus kids’ activities.

Finally consider starting July 4 with four miles of fun at the Liberty Run in Wash Park, 8:30 a.m. The 4 Mile Run-Walk is a competitive USATF judged race walk. A kids-only Firecracker Fun Run follows the adult run. Proceeds go to Make-A-Wish Foundation Colorado. Participants are encouraged to dress in their best Red, White and Blue get ups.