“Say it loud and make me proud, ooh I live in America,” proclaim the words of James Brown’s song “Living in America.” It’s hard for most of us to put our patriotism into words.
So we let music legends like Lee Greenwood — “God Bless the U.S.A.,” 1984 — and Bruce Springsteen — “Born in the U.S.A.,” 1984 — sing it out and ignite our 4th of July spirit.
To celebrate freedom, here are our choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment so your spirit soars to meet our mountains in a patriotic July 4th “Rocky Mountain High” salute:
3 Begin July at the Cherry Creek Arts Festival as it returns to the streets of Cherry Creek North, July 1-3. There are 15 performing artists, food stations, plus activities for the kids, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sun. to 6 p.m. Information: 303-355-2787.
3 Keep the festivities going at Four Mile Park’s Independence Day Fête, July 2, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There’s live music, games, crafts, and food. Information: 720-865-0800.
3 Enjoy marching bands, floats, classic cars, and costumed characters at the Park Hill 4th of July Parade, July 4, starting at 1:30 p.m. Information: 303-919-6517.
3 Revel in Mozart Under the Moonlight as Christopher Dragon leads the Colorado Symphony at the Arvada Center, July 15, 7:30 p.m. Information:720-898-7200.
3 Chow down as top chefs David Grant and Justin Brunson compete in Plant vs. Protein Showdown at Four Mile Park July 30, noon to 6 p.m. Eric Golden and the Honky Tonk Band provide the entertainment. Information: 720-865-0800.
3 Buy tickets, foursomes, and sponsorships to this year’s Willie’s Wishes Charity Golf Tournament at Quint Valley Golf Course in Byers. The Shotgun Willie’s event provides scholarships to entertainers. Information: 303-388-9601.
3 Enjoy bites from 60 independent restaurants, plus cocktails, wine-beer at The Big Eats in DCPA’s Galleria July 28, 6 to 9 p.m. Information: Info@eatdenver.com.
3 Shop food, crafts, and products at free Havana Street Global Market at 2802 S. Havana St. in Aurora, July 26 and 30, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Information: 720-788-8986.
3 Gather the kids and family and celebrate the Fourth of July at Infinity Park Stadium and turf in Glendale, July 1, 7:30 p.m. One of the largest and oldest in the Valley, for the first-time families and friends can view the mesmerizing free show from Infinity Park, preceded by movie shorts and videos on the stadium’s jumbo screen, with food trucks on site. Guests can also bring food and beverages, no glass containers or grills allowed. Information: InfinityParkatGlendale.com.
Cherry Creek Valley citizens remain crystal clear about their love of country. Our laid-back living, rugged individualism, and optimism are as classic as Don McLean’s “American Pie.”
Despite this being the start of the hot-sultry Dog Days of Summer, welcome July as the month dedicated to freedom, independence, and celebration of our country and culture.
As we hail the U.S.A., Greenwood’s lyrics say it all: “The flag still stands for freedom and they can’t take that away. I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free.”
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.