Numerous Fourth of July events and activities are planned around Pagosa Springs over several days, beginning Thursday, July 3.
The events are in additional to the usual events available, such as theater and tours at Chimney Rock National Monument, which can be found in the calendar in The PREVIEW.
Thursday, July 3
Thursday’s events will kick off with the Park to Park Artisan Market in Town Park and the adjacent athletic field opening at 10 a.m.
The event is anticipated to have more than 100 vendors this year, as well as a beer garden and, from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m., live music.
The market will close for the day at 5 p.m.
From 5 to 7 p.m., the historic Gomez Mercantile Store will be open at the Archuleta County Fairgrounds, offering a chance to look inside the store, which was relocated to the fairgrounds, as well as items from the 1920s.
Beginning at 6 p.m., those interested can take in a classic rodeo as the Red Ryder Roundup Rodeo opens for its 75th year. Tickets are available online at www.pagosarodeo.com and at the gate prior to the event. The cost is $20 per adult and $10 for children. The rodeo action will take place at the Western Heritage Event Center and rodeo grounds at the Archuleta County Fairgrounds.
Friday, July 4
Independence Day will offer a variety of events.
The Park to Park Artisan Market will again be open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
At 1 p.m., everyone is invited to don red, white and blue and float the San Juan River downtown as part of the Freedom Float.
The Gomez store will again be open to the public from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. at the Archuleta County Fairgrounds.
The Red Ryder Roundup Rodeo will be back in action at 2 p.m. on July 4.
At 2 p.m., the Pagosa Springs Community Band will once again host its annual patriotic concert on the lawn of The Springs Resort.
At 3 p.m., the Stars and Stripes Stroll, a new event, will kick off at Yamaguchi Park. The walking parade will honor veterans and first responders.
Yamaguchi Park will also play host to the Independence Day Music Fest beginning at 5 p.m., which is slated to include live music, food and a beer garden.
The park will also host a bouncy house fun zone.
At 8:30 p.m., prior to the fireworks, the Pagosa Sidewalk Astronomers will host a moon party at Yamaguchi Park near the pickleball courts. The party is set to include telescopes available for viewing and taking photos of the moon, an educational program about the moon, a kid-friendly photo booth and giveaways.
Around 9 p.m., the town-sponsored fireworks display will begin in the area of Yamaguchi Park and Pagosa Springs High School.
Saturday, July 5
The holiday-themed events will continue into the weekend.
The Park to Park Artisan Market will again be open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
The Gomez store will again open to the public from 5 to 7 p.m.
The final Red Ryder Roundup Rodeo of the year will begin at 6 p.m.
Sunday, July 6
The Park to Park Artisan Market will close out the Fourth of July celebration by being open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Personal fireworks prohibited
While the town will sponsor a community fireworks display, Pagosa Springs Police Chief William Rockensock, Archuleta County Sheriff Mike Le Roux and the U.S. Forest Service caution that personal fireworks are illegal in Colorado.
“Fireworks as always are prohibited under the municipal code,” Pagosa Springs Police Chief William Rockensock notes in an email to The SUN, pointing toward the town’s regulations on the matter.
Per the town’s municipal code, the possession and shooting of fireworks is illegal unless a permit for display has been granted by the town.
“Fireworks as used herein means any article, device, or substance prepared for the primary purpose of producing a visual or auditory sensation by combustion explosion, deflagration, or detonation,” according to the code.
The sale of fireworks is also prohibited under the code.
“Any fireworks possessed are subject to seizure and a summons or arrest maybe made by officers for violations,” it states.
Fireworks that leave the ground are illegal in Colorado, and the Archuleta County Sheriff’s Office will enforce that, according to Le Roux.
Le Roux noted the fire danger associated with the fireworks and that there is more fuel available that would be at risk of burning in the unincorporated areas of the county.
“But remember, fireworks and pyrotechnics are prohibited on public lands — every forest, every campsite, every day,” the Forest Service notes in a press release, also noting fire restrictions are in place for lower elevations of the San Juan National Forest (see related article).
The agency adds, “As forests expect a record number of visitors, leave fireworks and sparkly displays to your city and other professional organizations. Nationally, nearly 9 out of 10 wildfires are caused by humans. So, with a bit of planning, you can enjoy the starry skies while being outdoors smart.”
randi@pagosasun.com
