Get your calendars out, for even if there is no parade this year, there are many things still to do, including many of the usual Fourth of July activities.
Park to Park Artisan
Market
Of course, the Chamber of Commerce is preparing for our annual Park to Park Artisan Market that is always held over the Fourth of July holiday.
This year, it will be a four-day event July 3-6. There will be more than 100 vendors this year. Therefore, it may take you several days to see all the vendors. And that should be an incentive, as every day in the park there will be a beer garden and live music from 11a.m. to 5 p.m.
You can shop, sip, listen to music under the entertainment tent and enjoy a variety of artists including Michael Silberhorn, Maxwell Miller, Carl Mori, Elwood, Emily Tholberg and more. The final musical schedule will be out soon.
The show will be open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except July 6, when the show will close at 4 p.m.
We will have a lot of new artists this year with beautiful, fun and useful items for people and pets. Join us in Town Park and the athletic field for this traditional show.
‘Matilda the Musical’
Let’s kick the Fourth of July holiday back just a little and start it with the Curtains Up Pagosa production of “Matilda the Musical,” which will be held at Pagosa Springs High School starting Thursday, June 26.
Performances will be at 7 p.m. June 26, 27 and 28, and a 2 p.m. matinee performance on Saturday, June 28.
Tickets are available online at www.curtainsuppagosa.org or at the door.
Red Ryder Roundup Rodeo
Another multiday event is the fast-paced, exciting Red Ryder Roundup Rodeo.
This rodeo will take place July 3 at 6 p.m., July 4 at 2 p.m. and July 5 at 6 p.m., and will be held at the rodeo grounds near the Archuleta County Fairgrounds.
This will be the rodeo’s 75th anniversary, so you know there will be extra excitement built into the event.
Tickets for this event can be purchased at www.pagosarodeo.com.
Stars and Stripes Stroll
While there will not be the traditional parade on the Fourth of July, please don’t forget that there will be a walking parade, the Stars and Stripes Stroll at Yamaguchi Park at 3 p.m.
This parade will honor our veterans and first responders; therefore, if you have family members, are a retired first responder or veteran, please join in the stroll.
Community band concert
The Community Band will perform at The Springs Resort at 2 p.m. on July 4. You can hear the concert from The Springs or from Centennial Park. Enjoy this patriotic musical tribute — an annual favorite.
Freedom Float
Hopefully we will get a little moisture before the holiday to put some water in the river and wet down the area. Water in the river would be great for the Freedom Float happening at 1 p.m.
Don on your best red, white and blue and float the river. This is just a fun way to cool off from the activities of the day.
Fireworks
Water would also be great so that our traditional fireworks display could happen. At this time, the fireworks are still scheduled. However, it is all weather and fire-condition contingent.
The fireworks will take place around 9:15 p.m. and be held in the high school/Yamaguchi Park area. This is a great location as, hopefully, you can also attend the Independence Day Music Fest. This free concert will be held at Yamaguchi Park from 5 p.m. until the fireworks at dusk. Food trucks and a beer garden will be available.
There will also be other activities happening around town during the holiday. You, family and friends will have lots to keep you busy this season. Don’t miss out on the fun, many of the free admission opportunities and the traditional activities.
Also, please utilize the parking lots next to The Springs Resort, at the base of Reservoir Hill, and to the west of the library for the easiest access to town activities.
Don’t let a little construction scare you away from what is happening downtown. Visit our downtown shops and restaurants and plan to spend some time supporting our businesses.
Don’t drive around looking for parking. Just go straight to these larger parking lots.
Plan now for a fun Fourth of July holiday weekend and spend some time participating in our annual events.
