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Independence Day is right around the corner in America and all across Grand County local citizens, municipal governments and thousands of visitors are gearing up for the upcoming holiday.
GRANBY
Parade
The 75th annual Granby Fourth of July Parade, which the Granby Chamber refers to as the “best small town parade in America” is set to begin at 11 a.m. at the Granby Visitor’s Center. The parade will move west down Agate Avenue before ending near Granby Town Hall.
Party in the Park
Granby’s Party in the Park will kick off shortly after the end of the Independence Day Parade, at noon in Polhamus Park, directly west of Granby Town Hall. The party in the park is scheduled to run from noon to 3 p.m. and will include live musical performances by Tight Like That along with multiple vendors. Burgers and hotdogs will be served up and attendees can enjoy an adult beverage in the beer garden. There will also be a free photo booth and games.
Flying Heels Arena Rodeo
For a taste of traditional western summer fun, grab the family and your finest western wear and head on down to the Flying Heels Rodeo Area in Granby Thursday evening. Granby’s annual Independence Day rodeo is set to begin at 3 p.m. with the junior rodeo. The adult’s open rodeo will begin at 7 p.m. The Granby rodeo will feature the full list of classic events from mutton busting to barrel racing and the always-popular bull riding.
Fireworks
Granby’s annual Independence Day fireworks display is set to begin shortly after nightfall. The Flying Heels Rodeo Arena will serve as the launching area for the display. According to rodeo organizers, the rodeo is scheduled to wrap up right at dusk. The fireworks are set to begin shortly thereafter.
GRAND LAKE
Rotary Pancake Breakfast
The action in Grand Lake will kick off early on Thursday morning with the Grand Lake Rotary Club’s annual Independence Day pancake breakfast at the Heckert Pavilion in Town Park Square.
Fourth of July Fireworks
Grand Lake’s popular Fourth of July Fireworks display, shot off from barges floating on the waters of Grand Lake, is set to begin at approximately 10 p.m. Anyone looking to enjoy the Grand Lake fireworks spectacular should remember that the town sees a massive influx of visitors for the event, so come early and be prepared to stay late.
WINTER PARK
Rendezvous Run for Independence
Winter Park’s Independence Day activities get underway at 9 a.m. with the Rendezvous Run for Independence, a five-mile run/walk event benefiting the Scott Hughes Foundation. The race starts at the Vintage Hotel near Winter Park Resort’s base area and continues down the Fraser River Trail before finishing at the Rendezvous Sales Office next to Cozens Ranch Museum. Registration for the race will begin at 7 a.m. at the Vintage Hotel.
Fourth of July Celebration – Presented by Roam and Rendezvous
Winter Park’s Fourth of July community party will officially kick off at 6 p.m. Thursday evening at the Rendezvous Event Center at Hideaway Park. Attendees can enjoy inflatables, face painting, carnival games, a photo booth and much more. There will be live music from Colorado native Buckstein and the town’s fireworks display will begin later in the evening. According to event organizers, attendees will need to bring their own food and alcoholic beverages.
KREMMLING
Town Block Party – Hosted by Gore Range Baptist Church
Kremmling’s Fourth of July festivities will officially kick off at
2 p.m. Thursday afternoon with the Independence Day Block Party in the Town Square featuring fun activities for children, including a bounce house, kids games, cotton candy and snow cones. Hotdogs and hamburgers will also be served until 4 p.m.
Fire Up the Cliffs
Kremmling’s Fire Up the Cliffs event will begin at 5 p.m. on Thursday, also in Town Square. The event will feature a barbecue picnic and beer garden, a pie sale, music and games. The Fire Up the Cliffs fireworks display is set to begin once darkness has fallen.
OTHER
Independence Day skiing at A-Basin
Summer has been surprisingly snowy in Colorado’s High Country this year with several ski resorts up and down the I-70 corridor extending their seasons well into June. Arapaho Basin, often called A-Basin, is upping the ante this month with plans to keep the chairlifts at the alpine ski resort open on Independence Day. Skiers can begin taking turns at 8:30 a.m. when the lift’s start turning. There will be no beginner terrain open for the day though the Treeline Terrain Park will be open. Live musical performances by Frisco Funk Collective will begin at 11 a.m. Brats, corn and potato salad will be served up in the base area.