Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
Even without fireworks and a drone show, Aspen will be full of activities today for its annual Fourth of July festivities.
The day will be highlighted by the Old Fashioned Fourth of July Parade through downtown. Some streets, including a portion of Main Street, will be closed off to traffic during the parade, which starts at 11 a.m. and lasts approximately an hour. Rick Deane, an Aspen local whose family has long run the T-Lazy-7 Ranch, was named this year’s grand marshal.
The day gets started with the 33rd annual Boogie’s Buddy Race. The 5-mile race begins at 8 a.m. at Rio Grande Park, with an untimed 1-mile family fun run/walk to begin at 8:30 a.m. Cost is $50 for either race.
Beginning at 9:30 a.m. at Paepcke Park, which is located near the parade staging around off Main Street, there will be a kids bicycle decoration and carnival, which is free to attend. Following the parade, the Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club will hold its annual benefit picnic at Koch Park from noon to 3 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under.
From 5 to 10 p.m. there will be the second annual block party produced by the Aspen Volunteer Fire Department, along with Mountain Rescue Aspen and the Aspen Chamber Resort Association.
The Aspen Music Festival and School will hold a free concert at the Benedict Music Tent beginning at 4 p.m. There is also free music in Snowmass Village, with “Here Come the Mummies” set to perform at 6:30 p.m. on Fanny Hill.
The nightcap in Aspen includes a community party at Wagner Park, with DJ Naka G playing from 8 to 10:30 p.m. A laser light show is scheduled for 9:15 p.m.