Arizona and New Mexico offer a variety of ways to celebrate Independence Day. Keep your eyes on the night sky, work up an appetite for pancakes and have a great time with your community.
In Arizona, celebrate the Fourth of July with a bang at the annual Chandler 4th of July 7UP Fireworks Spectacular. Chandler’s Tumbleweed Park is the place to be on July 4. Be sure to bring your lawn chairs and blankets; the event features a host of activities for the whole family to enjoy including a free carnival for the kids. To keep you cool, there will be water games, a dunk tank and even a 35-foot water slide. Enjoy live music and the festive Cactus Bike Push, Pull, Peddle Bike Parade. The rider of the bike judged the best decorated will win a fabulous prize. To register for the bike parade, contact Cactus Bike at 480-782-5483 or 480-940-7433; check them out at www.cactusbikechandler.com. For information about the Chandler 4th of July 7UP Fireworks Spectacular, visitwww.chandleraz.gov/default.aspx?pageid=162.
Plan to attend FreedomFest 2011 in Show Low, Arizona on July 4. This Independence Day celebration is one of the biggest in all of Arizona with close to 50,000 people expected to take part in the celebration. Get a feel for “Main Street America” at the parade, which features the theme “Arizona Centennial” in acknowledgement of the state’s 100th anniversary of statehood in 2012. Vendors will be selling festive treats and crafts. Bring the kids and enjoy family-friendly games. Of course, for the grand finale there will be fireworks. For more information, visit www.arizona100.org/events-projects/centennial-events/official-centennial-events.
Feed your need for good times and tasty pancakes as Santa Fe, New Mexico hosts the Pancakes on the Plaza event, a favorite Fourth of July tradition celebrating 36 years. Fill up on a hearty breakfast, then your kids can join in on a fun coloring contest with a wonderful prize for the winner. Find out which area restaurant’s pancakes really stack up at the 2nd Annual Pancake of the Year Contest, and place your bids in the silent auctions to benefit the city’s children and families. Plus, enjoy an arts and crafts show, a car show and live entertainment. For more information, visit www.pancakesontheplaza.com.
New Mexico’s Carlsbad Caverns National Park invites you to attend a Star Party to see the Milky Way. Away from the interference of urban lights, the park is a fabulous location for viewing the night sky. If weather allows, telescopes will be available to give you a closer look. Plus, the ranger-led program will touch on a variety of subjects from astronomy and folklore to nocturnal animals. Star Parties are held in the main East parking lot in front of the visitors center. Come early, dress appropriately for the weather and bring a flashlight. Upcoming dates include July 2 and July 30, 2011. For more information and the full schedule, visit www.nps.gov/cave/planyourvisit/starparties.htm.
Independence Day will soon be here, feel free to celebrate.
