“Salute to America”

 

Durango, CO – The City of Durango announces its annual series of Independence Day, family-oriented activities promoted collectively as Durango’s “Salute to America.” All events will take place on Sunday, the 4^th of July.

The holiday festivities will begin with the Freedom Fun Run/Walk, presented by Parks and Recreation beginning at 9 a.m. sharp and starting from Rotary Park. This event is free and invites all levels of runners and walkers to join in the fun. Participants, friends and family can celebrate with a great breakfast afterwards.

The popular All-American Pancake Breakfast, organized by Rotary Club of Durango, will also be held at Rotary Park and features varieties of fruit-topped pancakes, eggs, juice and coffee.  Adult and children’s tickets will be available at the event. Serving time will be 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

The center of activity moves to the 1200 block of Main at Buckley Park for American Voices, a public reading of major American documents organized by Fort Lewis College. “This event reminds us that this is first and foremost the birthday of our country and we are all guests at this great celebration of freedom in America”, says Bob Kunkel, the City’s downtown promotions manager. The readings will be from 11 a.m. to 12 and feature the Declaration of Independence.

Children (18 and under) can sell their old toys, sports gear, clothes, music and books at the Kids-to-Kids Flea Market, sponsored by Wells Fargo Bank. The set-up time is 11:00 a.m. in Buckley Park.  The Flea Market begins at noon and ends at 3 p.m. Bank staff will assist kids with booth space organization, money transactions, and refreshments. Space is FREE, but must be reserved by calling 385-9349.

The Kiwanis Club of Durango will host the popular Family Picnic and Smokin’ 4^th of July BBQ. This full day of food, drink, music, and magic runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. with all activities held in Buckley Park and on the 1200 block of Main Avenue. Kid’s games on the grass will be organized by Boy’s and Girl’s Club. Kiwanis will provide a beer garden, a competitive BBQ cook-off, arts and crafts booths, and present their annual Hometown Heroes Awards.

The evening events are all in the heart of downtown on Main Avenue and begin with the Stars and Stripes Parade at 6 p.m. sharp.  The parade will travel north along Main Avenue from 5^th to 10th Street. Parade entrants will be led by a Color Guard made up of representatives of the United Veterans Council. Other highlights include the popular Tin Lizzies, a high-wheeler bicycle group, and many community clubs and organizations. Parade entrants are welcome and should call 375-5067 for sign-up information.

Locals and visitors alike can enjoy several hours of great music and dancing at the “Salute-To-America” street dance, presented by the City of Durango. The music of the High-Rollers will be begin after the parade and end with the first BOOM of the fireworks. Coco-Cola products and local brews from SKA Brewing will be available. The 800 block of Main Avenue will be closed to traffic until 10 p.m.

Topping off the day’s celebration will be the “Salute America” fireworks display presented by Durango Fire and Rescue. The show boasts over 2,200 charges and lasts nearly 30 minutes. Most locals have their favorite viewing spot, and newcomers can find many great downtown locations from which to enjoy the show. Start time is planned for dark, approximately 9:15 p.m.

Expect that downtown will be busy. Locals are encouraged to walk, bike, car pool or use the public transit system for quicker access in and out of downtown. Parking is available in public lots, on side streets and in after-hour private lots. Pets are not allowed. Thank You.