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DURANGO, Colo. – The City of Durango will coordinate its annual series of family-oriented activities promoted collectively as Durango’s “Salute to America.” All events will take place on Saturday, the 4th of July.
Holiday festivities 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.
Concurrently, the Rotary Club of Durango will host the All-American Pancake Breakfast, 7:30 to 10:30 a.m., featuring varieties of fruit-topped pancakes, eggs, juice and coffee, also at Rotary Park. Adult and children’s tickets will be available at the event.
At 11 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 and organized by Fort Lewis College. The featured reading will be the “Declaration of Independence.”
“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,” said Bob Kunkel, the City’s downtown promotions manager.
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. Set-up time is 11 a.m. in Buckley Park, and the Flea Market begins at noon. 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 Family Picnic and Smokin’ 4th of July BBQ. From 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., food, drink, music and magic will be offered 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. The Kiwanis will also present the 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 5th 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 invited 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 more than 2,200 charges and lasts nearly 30 minutes. Start time is planned for dark, approximately 9:15 p.m.
Those planning to come Downtown should expect increased activity. 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.
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