It is the love of country that has lighted and that keeps glowing the holy fire of patriotism. J. Horace McFarland
When we think of celebrating the Fourth of July, the first image that comes to mind is a summer night sky aglow with fireworks. Did you know that 63% of Americans attend a fireworks display on the 4th ? The holiday prominently features symbols of America. It’s a day to honor our troops. We display the American flag and red, white, and blue bunting. And we sing and listen to patriotic music. Customarily there’s local parades, picnics, and baseball games. Followed by outdoor activities for the kids, family picnics, barbeques and/or reunions and the emotive speeches of local politicians. For Americans, this is a day of remembrance and celebration. Independence Day commemorates the anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, 241 years ago.
In 2017, the national holiday falls on Tuesday which for some makes for a long four-day holiday weekend of events in and around Colorado Springs.
Celebrating Fourth of July in Colorado Springs
- Tradition is important for local Colorado Springs residents who have made the annual 4th of July Celebration at Memorial Park a family custom. This free yearly event offers traditional American carnival food for sale, activities, and patriotic music featuring The Colorado Springs Philharmonic and The Liberty Belles Trio. The event starts at 5:30pm with fireworks scheduled for dusk. Many families get there early to claim the best viewing spot for the fireworks.
- Sky Sox Fireworks Celebration
- Start celebrating early with a 7:00 a.m. pancake breakfast at Tri-Lakes 4th of July Celebration, followed by a 4-Mile Fun Run, parades, music and fireworks.
- The Manitou Springs Volunteer Fire Department displays Manitou Springs Fireworks at dusk
- Want to celebrate early? Cheyenne Mountain State Park offers Fun Before the Fourth on Sunday, July 2nd
Heading out of Colorado Springs for the holiday?
If you’re heading out of the city for the holiday weekend, there are plenty of festivals and firework shows scheduled in the rest of Colorado. For 2017, 303 Magazine offers a comprehensive list of “Every Single Fourth of July Fireworks Show We Could Find in Colorado.” But there’s also western classic events including the 132nd Annual Meeker Range Call Celebration, the 68th annual Red Ryder Roundup Rodeo in Pagosa Springs and Steamboat Springs four day holiday celebration. All of these historical festivals feature rodeo, parades, music, art, fireworks and more.
Classic holiday foods
Cooking and eating is a big part of the holiday. 4th of July classic foods focus on American favorites; hot dogs, burgers, corn on the cob, potato salad and anything and everything you can cook on the grill. And yes! red, white and blue desserts. If homemade pie is one of your holiday favorites, consider entering your best recipe in the Manitou Springs Summertime Ice Cream Social & Pie Baking Contest on July 3rd.
What are your favorite 4th of July foods? How will you celebrate the holiday?
Happy Independence Day from all of us at Saddletree Homes!
