Why are small town 4th of July celebrations so popular? Because small towns remind us of our beginnings. A time when when we knew each other personally and stood together as we fought for our freedom against an oppressive government that had a bigger army, more experience and by all accounts should have “won”.
Small town celebrations with our pancake breakfasts, 10k races, community band concerts, quirky parades and competing fireworks displays, remind us that before we were a super power, we were just a start up. They bring us together, whether you’re a local or a visitor, in a sense of community that you just don’t get in the big city.
So, wherever you came from this holiday weekend, welcome to Colorado’s Playground. In Summit County, we have the BEST Independence Day celebrations; and since the 4th falls on a Monday, you get to celebrate the whole weekend! Check out what’s in store for you.
The Town of Breckenridge is chock full of events this weekend and you can find a full line up in the Explore Summit Weekender or at gobreck.com. Friday, July 1st, is opening night for the “Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe” at the Breckenridge Backstage Theater. Saturday, July 2nd, is the start of the Street Arts Festival which wraps up on Monday, July 4th and Sunday, July 3rd, Wynonna Judd and The Big Noise are playing at the Riverwalk Center. Tickets will run you $65.00 – $95.00 and can be purchased at the Riverwalk Center ticket office. On Monday, July 4th, you can start your day bright and early, 7:00am, with the Independence 10K Trail Run or the Firecracker 50 Mountain Bike Race at 9:30am. If biking and running aren’t your thing, why not try the Garden Party at the Barney Ford House Museum? For $50.00 you can watch the 10:00am parade from the best seat in the house while enjoying breakfast and mimosas. Later in the day, enjoy an evening concert from the National Repertory Orchestra (8:00pm) and the 9:45pm fireworks showing will be visible from vantage points all over town.
The Town of Dillon begins its day Friday, July 1st at 9:00am with “Summit County’s Best Farmer’s Market”. Check out all the fresh produce along with arts, crafts, music and delicious food! Friday & Saturday evening, pack a picnic from all those goodies you found at the farmer’s market and head over to the Dillon Amphiteater for the free concert series. Friday night is “New Sensation” and Saturday is “The Nacho Men” (always a favorite). On Monday, July 4th, the National Repertory Orchestra will be at the amphiteater for a 10:00am concert and the United States Air Force Academy Concert band will take the stage at 7:00pm. You may even be able to see the Frisco fireworks if you hang out after the show.
Frisco and Copper Mountain have joined together once again to celebrate independence weekend with Copper’s Family Adventure Quest kicking off Saturday, July 2nd, 9am- 12:00pm. Get your family together and try your hand at a super adventure course. On Sunday, July 3rd, experience Frisco Founder’s Day from 10:00am – 4:00pm at the Frisco Historic Park & Museum. “Three Dog Night” will play a free concert at Copper Mountain at 1:00pm; and Monday, July 4th our main event in Firsco kicks off at 7:00am with the annual Team Summit Pancake Breakfast. Stick around for our Fabulous Fourth of July Parade at 12:30, a free concert from “Page 6” from 1:30 – 3:30pm and of course fireworks over Lake Dillon at 9:30pm. Check out the full lineup of activities at The Town of Frisco website.
Last, but certainly not least, if you’re in Keystone they will be celebrating on Sunday, July 3rd. There is a fishing derby from 8:00 – 9:30 am ( you can practice before the one in Frisco on the 4th), a Strider Bike Race from 9:00 – 11:00am and an outdoor BBQ, music and Fireworks!
There are so many choices, we aren’t sure how you’ll decide but wherever you end up this holiday weekend, have fun, be safe and remember to have a little patience! Happy Independence Day.
