It’s a busy holiday weekend across Chaffee County with art walks, parades, races, family activities, and community celebrations.
Tonight is First Friday in downtown Salida, where local art galleries will stay open late with artist demonstrations, receptions, live music, and opportunities to meet local artists in their studios.
Although there will be no fireworks this year because of fire restrictions, communities across the Arkansas Valley have a full day of Independence Day celebrations planned for tomorrow.
In Poncha Springs, festivities begin with the Fourth of July Parade at 10 a.m., followed by the Independence Day Celebration at Chipeta Park from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. featuring strider bike races, a watermelon eating contest, a bouncy house, and a pie baking contest.
Buena Vista starts the day with the Optimist Club Pancake Breakfast at Columbine Park beginning at 7:30 a.m. The Freedom 5K starts at 8:30, Art in the Park opens at McPhelemy Park at 9 a.m., and the annual Fourth of July Parade begins at 10 a.m.
The Fourth of July Celebration at Howard Hall runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with children’s games, ice cream sundaes, and $2 hot dogs.
The Collegiate Peaks Chapter of Trout Unlimited and Colorado Parks and Wildlife are hosting a free Kids’ Fishing Derby for children ages 13 and younger at Frantz Lake beginning at 8:30 a.m. Kids are encouraged to bring their own fishing equipment, although a limited number of rods and gear will be available.
In Salida, the Fourth of July celebration takes place in Riverside Park with children’s activities, live music, a lighted bike parade, a beer garden, food trucks, and more. The annual Fourth of July Parade down F Street begins at 1 p.m.
With no fireworks this year due to extreme fire danger, organizers encourage everyone to come out and enjoy the many family-friendly events taking place throughout the Arkansas Valley.
