It’s the 4th of July, and there is no better place to celebrate than Durango. This year, there is a whole weekend of activities to enjoy in downtown Durango.
Tonight, (July 2) at the Transit Center is the street dance and drone show. Live music from two bands, food trucks and a beer garden are offered. There should be kids’ activities, too! This starts at 6 p.m. and ends at dark. Immediately after is a drone show, featuring 125 LED-lighted drones that are programmed to form shapes and symbols in the sky. Best viewing will be from the Transit Center and the cross streets in downtown facing west. The drone show replaces the traditional fireworks show that keeps getting canceled because of dry conditions.
There will be a free concert Sunday at the Powerhouse Science Center. This is part of a summer series of free concerts the Powerhouse offers on the first Sunday of the month. This month’s band is Dana Ariel and the Coming Up Roses, and the free show starts at 4 p.m. While you are there, visit the Powerhouse’s new exhibit “Medieval To Metal: The Art and Evolution of the Guitar.” This is a touring exhibition that celebrates the artistic development of the guitar. Developed by The National GUITAR Museum, it features 40 objects, ranging from the intricately inlaid Moorish oud and six-foot long Renaissance theorbo on to the modern Italian design of the Eko and transparent acrylic body of California’s BC Rich guitars.
Monday is the big day, the 4th of July. The fun starts in the morning at Rotary Park with a gourmet breakfast from the Rotary Club from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. The Freedom 5K fun run starts at 9 a.m., and from 9:15 to 10:30 a.m., Southwest Civic Winds and the Durango Choral Society will offer a free concert.
The action shifts to Buckley Park for the afternoon. From noon to 4 p.m. is a BBQ and Bands Picnic, benefiting Building Homes for Heroes. Kirk James Band and other special guests will provide the live music. Food and beer will be available for purchase, and there will be kids’ activities, too.
The annual Stars and Stripes Parade starts at 5 p.m. sharp on Main Avenue downtown. Come down with the family to enjoy one of the year’s best annual parades. You can expect at least 50 entries of all shapes and sizes.
The 4th of July weekend is capped off by an amazing concert – Lyle Lovett and his Large Band are playing at the La Plata County Fairgrounds in the North Main District. Tickets are still available at DurangoConcerts.com. Gates open at 5 p.m. and the concert starts at 7:30 p.m. It’s going to be amazing!
Thank you to the city of Durango for organizing most of these activities, and in particular Ellen Babers. If you want to hold an event, talk to Ellen, she’s great!
I hope to see you in downtown and the North Main District soon.
Tim Walsworth is executive director of Durango Business Improvement District. Reach him at timw@downtowndurango.org or 375-5068.
