Most holidays have both a celebratory quality and a deeper meaning. But while imbued with historical meaning, the Fourth of July need not be more than it is – a celebration of the United States and the good fortune we share as Americans.
Independence Day is not tied to any faith, ethnicity or racial group. And it lacks the somber quality of Memorial Day or Veterans Day. The Fourth of July is a just a good time, and rightly so.
In declaring independence, this nation embarked on a life of its own. As is often the case, adolescence was a bit rough, but as the United States has matured, Americans have taken on the problems of our nation’s youth.
There is no “again” to this; America is great. And there is nothing wrong with rejoicing in that.
The fun starts early with the Rotary Club’s All-American Breakfast. That runs from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Rotary Park.
While that is going on, Durango Parks & Recreation will launch its Freedom 5K. It starts a 9 a.m., also at Rotary Park.
Family Fun in the Park will go from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Buckley Park with food, beverages and entertainment the whole time. Included will be kid-friendly fun with face painting, a bouncy house and the Kids to Kids Flea Market.
For die-hard fans of Americana, however, the high point will start at 11 a.m. with American Voices, Public Readings. Speakers will read from the United States’ founding documents, such as the Declaration of Independence, accompanied by Southwest Civic Winds.
The celebrations will be all day and all around. Planned events include the Family BBQ at the Elks Lodge, 12 noon to 4 p.m. and the Stars & Stripes Parade at 6 p.m. on Durango’s Main Avenue followed by a street dance with live entertainment. Fireworks are set for that evening in Silverton, Bayfield and Durango.
But for true aficionados of Fourth of July celebrations, the high point comes in the morning. Southwest Colorado’s premier Independence Day parade kicks off at 10 a.m. in downtown Bayfield.
Enjoy the holiday.
