Communities across Southwest Colorado always go big to celebrate Fourth of July. Residents and visitors will have no shortage of options this extended holiday weekend.
Patriotic partygoers can attend time-honored traditions like Silverton’s Ducky Derby, Pagosa Springs’ Red Ryder Roundup Rodeo, Farmington’s Gem and Mineral Show or even Dove Creek’s 68th annual Pick n’ Hoe pig chase.
Other forms of entertainment include fun runs, live music, river parades and, of course, fireworks – notably Silverton’s legendary display, which is one of the largest on the Western Slope. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy rafting, mountain biking, trail running, camping, horseback riding and hiking.
Celebrants should plan on unsettled weather across the Four Corners. Rain showers are forecast through Thursday, and there is a chance for scattered showers on Friday, so pack a rain coat, extra layers, an umbrella and good footwear.
Here are a few standout events to consider this week, including a calendar of events for Durango, Bayfield, Silverton, Cortez, Dove Creek, Rico, Pagosa Springs, Towaoc and Farmington.
The La Plata County Fairgrounds will host an evening of professional bull riding and live music to celebrate Independence Day.
Intrepid bull riders will showcase strength, technique and, above all, bravery as they attempt to stay on top of raging 1,200- to 1,600-pound bulls.
Once the bull rides conclude, Mustang Disposition will perform to end the evening.
Tickets are $35, and the spectacle will kick off at 7 p.m. Friday at La Plata County Fairgrounds.
Hundreds of rubber ducks stampede down Cement Creek in Silverton during the town’s annual Ducky Derby.
Participants can pay $5 to enter a duck, which are being sold at the Silverton Visitor Center until July 4. Last-minute registrations can be made in Memorial Park. Prizes will be awarded to ducks that come in first, second, third and last place.
“Buying a duck is like sponsoring a NASCAR driver,” Silverton Chamber of Commerce Executive Director DeAnne Gallegos said.
The Ducky Derby will begin at 2 p.m. in Memorial Park.
In the mood to move this Fourth of July? There will be no shortage of live music in the days around Independence Day this year all across Southwest Colorado.
Local bands High Country Hustle and the Afrobeatniks will perform 5 to 9 p.m. Friday at the Transit Center in downtown Durango, while Ska Brewing, Yia Yia’s Concessions, Tacos Carranzo and The Ice Cream Lady serve up delicious food and beverages to keep people dancing.
Farmington will host a skateboarding competition during its Party in the Park on Friday. The gathering will begin at 9 a.m. and go until 5:30 p.m., with vendors, live entertainment and the skateboarding competition being held at Brookeside Park.
Though Durango will not host a fireworks display this year because of fire danger, many of the surrounding communities will celebrate Independence Day the old-fashioned way.
Farmington will have a display at 9:25 p.m. Thursday. Silverton, Rico, Mancos, Pagosa Springs, Dove Creek and Bayfield will hold firework displays around dusk (8:30 to 9:30 p.m.) Friday. Finally, Towaoc will hold a fireworks show at dusk Saturday.
sedmondson@durangoherald.com
