Fourth of July festivities explode across the region

Here is a roundup of Fourth of July festivities in the region:

The city’s “Freedom Fourth” party will be at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Park. Festivities begin at 3 p.m. and go on until 10 p.m. The musical headliner, Clint Black, will perform at 8 p.m., and the state’s largest fireworks display begins at 9:15 p.m. There will, of course, be plenty of food from 30 local vendors, a microbrew garden featuring craft beer, wine and spirits from 20 local establishments and lots of activities for kids.

Freedom Fourth is free, though there is a $10 parking fee. Consider using the Park & Ride service, with buses boarding at Cottonwood and Coronado malls starting at 3 p.m. Return bus trips start after the fireworks show, and the last return bus boards at 11 p.m. Park & Ride rates are $1 for adults; 35 cents for ages 62 and older, handicapped

citizens and students ages 10 to 18. Children 9 and younger ride for free. Exact fare is required.

Those who ride their bicycles to Balloon Fiesta Park can enjoy a free bike valet service.

A July Fourth fundraiser to build a permanent structure for the African American Museum and Cultural Center of New Mexico will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Mr. Powdrell’s Barbecue House, 5209 Fourth NW. Local bands will provide the music, and libations come from Ale Republic Brewery. Dinner plates are $20, and sandwich plates are $15. For more information, call 345-8086.

Rio Rancho

A July Fourth program of patriotic and other music will be performed by the Rio Grande Symphonic Band on the steps in front of City Hall from 9:30 to 10 a.m. today, immediately followed by an annual parade. This year’s route will stay close to the City Center and Santa Ana Star Center.

Rio Rancho’s Fourth of July fireworks show will be held at Loma Colorado Park, 735 Loma Colorado NE. Live music starts at 6 p.m. The New Mexico National Guard’s 44th Army Band will perform from 7 to 7:30 p.m. Fireworks show begins at 9 p.m. Blankets and coolers are permitted, but no glass or alcoholic beverages are allowed. Food vendors will be on-site.

Corrales

The village of Corrales’ Fourth of July parade will start at Target Road at 10 a.m. and will end at La Entrada Road. A “Family Fun Day” follows immediately at La Entrada Park.

Santa Fe

The annual July Fourth Pancakes on the Plaza event will be held on the Santa Fe Plaza, 80 East San Francisco, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Car displays, music and an art show are part of the festivities. Tickets are $10, with proceeds donated to help people in need.

Santa Fe’s annual July Fourth fireworks show this year will be held in the park next to Santa Fe Mall, 4250 Cerrillos Road. The free event will be from 6:15 p.m. until 10 p.m., and includes food trucks, a beer garden and live entertainment by Alex Maryol, Sol Fire and Fun Adixx.