Escape the heat: Where to go for fireworks and Fourth of July events around the state.
Where to go for fireworks, parades and more events
The Fourth of July presents the perfect opportunity to escape the Phoenix heat and enjoy the parades, fireworks and other fruits of patriotism. • If only Independence Day didn’t land on a Wednesday this year, a holiday island in the middle of the business week. Perhaps this is the calendar’s way of telling you to take three (or more) days off. • Here are the Fourth of July 2018 celebrations in some of Arizona’s popular summer-getaway destinations. Keep in mind that rain and fire conditions could cause cities to change their plans.
Flagstaff
Arrive early downtown to nab a parking spot and viewing area for the parade. With more than 100 floats, horses, a marching band and high levels of enthusiasm, more than 20,000 people are expected for the 9 a.m. parade.
The Flagstaff Symphony puts on its free annual Independence Day Concert at the Pepsi Amphitheater at Fort Tuthill County Park south of town. The symphony takes the stage at 3 p.m. to play some of classical music’s more rousing tunes (if not a dash of John Philip Sousa).
With the “1812 Overture” ringing in your ears, it’s time for fireworks. At 3 p.m., gates open for Lights on the Lawn at Continental Country Club, 2380 N. Oakmont Drive. Enjoy a fireworks display, live entertainment, kids activities and plenty of food and drink. The event runs until 10 p.m.
Details: www.flagstaffarizona.org.
Prescott
Life in this small town revolves around Courthouse Square. But when it comes to July Fourth, the towering elms would make it very difficult to watch fireworks.
That’s why the annual show unfurls at Mile High Middle School, 300 S. Granite St., allowing for a tree-free viewing experience. But with food vendors, live music, inflatables and a beer garden, you could close your eyes and pretend you’re in Courthouse Square. Just be sure to open them when fireworks are launched at 9 p.m.
Gates open at noon. General admission is $5; for $10 kids get unlimited access to the bounce houses.
Details: www.prescott-az.gov.
Cottonwood
When the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence, July 4 was likely a gorgeous summer day with temperatures that invited everyone outside.
If only the founders had given the slightest thought to Arizona, even though the state was more than a century away. The Fourth of March would have made for a nice Independence Day.
If you can’t have cooler temperatures, at least you can have water slides at Cottonwoods Fantastic Family Fourth of July. There also will be games, a watermelon-eating contest and inflatables.
The free event starts at 4 p.m. at Cottonwood Kids Park, next to the Verde Valley Fairgrounds at 12th and Cherry streets. Fireworks start at 8:45 p.m. Parking at the fairgrounds is $1.
Details: www.cottonwoodaz.gov.
Payson
Arizona doesn’t have an official (or unofficial) most patriotic town, but Payson certainly makes a good case with its Fourth of July celebration.
At 8 a.m., join Payson’s Patriotic Committee for a flag-raising and reading of the Declaration of Independence.
Activities continue at 1 p.m. for the red, white and true-blue. The fun and games include sack races and egg toss- es. Music starts at 4 p.m. with the Take Cover Band, playing classic hits from Johnny Cash to the Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin (wearing your boogie shoes is optional).
At 9 p.m., a fireworks show lights the sky. Well, unless there are steady winds or thunderstorms, not uncommon in the Payson area in early July. But don’t worry, the rockets will be launched as soon as it’s safe.
Shuttle buses to the free event at Green Valley Park start running at 5:30 p.m. from the Payson High School administration parking lot, 301 S. McLane Road. Details: www.paysonrimcountry.com.
Sedona
Not everyone wants to spend hours outside waiting for fireworks. If you prefer splashing to sparklers, Sedona’s Wet Fest may be just the thing.
Enjoy a dip in the community pool or head just outside the gates for waterbased slides and activities. There will be plenty of food for sale.
The Wet Fest is noon-4 p.m. at the Sedona Community Pool, 570 Posse Ground Road. That still gives you plenty of time to head to the fireworks in Cottonwood or Flagstaff if that’s how you roll on Independence Day.
Details: www.sedonaaz.gov.
Show Low
Thanks to altitude that keeps the unbearable heat at bay, Show Low’s Freedomfest is a splendid way to spend Independence Day.
A parade along Deuce of Clubs starts things off at 9 a.m. After a break for lunch or a nap, head to the Show Low football stadium, 500 W. Old Linden Road, for festivities that include live music, food and the Fun Zone (wristbands are $10 for unlimited fun).
The free (except for those wristbands) event starts at 3 p.m. with fireworks launching at 9 p.m.
Details: showlowchamber.com.