Fireworks on the Fourth
Your guide to Fourth of July
The pandemic has taken some of the bang out of Fourth of July celebrations, but Valley cities are still hosting fireworks and socially distanced events.
This Independence Day will be a socially distanced one for many towns and cities in the metro Phoenix area that usually host annual celebrations and fireworks shows. • While cities such as Litchfield Park and Scottsdale will host modified versions of their usual Fourth of July events in an effort to allow for social distancing, others, including Phoenix, Tempe and Tolleson, have canceled their events entirely due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The annual “Fabulous Phoenix 4th,” one of the largest fireworks shows in the Southwest, is among the canceled events, along with all other events at Phoenix’s parks. Tempe Town Lake’s annual festival has been “suspended,” with no plans for fireworks.
Florence, Carefree and Fountain Hills do not have plans to host their usual events this year. The annual show at Westgate Entertainment District in Glendale will not go forward out of an “abundance of caution.”
In Litchfield Park, families are invited to an open swim at the recreation center during the day. At WestWorld of Scottsdale, a night of fireworks will be prefaced by a “parade of heroes” and a concert from Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers.
Here are the cities hosting fireworks and socially distanced events in the Valley for the Fourth of July:
Apache Junction
Rather than an in-person event, Superstition Shadows Park will host fireworks that can be seen from nearby backyards, a parking lot in the community or in a livestream.
Apache Junction Parks and Recreation will offer “rec packs” that include Fourth of July activities and games. They can be picked up at the AJ MultiGenerational Center on July 2 and 3 and are free for the first 100 families.
“As usual, the fireworks show will be contingent on weather and fire safety in the nearby area,” the city said in a statement to The Arizona Republic. “Residents may contact our office the week of the event to find a list of limited viewing locations near Superstition Shadows Park where they can view from their vehicle, drive-in style (email us at ajpr@ajcity.net or call 480-983-2181).”
Check Apache Junction Parks and Recreation’s Facebook page for updates on how to watch the fireworks.
Details: 8:30 p.m., Saturday, July 4. Superstition Shadows Park, 1091 W. Southern Ave., Apache Junction. Free. https://www.facebook.com/ ajparksandrec.
Buckeye
Buckeye residents are encouraged to watch this year’s 20-minute fireworks display from their cars.
Parking, which is limited at Youngker High School, will open on a first-come, first-served basis at 7:30 p.m., and the fireworks display is scheduled for 8:45 p.m. Some surrounding streets will be closed.
“To comply with CDC guidelines of large gatherings of people and physical distancing recommendations, there will be no live entertainment, food and beverage sales, or family activities this year,” according to the city.
For more details about the event, visit the city’s website: https://www. buckeyeaz.gov/residents/events-in -buckeye/independence-day-celebrati on/independence-day-celebration-faq.
Details: 8:45 p.m., Saturday, July 4. Youngker High School, 3000 S. Apache Rd., Buckeye. Free. https://www .buckeyeaz.gov/residents/events-in-bu ckeye/independence-day-celebration.
Casa Grande
Casa Grande is “set to host its annual Fourth of July fireworks display with a different flare this year,” according to the city’s website.
In order to maintain social distancing, there will be a drive-in fireworks show at Ed Hooper Rodeo Park. The parking lot will open at 7 p.m., with an entrance at Rodeo Road and Pinal Avenue and another at Pinal Avenue through the Paul Mason Sports Complex. Fireworks will begin at 9 p.m.
Concessions won’t be available. Guests are encouraged to bring their own food and drinks; alcohol is permitted at the park. There will be restrooms and hand-washing stations.
Details: 9 p.m. Saturday, July 4. Ed Hooper Rodeo Park, 2525 N. Pinal Ave., Casa Grande. Free. 520-421-8677. https://casagrandeaz.gov/calendar/4th -of-july-celebration.
Chandler
Chandler’s fireworks show is also drive-in style and will take place at Tumbleweed Park.
Parking lots will open at 7:30 p.m., with a limited number of spots available on a first-come, first-served basis. Entrances will be at Hamilton Street and Germann Road and also at McQueen Road and Celebration Way. (There will be no access for northbound traffic on McQueen Road.)
Safety protocols include:
There will be 30 feet between each vehicle.
Guests can sit inside their vehicle or on one side outside their vehicle, within their space.
There will be no tailgating, grilling, alcohol, sparklers or personal fireworks permitted.
The park’s amenities will be closed, but restrooms will be open.
Details: 7:30-9:30 p.m., Saturday, July 4. Tumbleweed Park, 2250 S.
McQueen Rd., Chandler. Free. 480-7822665, https://www.chandleraz.gov/ explore/special-events/july-4th-fire works-spectacular
Gilbert
Gilbert’s drive-in fireworks show will take place at Crossroads Park.
Weather permitting, fireworks will begin at 8:30 p.m. The parking lot will open at 6:30 p.m., and alternating spaces will be blocked to promote social distancing. Each space is limited to groups of eight or fewer people.
Guests can bring their own food or purchase concessions from a number of food trucks; vendors will be announced at a later date. Restrooms will be available, but other park amenities will be closed.
The following are prohibited: Drugs and alcohol. Smoking. Weapons or firearms. Drones. Glass containers. Personal fireworks. On-site cooking. Tents and canopies.
Details: 6:30 p.m., Saturday, July 4. Crossroads Park, 2155 E. Knox Rd., Gilbert. Free. 480-503-6200, https://www .gilbertaz.gov/departments/parks-and -recreation/special-events-and-per mits/gilbert-s-july-4th-celebration.
Goodyear
The annual fireworks at Goodyear Ballpark will be a drive-in event this year. The show will go from 8:30 to 8:50 p.m. Those who can’t attend in person can watch online at the City of Goodyear’s Facebook page (https://www .facebook.com/goodyearazgov), Goodyear’s Parks and Recreation Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/ goodyearparksandrec) or Goodyearaz.gov.
Guests will be asked to park in every other space as a precautionary measure to allow for social distancing. Overflow parking nearby will be made available.
Beginning at 7 p.m., there will be live entertainment on 102.5 FM and on the aforementioned social media pages. While the ballpark will remain closed, restrooms will be available.
Details: 8:30 p.m., Saturday, July 4. Goodyear Ballpark, 1933 S. Ballpark Way, Goodyear. Free. https://www. goodyearaz.gov/government/depart ments-divisions-a-z/parks-recreation/ recreation-programs/star-spangled -4th.
Mesa
The drive-in fireworks show in Mesa will take place at what was formerly known as Fiesta Mall.
Guests will be able to use every other parking spot and can sit outside their vehicle; which side will be announced ahead of time to ensure social distancing between parties. Following guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is encouraged — as are face masks or coverings.
You can tune in to 94.5 FM for preshow entertainment. Check http://ar izonacelebrationoffreedom.com for updates on the event.
The following will not be allowed: Alcohol, contraband or illegal substances. Firearms and weapons. Personal fireworks, sparklers or firecrackers. Glass bottles. Laser pointers. Non-ADA-approved motorized carts or scooters. Tents or canopies.
Details: 9 p.m., Saturday, July 4. Fiesta Mall, 1425 W. Southern Ave., Mesa. Free. http://www.azcelebration offreedom.org.
Litchfield Park
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., families can go to the Litchfield Park recreation center pool for open swim on July 4. It’s open to the public; admission is $3 per person, and children under 3 are admitted for free.
However, there will be a 50-person maximum capacity in the pool area in an effort to enforce social distancing. Pool chairs will be placed 6 feet away from each other, and frequently-touched items will be sanitized regularly.
In the evening, a fireworks show will begin at 9 p.m. at the Wigwam. Those interested in seeing the show are encouraged to watch from home or near the resort. Check the city’s website or call 623-935-9040 for updates on the status of the fireworks.
Details: 9 p.m., Saturday, July 4. The Wigwam, 300 E. Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park. Free. 623-935-9040, http:// www.litchfield-park.org/ calendar.aspx?EID=2149
Peoria
Peoria’s All-American Festival will be online this year
An “expended fireworks show” will be “viewable from backyards, computer screens, mobile devices and TVs,” according to the city’s website.
Fireworks will be set off from three unannounced venues in Peoria. There will be no on-site parking. Activities
such as a BBQ cook-off, patriotic bike parade and cannonball competition will be broadcast live throughout the day.
“This will be the largest 4th of July fireworks display in the Valley,” the city’s website states.
Here’s how to tune in to the festivities and fireworks:
Facebook: https://www.facebook .com/CityofPeoriaAz.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ peoriaaz.
YouTube: https://www.youtube .com/user/PeoriaChannel11AZ.
TV: Cox Channel 11 or CenturyLink
Channel 8509.
Details: 9 p.m., Saturday, July 4. Free. 623-773-7137, https://www.peoria az.gov/government/departments/nei ghborhood-and-human-services/festi vals-and-special-events/4th-of-july -festival.
Scottsdale
Scottsdale's celebration includes a fireworks show that provides for social distancing, plus concessions such as hot dogs, soft drinks and alcohol and tacos from the Original AZ Taco Festival Truck.
As for COVID-19 protocols, patrons are asked to stay within their assigned space — lawn chairs are allowed — and stay at home if they are experiencing any symptoms of illness or have traveled within the last 14 days.
Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers originally were announced as headliners for the event but the concert has been canceled.
Details: 7-9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 4. WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road. $25 per carload. http://scottsdale4th.com.
Surprise
Surprise’s festivities will be limited to a 20-minute fireworks show that will be staged around Bullard Avenue and Paradise Lane.
Those who want to see the show are encouraged to watch remotely from home or from inside their vehicles.
Parking at Surprise Stadium, Surprise Aquatic Center and Dreamcatcher Park is limited.
“While not recommended, should observers chose to drive to the Civic Center and Recreation Campus area, parking will be first come and must be done in accordance with state and local traffic laws,” according to the city’s website.
Ramada rentals and grill use at Surprise Community Park will not be allowed this year; the Aquatic Center will also be closed.
Details: 8:40-9 p.m., Saturday, July 4. Around North Bullard Avenue and West Paradise Lane. Free. 623-2222000, https://www.surpriseaz. gov/Archive.aspx?ADID=10144