IT’S SHOWTIME
This Fourth of July will be a socially distanced one for many metro Phoenix communities and cities across the state.
While some cities will hold modified versions of their usual events in an effort to allow for safer spacing, others have canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Mesa will hold a socially distanced drive-in fireworks show where cars can park in every other parking spot.
Scottsdale’s drive-in fireworks show at WestWorld is sold out.
The firing of the anvil tradition in the town of Taylor will take place early on Independence Day, and Lake Havasu’s fireworks will light up the sky above the Colorado River. The mayor of Eagar said the Fourth of July parade will go on.
Here are the fireworks displays throughout metro Phoenix and across the state that are still taking place.
Apache Junction
Rather than an in-person event, Superstition Shadows Park will host fireworks that can be seen from nearby backyards, a parking lot or via livestream.
“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/ajparks andrec.
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.
There will be a fireworks show at Ed Hooper Rodeo Park, but city officials are asking residents to watch it online from home.
“Fourth of July celebration is still on, but no public gathering/drive-up on event grounds will be allowed as originally planned. Residents are now asked to watch fireworks from home/yard,” according to the city’s Facebook page.
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.
Mesa
The drive-in fireworks show in Mesa will take place at the former Fiesta Mall.
Guests will use every other parking spot and can sit outside their vehicles; which side they should sit on will be announced ahead of time to ensure social distancing. Following guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is encouraged, as are face coverings.
You can tune in to 94.5 FM for pre-show entertainment. Event updates are at http://arizonacelebrationof freedom.com/?page_id=61.
The following will not be allowed:
Alcohol, contraband or illegal substances. i Firearms and weapons. i Personal fireworks, sparklers firecrackers. i Glass bottles. i Laser pointers. i Non-ADA-approved carts or scooters.
Tents or canopies.
Details: 9 p.m. Saturday, July 4. Fiesta Mall, 1425 W. Southern Ave., Mesa. Free. http://arizonacelebration offreedom.com/?page_id=61.
iiPeoria
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Peoria’s All-American Festival will be online and at home this year.
The city has a schedule of suggested activities that people can participate in from home, such as a barbecue cook-off, line dancing and cannonball competition.
Here’s how to tune in to the festivities and fireworks:
Facebook: https://www.face book.com/CityofPeoriaAz.
YouTube: https://www.you tube.com/user/PeoriaChannel11AZ.
TV: Cox Channel 11 or CenturyLink Channel 8509.
Details: Noon Saturday, July 4. Free. 623-773-7137, https://www.peoria az.gov/government/departments/ neighborhood-and-human-services/ festivals-and-special-events/4th-ofjuly-festival.
iiiScottsdale
Note: This event is sold out.
The drive-in celebration at WestWorld of Scottsdale includes a fireworks show that provides for social distancing, plus hot dogs, tacos, soft drinks and alcohol for sale from the Original AZ Taco Festival Truck.
Patrons are asked to stay within their assigned spaces — 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.
Bisbee
The city’s only official Fourth of July event this year will be the annual fireworks at Vista Park.
Details: 8 p.m. Saturday, July 4. Vista Park, near Ruppe Avenue and West Vista Street. Free. 520-432-6002.
Lake Havasu City
Lake Havasu’s annual Fireworks Over the Lake will go forward. The fireworks will be set off at Spectator Point by the Nautical Beachfront Resort around 9 p.m. and can be viewed from various locations.
Rotary Park: Free parking; No coolers, alcohol or pets permitted.
Nautical Beachfront Resort: Free parking; no coolers or outside alcohol
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London Bridge Beach: Free parking; coolers allowed.
Thompson Bay: boat.
Details: 9-9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 4. Thompson Bay near the Nautical Beachfront Resort, 1000 McCullen Blvd. North, Lake Havasu City. Free. 928-4533444, https://www.golakehavasu.com.
iiPrescott
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A drive-in fireworks show will take place at Watson Lake Park. “Fireworks will still be displayed with a drive-in movie at Watson Lake,” according to the event’s website. There will be a limited number of food vendors, and food and beverages can be brought in.
The previously announced inflatables, water slides, beer garden and shuttle service will no longer be offered. Gates will open at 5 p.m. Parking is first come, first served and there’s a $10 parking fee. Spectators must remain in their cars.
To watch the fireworks from outside the park, parking on State Route 89 is available on a first-come basis beginning at 7 p.m., according to the city’s website. Vehicles must enter from the roundabout at Willow Lake Road and State Route 89.
Details: 5 p.m. Saturday, July 4. Watson Lake Park, 3101 Watson Lake Road, Prescott. $10 for parking. 928-777-1552, http://www.prescott-az.gov/city-ofprescott-fourth-of-july-fireworksshow.
Taylor
While the Fourth of July rodeo has been canceled, several Independence Day events will still take place in the small town near Snowflake.
The firing of the 80-pound anvil will happen at 5 a.m. A free pancake breakfast will start at 7 a.m. at the pavilion (202 W. Center St., Taylor). Fireworks will go off around 9 p.m. at Freeman Park.
Details: Fireworks are at 9 p.m. Saturday, July 4. Freeman Park, 392-428 Paper Mill Road, Taylor. Free. https:// snowflaketaylorchamber.org/event/ taylor-66th-annual-night-rodeo/? instance_id=54081.
Show Low
Fireworks are planned, but there will be no events ahead of the fireworks or accommodations to watch in person.
Show Low TV: Sparklight cable Channel 56 and 1056.
City of Show Low Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cityof showlow.
Show Low TV: https://www.you tube.com/user/city4tv.
Details: 9-9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 4. Near Show Low High School, 1201 N. Cougar Lane, Show Low. Free. 928-5324140.
iiiSierra Vista
The Sierra Vista Rotary Club will host a fireworks display starting at 8 p.m.
While Veterans Memorial Park and other local parks will be open, the fields near Domingo Paiz Sports Complex will be closed to “discourage people (from) congregating in large groups,” according to Public Information Officer Adam Curtis.
“Everyone is urged to safely social distance while viewing the display from their home, vehicle or at an outdoor public space,” Curtis said.
Details: 8 p.m. Saturday, July 4. Domingo Paiz Sports Complex, near 3300 E. Tacoma St., Sierra Vista. Free. https://www.sierravistaaz.gov.
Canceled shows
The Fabulous Phoenix 4th at Steele Indian School Park, was canceled, along with all other events at Phoenix parks. Tempe Town Lake’s annual festival and the annual show at Westgate Entertainment District in Glendale were canceled as well.
Fourth of July celebrations were also canceled in Buckeye, Carefree, Chandler, Flagstaff, Florence, Fountain Hills, Gilbert, Glendale, Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Payson and Surprise.