Brian Ford and Kevin Kroschel work at the Big Top fireworks stand in Alamosa. Part of the proceeds from fireworks sales will be donated to the Alamosa High School football program. As a reminder however, under state law any firework device that explodes or leaves the ground is probably illegal in Colorado. Residents are urged to contact their local law enforcement agencies for specific municipal and county restrictions. Fines for violating state fireworks laws can end with fines of up to $750 and six months in county jail.

By REBECCA VAN DYKE

SAN LUIS VALLEY — The Fourth of July in the San Luis Valley offers many activities for residents and guests to enjoy. Some of the events are listed below:



Alamosa



• Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast will be from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Main Street and San Juan.

• The Alamosa County Chamber of Commerce invites everyone to the Fourth of July parade that features Mat Ricci as the grand marshal this year. Ricci was instrumental in bringing the solar-powered Sun Edison plant to the Valley.

The chamber is encouraging all businesses, organizations and youth programs to join in the parade this year with the theme “Red, White, Blue Goes Green.”

This year’s parade entries include The Boys and Girls Club, The Boy Scouts, and many other youth programs.

The parade starts at 10 a.m. and goes from La Due on Main down to Ross Avenue. Call the chamber at 589-3681 for more information.

• On July 4th, the Alamosa Elks Lodge #1297 welcomes the public to attend their open house event after the parade. Lodge address is 406 Hunt Avenue in Alamosa across from city hall. The Lodge will be open from 12-6 p.m. selling hamburgers, hot dogs, bratwurst along with beer and cocktails and soft drinks.

• SLV Federal Bank Fireworks at the Alamosa Fairgrounds will begin at dusk.



Creede



• The Creede Repertory Theatre is offering entertainment for the entire family throughout the 4th of July weekend. After the annual town parade on the fourth, visitors are invited to attend the noon performance of “Meet The Beasts,” a high-energy children’s musical inspired by the fables of Aesop and La Fontaine. CRT’s hit improv comedy group “Boomtown” opens at 2 p.m. and the rowdy murder mystery musical, “Drood,” plays at 6 p.m. leaving plenty of time for audience members to enjoy the incredible fireworks display after the show.

• Creede’s small-town Fourth of July celebration is one of the best Independence Day extravaganzas in the U.S. July 4 coincides with Days of ‘92, the Colorado State Mining Championships and Creede’s population of about 300 traditionally swells to an estimated 10,000 over the Fourth of July each year.

Celebrants arrive early to get good seats for the always-unusual parade at 10 a.m. and then stay for the mining competition, food vendors, theatre productions and street artisans, with the busy day culminating in an always-spectacular fireworks display.

The Days of ‘92 competitions include spike driving, tomahawk throwing, hand and machine mucking and single jack drilling, as well as other mining challenges, open to both men and women.



Crestone



• The Town of Crestone’s annual 4th of July celebration includes events all-day, all free and open to everyone:

8 a.m.: 5 kilometer Run, Walk or Crawl Race at Curt’s Olde Fashioned Store on Cottonwood Street. Entrants may register just before 8 a.m.

8 a.m. to 11 a.m.: Pancake breakfast at the Desert Sage Restaurant

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Vendors of food, merchandise, and ideas in Little Pearl & Artisans Parks. The Artisans Gallery deck will provide entertainment.

Noon Parade: “Everybody is a Star” begins at Cottonwood and Golden, goes east on Golden, turns left on Alder past the judges on the Silver Crest Palace balcony and four blocks to a left turn on Iron Avenue, turns left on Cottonwood Street and returns to the starting point at Golden Ave.

1 p.m.: First Annual Crestone Soap Box Derby on Galena Avenue from Crestone Mart to Artisans’ Park

1:30 p.m.: Parade and Soap Box Derby awards in Artisans’ Park

5 p.m. to midnight: Crestone Volunteer Fire Department Fundraiser at the Silver Crest Palace





Del Norte



• The Del Norte Memorial Post 406 of the Colorado American Legion schedules a Flag Retirement Ceremony in Del Norte on the Fourth of July. The ceremony is scheduled for sundown in the park near the town hall. Please see to it your United States Flag is properly retired from service. Donate it to the American Legion.





Monte Vista



• The eleventh annual Farm and Ranch Heritage Days and old fashioned Fourth of July celebration will take place on July 4 and 5 a Ski Hi Park in Monte Vista. The celebration will include antique tractor pulls, games, live music, family games, hayrides, and food and craft vendors. The fireworks show will be on Sat., July 5 just after dark. For more information, contact the Monte Vista Chamber of Commerce at 852-2731.





Mosca



• For the Fourth of July weekend, Colorado Gators Reptile Park will be offering free fishing in Two Mile Creek and a free boat ride on The African Queen, built by Tom Klein, which is visiting Colorado Gators for a limited time. Two Mile Creek is a 65-acre wetlands area that discharges the water from the fish and gator operation. One hundred twenty-five different species of birds have been spotted on Two Mile Creek. Free boat rides on the African Queen from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, July 4 through 6, and free catch and release fishing all day. Please bring your own equipment. Bring the whole family for free wholesome fun. Colorado Gators is open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, located 17 miles north of Alamosa on Hwy 17, and features 400 alligators. For more information, call 719-378-2612 or visit www.ColoradoGators.com







South Fork



• The Town of South Fork announces that the Farmers Market will be coming back to the Visitors Center parking lot starting July 4, and will be held each Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Vendor fees will apply, but are open to a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, meats, cheese, soap, baked and much more.

• July 4 through 6: Open Air Marketplace from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Visitor’s Center parking lot.

• July 4 schedule:

Farmers Market: 8 a.m. to noon

One mile Fun Run 5K: 9 a.m.

Parade: America, the Beautiful: 1 p.m.

Fire Department Catfish Fry: 11 a.m. until the food runs out at the Fire Station. Cost is $9 adults, $5 children.

Children’s Fun and Games: 3, 4 and 6 p.m. at the Visitor’s Center parking lot

Kiwanis Chili Dinner: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Community Building on Highway 149. Cost is $6 adults, kids under 12, $3

Street Dance and live music: 3 p.m. until fireworks

Dance competition: 8:15 p.m. at the Visitor’s Center parking lot

Fireworks: 9:30 p.m.