Got fireworks? Got parades? Well, there will be many to choose from for the 4th of July 2012 along US Route 89. Nearly every one of the 150 cities and towns on the highway have something planned. I’ve done some research and compiled the following list. There are a wide variety of choices from big city extravaganzas to small town parades and some special and unique western events. Please note that not all of the events listed are actually on July 4th so check the websites for dates, times and places.
Arizona
Tubac Old Fashioned 4th of July
Old fashioned games for the kids in the morning at the Tubac Presidio State Park and fireworks in the evening at the Tubac Golf Resort & Spa. Shops, galleries and restaurants open all day, 10am to 5pm.
Tucson Fireworks
View the “A” mountain fireworks display from the Tucson Convention Center parking lots including food vendors and a beer garden from 7 to 9 pm.
Florence Freedom Fest
Family Day events including a horseshoe tournament, “Fiery Salsa” challenge, Red, White and Blue Family Parade, and fireworks show.
Tempe 4th
An afternoon and evening of music and fireworks in Tempe Beach Park.
Phoenix Fabulous Fourth
The Freedom Wireless Fabulous Phoenix Fourth will again highlight the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department’s Independence Day celebrations in 2012. Festivities will kick off at 6 p.m. July 4 at Steele Indian School Park, 3rd Street and Indian School Road in central Phoenix. The fireworks display will begin at 9:30 p.m.
Peoria All American Festival
Music, kids’ events, hot dog eating contest, F-16 flyover and fireworks at the sports complex.
Wickenburg Fourth of July Celebration
July 3rd-vendors, entertainment, food, fireworks “Out Wickenburg Way.”
Prescott Frontier Days
June 28-July 4-the world’s oldest rodeo and other events including a parade, dances and a fine arts and crafts show.
Clarkdale’s Old Fashioned Fourth of July
Activities start a 7 am with a pancake breakfast. The kid’s parade at 9 am is very special and is followed by activities in the town park including music performed by the Clarkdale Community Band.
Cottonwood Fantastic Family Fourth of July
End your 4th of July celebration in the Verde Valley with a watermelon eating contest, patriotic salutes and the best pyrotechnic display in northern Arizona.
Sedona: Tlaquapaque Sizzling Summer Bash
July 7th activities include music by local bands, an outdoor barbecue and a pie eating contest.
Williams Hometown 4th of July Celebration
Barbecue, home-made ice cream, a parade and fireworks on US Route 89 (they call it Route 66, but we know better).
Flagstaff Fireworks Show
The Flagstaff Mall and the Marketplace is an official viewing location for the City of Flagstaff Fireworks Show. The fantastic Fireworks show takes place behind the Flagstaff Mall.
Grand Canyon Fourth of July
The Electric Light Night Parade in Tusayan will set into motion an evening filled with live music, dancing, great food and drink.
Page Fourth of July
Activities include watermelon eating contests, three legged races, Pet “Wet T-Shirt Contest”, hotdogs and fireworks.
Utah
Gunnison Hometown Patriots Day
Start with the community dinner on July 3rd and continue with breakfast and a parade on July 4th.
Manti July 4th Celebration
A full day of events starting with ringing the bell at the American Legion, the Little Mr. and Miss Fashion Show, family events in the park and a parade.
Provo America’s Freedom Festival
July 2-4-America’s Freedom Festival honors July 4th with the Grand Parade, Hot Air Balloon Fest and the Stadium of Fire, one of the nation’s largest firework shows.
Salt Lake City 4th of July Celebration
There’s lots of activities in and around Salt Lake culminating with fireworks at the SugarHouse Park.
Wyoming
Jackson Hole 4th of July Events
Start with a pancake breakfast, enjoy the Howdy, Pardners’ Parade and fireworks at the base of Snow King Mountain.
Montana
Livingston Festival of the Arts
June 30 through July 2-Presented by the Livingston Depot Center, the show features 100 skilled artists and crafts people and the famed and acclaimed pie booth.
Great Falls Downtown 4th of July Parade
From clowns to antique cars you’ll be well entertained. The parade starts with a gun salute, plus helicopter and mercy flight fly-overs. The local municipal band and combined high school bands provide patriotic music. Finish the day with fireworks along the west bank.
Choteau July 4th Celebration
July 3-4-Events include an arts and crafts festival, volunteer fire department’s keg hockey, street dance, steak fry, rodeo and fireworks.
This is only a sampling so check your local listings if you can’t make it one of these celebrations. Have a happy and safe 4th of July on US Route 89.
