The heavy, gray clouds that moved across the metro region late in the afternoon only set the stage for the sizzle and pop of the Front Range’s observance of America’s independence.
Fireworks across the state capped off a day of carnivals, parades, farmers markets, motorcycle rides, rodeos and a rock climb on a national treasure.
Fireworks were slated for Aspen, Highlands Ranch, Morrison, Boulder,Black Hawk, Breckenridge, Commerce City, Estes Park, Fort Collins, Georgetown, Grand Lake, Steamboat Springs, Pueblo, the Air Force Academy and Denver.
But for many Coloradans, the day was about more than noise and excitement.
For the Duran family, the day is about freedom, said Edgar Rodriguez- Duran, the patriarch of the large family that gathered near a lakeside pavilion at Sloan’s Lake Park on Saturday evening.
The family always celebrates together in the park, a few blocks north of their home, he said.
“The Fourth of July is about doing the things you want to do,” he said. “And this is what we like to do.”
At Colorado National Monument near Grand Junction, climbers kept a flag-flying tradition aloft.
At 5 a.m., about 30 recreational climbers joined 11 members of the Mesa County Technical Search & Rescue Team on the ascent to plant Old Glory atop Independence Monument, a 450-foot sandstone monolith.
The sunrise tradition was started by the park’s first caretaker, John Otto, on July 4, 1911.
As the flag was raised above Monument Canyon, two trumpeters from the Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra played “The Star Spangled Banner.” Hundreds of onlookers cheered as the flag unfurled.
The flag will remain atop Independence Monument for a week. The National Park Service noted that the flag should be illuminated by the full moon Tuesday.
The Breckenridge July Art Festival continues today with 107 artists, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Main Street Station and The Village at Breckenridge.
Steamboat Springs’ 106th Cowboy Roundup Days wraps up with a cattle drive down the town’s main thoroughfare at 10 a.m., a day-long market, and a professional rodeo this evening.
In Denver, the Cherry Creek Arts Festival continues today from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The Greeley Stampede rodeo and festivities wraps up at Island Grove Park.
Events include the “Flapjack Feed” at 8 a.m., followed by a carnival, a demolition derby, vendors and exhibits. The Stampede concludes with a concert by Clint Clymer & the Outlaw Gypsies.
The 63rd annual Paonia Cherry Days Festival also continues today, beginning with a bike ride through town at 7 a.m.
Joey Bunch: 303-954-1174 or jbunch@denverpost.com
