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 the America’s independence.
Carnivals, parades, fireworks, farmer’s markets, a rock climb on a national treasure, motorcycle rides and rodeos were among the events marking the day in the Centennial State — so named for its birth 100 years after the nation’s.
Fireworks were slated for Denver, Aspen, Highlands Ranch, Morrison, Blackhawk, Boulder, Breckinridge, Commerce City, Estes Park, Fort Collins, Georgetown, Grand Lake, Steamboat Springs, Pueblo, the Air Force Academy and other venues.
But for other Coloradoans, 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 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.”
Music fans enjoyed the Peak to Peak Music Festival at Nederland’s Guercio Ballfield, following the mountain town’s annual parade.
Across the High Country, revelers dodged afternoon showers that left behind a cool, pleasing mist, said volunteers and organizers reached by phone.
“Hey, this is the mountains in the summertime,” said Breckenridge July Arts Festival director Mark Beling, as he spoke on the phone over the hubbub of a busy a festival.
He estimated this year’s crowd of more than 15,000 could be double that of recent years.
In Aspen, the festivities began with an 8 a.m. five-mile race and included not only fireworks but also a carnival, a fly-by of U.S. Air Force jets and dancing in the streets into the night, according to organizers.
The Colorado National Monument near Grand Junction kept alive a high-flying tradition.
At 5 a.m., about 30 recreational climbers joined 11 members of Mesa County Technical Search & Rescue Team on the ascent to to plant Old Glory atop the 450-foot sandstone monolith.
The annual sunrise tradition began 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, according to the National Parks Service.
The flag will remain atop Independence Monument for a week. The Parks Service noted that flag should be illuminated by the full moon Tuesday.
The Breckenridge July Arts Festival continues Sunday with 107 artists. The show continues Sunday 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 fare at 10 a.m., a day-long market and professional rodeo Sunday evening.
In Denver, the Cherry Creek Art Festival continues Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The Greeley Stampede rodeo and festivities wraps up on Sunday at Island Grove Park.
Events include the “Flapjack Feed” at 8 a.m., followed a carnival, a demolition derby, vendors and exhibits. The Stampede concludes with a concert by Clint Clymer and the Outlaw Gypsies.
The 63rd annual Paonia Cherry Days Festival continues Sunday, beginning with a bike ride through town at 7 a.m.
Events include a community barbecue in the park, arts, crafts, entertainment and the Kids Fun Day Rodeo beginning at 1 p.m.
