The Pagosa Springs Fourth of July Parade is gearing up to be one of Pagosa’s annual highlights.
Just visualize all those groomed horses, strutting their stuff, proudly ridden by rodeo and Indian nation royalty… braided manes, silver trimmed saddles… a colorful, proud tradition. Kids on decorated bikes, flag bearers, veterans, fire engines, theater groups, all loved by the crowd, locals and visitors alike…
It’s the perfect start to celebrate the birth of our nation.
Then there’s those daring young men in their flying machines who will once again be doing their formation flying over the start of the parade on Hot Springs Boulevard, just south of U.S. 160, at 10am sharp. Pagosa’s San Juan Formation Squadron, accompanied by members of the formation team of Chile Flight from Albuquerque, N.M., will make three passes, in three different formations, over the parade.
Other July 4th events include the Park to Park Artisan and Food Market in Town Park and across Hermosa Street in the athletic field (July 2-3, 10:00am – 5:00pm; July 4, 10:00am – 4:00pm); the Pagosa Springs Community Band at The Springs Resort & Spa (2pm); and the Red Ryder Roundup Rodeo at the County Fairgrounds (July 2, 6pm; July 3, 6pm; July 4, 2pm).
Because of the continuing McCabe Creek/6th Street construction, the July 4th parade route has a changed this year. The staging area will be on the vacant parcel to the south of Bank of the San Juans on Hot Springs Boulevard. This will also be the area for checking in at the registration desk, and the start and end of the parade. The parade will proceed north to the stop light, making a right onto Pagosa Street/U.S. 160, right onto 2nd Street, right onto Hermosa and making a left onto Hot Springs Boulevard back to the staging area.
For those entering the parade, separate waivers will be required from all participants and are included with the application. These forms must be signed along with proof of insurance and a copy of your driver’s license for any entry that is a street-legal vehicle. Checking in at the regis- tration desk is a must to receive your entry number and position in the parade.
For those watching the parade, it is important to note, there will be no parking along the entire parade route.
Applications, maps and general information are now available at Town Hall or at www.pagosasprings.co.gov. You can hand-deliver your application to Town Hall, or download, scan and email to www.parade@pago- sasprings.co.gov. The deadline is today, Friday July 1, at noon and entries will not be accepted after this deadline…
You can be a part of one of the hottest events of the year, in one of the coolest mountain towns you’ll ever see. Whether you’re a participant in the parade or a spectator, it’s bound to be a fun celebration.