Independence Day brings out flags and fireworks

Independence Day is right around the corner, when we celebrate Uncle Sam’s birthday with fireworks, food and family gatherings. In the communities of Wellington and Red Feather Lakes, traditional celebrations range from fishing contests to the Northern Plains Car & Truck Show, plus impressive fireworks shows in the evening. Check these out, as well as the downtown fun in Fort Collins on the Fourth.

Wellington
A full day of activities is planned in Wellington on July 4. To get everyone fueled up for the day, the annual pancake breakfast will run from 7 to 10 a.m. at The Filling Station.

The Fourth of July Parade begins at 10 a.m. on Cleveland Avenue, going from Wellington Boulevard to Fifth Street. Grand marshals for this year’s parade are Chuck and Sue Mayhugh. The couple have headed up the all-volunteer Wellington Pet Dog Show the past four years, and they are active with the Wellington Area Chamber of Commerce. Chuck Mayhugh also serves on the town planning commission.

After the parade, activities will take place both at Library Park and Centennial Park, with a free shuttle service between the two areas. Beginning at 11 a.m., vendors will be on hand offering food and handcrafted items for sale.

The afternoon is full of activities, including a Kids’ Zone from 1 to 3 p.m., a free ice cream social at 2 p.m. and performances by the Suicidal Lifestyles Stunt Team at 2:30 and 4:30 p.m. Live music will be provided by Barely Gettin’ By, John Shaffer and Billy Varn.

From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Northern Plains Car & Truck Show will display dozens of vehicles in several different categories at Centennial Park downtown. Folks can also enjoy lawn mower races, a tractor show and a tractor/truck pull one block north of Washington Avenue just off County Road 7.

The festivities will wrap up with Wellington’s famous fireworks about 9 p.m. at Library Park.

Red Feather Lakes
Red Feather Lakes plans a two-day celebration on July 2 and 3. Jessica Kay will finish her one-year reign as Red Feather Lakes Princess during the festivities. The Red Feather resident, daughter of Nancy Kay, attends Poudre High School.

Saturday events will include an arts and crafts show from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the POA buildings and the fire barn.

The popular Kids’ Fishing Contest will reel them in to Ramona Lake Saturday morning. Children 4 to 8 may register at 8:30 a.m. and fish from 9 to 10 a.m. Youth 9 to 14 may register at 10 a.m. and fish from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Prizes will be awarded at 12:30 p.m. at the POA building.

Also on Saturday, members of Morning Star Community Church will serve a barbecue lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The parade through downtown Red Feather begins at 2 p.m.

Saturday events will culminate with the fireworks show at dusk.

On Sunday, the Red Feather Lakes Lions Club will host a pancake breakfast at the POA building from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. At 3 p.m., the new Red Feather Lakes Princess will be crowned at the annual POA meeting.

Sunday activities will wrap up with a bingo game at 7 p.m. and a raffle drawing at 8 p.m.

Fort Collins
An all-day Fourth of July celebration is planned for Fort Collins in Old Town Square. Running from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., the event features live music, a beer garden, a bungee trampoline, food, desserts and children’s attractions including a pie-eating contest. The music lineup will showcase regional bands including Bonnie and her Clydes and The Informants.

Shuttle buses to City Park will be available at the Downtown Transit Center and CSU Moby Arena from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m.

At dusk, about 9:30 p.m., the fireworks show over Sheldon Lake will conclude Independence Day festivities.

At the Avery House
The Avery House Old-Fashioned Fourth of July will run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on July 4 at 328 W. Mountain Ave. The celebration will include 1890s music, games, story telling, tours of the historic home, a dress-up booth, food and a flag ceremony. The event is free to the public. Info: 221-0533.

FireKracker 5k
The annual FireKracker 5k race is set for 8 a.m. on July 4 at City Park. The family event features a free Kids’ Fun Run, a fast flat course, raffle prizes, T-shirts and post-race refreshments. The Fun Run begins at 9 a.m. near the swimming pool, with no registration necessary. Race registration is $23 for adults (15 and older), $18 for Fort Collins Running Club members, $18 for youth (14 and younger) and $30 for day-of-race registration.

To register, go to www.runningguru.com or register in person at Runners Roost, 2720 Council Tree Ave., Suite 112; or Foot of the Rockies, 150 E. Harmony Road, Unit 2-C.

Green Party event
The Poudre Valley Green Party will host its annual Red, White, Blue and Green Party on July 4, 3 to 7 p.m., at Avogadro’s Number in Fort Collins. Musical acts will include Liz Barnez and John Magnie of the Subdudes/3 Twins, along with The Gremlins, winners of last year’s City Talent Show. Green Giant Awards, recognizing those who embody the 10 key values of the Green Party, will be presented. Suggested donation of $5. Info: 214-4548.