Back in 1776, the 13 colonies signed the Declaration of Independence and collectively decided to stop caring about Mother England (except for all the royal weddings).
Americans decided that every July 4th was reserved to celebrate this fact. If you’re looking to observe such a holiday, here is a list of events happening on the 4th in Fort Collins.
Mountain Ave., 10 a.m.
The Independence Day parade is a Fort Collins tradition. It starts at 10 a.m. and will be going west on Mountain Avenue, starting at Meldrum Street and ending at Jackson Avenue. It is set up this way this year to better accommodate for the Firecracker 5k.
City Park, 7:30 a.m.
For those who want to get some steps in before they chow down on burgers and hot dogs in the evening, the annual FireKracker 5k may be the activity to try. It is for anyone at all ages and abilities to walk, run, dance, or whatever you want for the race. There is the Citizen’s 5k, and elite/competitive 5k and a free kids race.
‘Independence Day’ on Independence Day
Lyric Cinema, 5 p.m.
The Lyric Cinema is always here to offer festivities with their usual quirky way. A showing of Will Smith’s sci-fi action film, “Independence Day.” As The Lyric says this “fast-paced adventure filled with expensive special effects and large-scale action sequences” shows the story of Jeff Goldblum and Will Smith taking down some aliens.
The 5th Annual 4th of July Block Party
Avogadro’s Number, 2 p.m.
At 2 in Avogadro’s Number, the 5th annual 4th of July FoCo Block Party begins. The party includes live music, DJ’s, Avo’s food, dancing, free beer, free shots and an annual water war. “The family it’s built over the last 4 years has been incredible; energetic, fun, friendly, and we have to thank you for being so respectful to the neighborhood in the years prior,” reads the event on Facebook. It is $15 entry or $10 in advance.
1879 Avery House, 10 a.m.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on West Mountain Avenue, the 1879 Avery House puts on an Old Fashioned Fourth of July. At this event there will be live music, old-fashioned games (think croquet and bean bag toss), kids crafts, the opportunity to dress in Victorian style clothes or “Grandma’s Attic” style clothes, lemonade, popcorn and trinkets, all sold at old-fashioned prices. A tour of the landmark Avery House is also available.
And of course,
City Park, 4:15 p.m.
Starting at 4:15, local bands, including The Colorado Swing Band, Guerrilla Fanfare Brass Band, and the Fort Collins Symphony led by CSU’s own Wes Kenney. All in City Park leading up to the traditional fireworks at 9:45 p.m.
Collegian reporter Maddie Wright can be reached at entertainment@collegian.com or on Twitter @maddierwright.
