4th of July in the Valley of the Sun

Photo credit maf04

This year’s 4^th of July celebration will mark the 239^th anniversary of the birth of our nation and the signing of the Declaration of Independence.  Americans will be celebrating the way we always have with backyard barbecues, picnics, parades and, of course, fireworks!  Against the backdrop of a clear desert sky, fireworks displays in Arizona take on a particular beauty.  Here is a guide to some of the fireworks and other events planned in and around Phoenix for this 4^th of July weekend.  With a little planning, you can catch a different light and sound show every night.

July 2^nd – The long holiday weekend will kick off with a family celebration from 6:30 to 9:30 in Maryvale Baseball Park followed by Light up the Sky fireworks display at 9:10 pm.  On the same evening, Anthem Community Park will host an Independence Day Celebration complete with food and carnival rides from 6:00 – 10:00 with the fireworks set to go off at 9:30. 

July 3^rd and 4^th – Scottsdale will be home to the Independence Day Music Festival featuring Wilco, Dr. Dog and Little Big Town.  Gates will open each night at 5:00 pm with pyrotechnics after the concerts.

July 4^th – Fireworks spectaculars are planned for Tempe Beach Park, Goodyear Ballpark, the Westgate Entertainment District, Peoria Sports Complex, Wigwam Resort and Tumbleweed Park – just to name a few locations.  100,000 or more people will attend the televised Fabulous Phoenix Fourth at Steele Indian School Park.  In addition to the huge fireworks extravaganza, there will be local entertainers, a “Kid Zone” with inflatable rides, a classic car show and “Splash Zone” to cool off.   Due to the size of this event, the park will be closed to vehicular traffic in the evening and people are encouraged to travel to the event via METRO Light Rail.

At 8:00 am on the 4^th of July, the Arcadia 4^th of July Parade will welcome all patriots to its own small town parade starting at the corner of 60^th Street and Calle Tuberia.  This charming neighborhood event dates back to 1996 when a local woman planted small flags in her neighbor’s yard to mark the holiday and the tradition grew from there.

July 5^th – McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park in Scottsdale will host local bands, train and carousel rides.  Bring a blanket or chair and cap off the fabulous 4^th weekend with fine food and music.

Happy 4^th of July!  I hope your own celebration is as warm and spectacular as the sight of fireworks in the night sky over the Valley of the Sun.