Small towns love their July 4th celebrations. The community gathers to wave flags, sing songs, and celebrate the place that everyone calls home. In Aspen, this is no exception.
Cannons and Competition
Late sleepers and timid canines - beware! At approximate 5:30 a.m., a cannon (or many) is released from the east side of town near Smuggler Mountain. This tradition is years old, and the holiday would not be complete without this old-fashioned celebration.
At 8 a.m., join hundreds of runners - visitors and locals alike - in the Boogie's Diner 5-mile race. This race is a fund-raiser for the Buddy Program, a local program that provides adult mentors for the young people of the greater Roaring Fork Valley. The race starts in downtown Aspen, in front of Boogie's Diner (a great place to hit after the race for milkshakes and burgers). After a rousing Star Spangled Banner, some warm-up aerobics, and some good people-watching, the elite heat (those that can finish the race in under 40 minutes) starts. Fifteen minutes later, the second heat starts. The course winds its way through the streets of Aspen, joining the Rio Grande trail, where racers spread out and the pace is set. The first half of the race is fairly easy; don't get fooled by the slight downhill nature of the course! The race finishes back in front of Boogie's Diner. A good warm-up for a long day!
For those who prefer a more leisurely start, a one-mile family/canine walk race takes off at 9:15.
America's Birthday Carnival
Paepcke Park is transformed into a maze of fun, with stations for face-painting, games and prizes, bar-b-que, silent auction, house-of-bounce, and a climbing wall. The Kids Carnival is produced by and benefits a local pre-school. The fun begins before the parade, and continues into the afternoon.
Other Picnics
Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club holds a community picnic at Koch Park at 1:00. The Aspen Art Museum hosts a complimentary picnic at the museum at 1:30.
The Parade
The parade begins at 1:00 with a fly-over by Air Force jets. Hundreds of motorcycles rip down Main Street on the heels of the jets, announcing the beginning of the parade. Typical of a small town, the parade features hordes of kids on bikes, firetrucks, collector vehicles, and many golden retrievers. Watch for interesting floats assembled by the many non-profit organizations in town such as Aspen Junior Hockey, the Aspen Art Museum, and Theater Aspen.
Free Music
The Aspen Music Festival free 4th of July Concert is a must-see. Held in the Benedict Music Tent, this annual tradition includes the Aspen Music Festival and School band performing rousing patriotic favorites. This year's concert features Lawrence Isaacson, conductor, and Brian Haase, baritone.
Dancing in the Streets
Downtown streets are cleared for a community street dance from 8-10 p.m. At 9:15, weather permitting, a specatucular fireworks display occurs over Aspen Mountain. Visible from almost anywhere in Aspen, this extravaganza is like no other.
For more information, contact the Aspen Chamber Resort Association.
