This year Durango will again dazzle its residents and visitors with a series of family-oriented events promoted as Durango's annual “Salute to America”.
This year’s special added attraction will be the Friday evening, June 29th appearance of the New Mexico National Guard’s 44th Army Band. The 46 musician band will perform a free concert of patriotic music at the Rotary Park gazebo from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. The show will open with a presentation of the colors by the VFW Color Guard backed by brass and drums. Parking will be limited.
The July 4th Holiday festivities begin with the Freedom Fun Run/Walk presented by Parks and Recreation beginning at 9 a.m. sharp and starting from Rotary Park. This event has no entry fees and invites all levels of runners and walkers to join in the fun for prizes and surprises. Participants, friends and family can celebrate with a great breakfast afterwards.
The popular Gourmet Pancake Breakfast, organized by Rotary Club of Durango, is also held at Rotary Park and features varieties of fruit topped pancakes, eggs, juice, and coffee. Tickets can be pre-purchased from members of the Rotary Club of Durango, and at the event. Serving time will be 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
The center of activity then moves to Buckley Park for American Voices, a Public Reading of Major American Documents presented by Fort Lewis College. "This event goes to the heart of the day, and underscores the meaning of freedom in America”, says Bob Kunkel, the City’s downtown event coordinator. The reading will be from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. in Buckley Park and feature the Declaration of Independence.
Parents rejoice as their kids (18 and under) can sell their old toys, sports gear, clothes, music, and books at the Kids-to-Kid’s Flea Market, sponsored by Wells Fargo Bank. The event will move to Buckley Park and begin at noon. Bank staff will assist kids with set-up, money transactions, and refreshments. Space is free but must be reserved by contacting Missy Raso at 385-9349. Some families might even go home with more than they brought.
Kiwanis Club and their many sponsors will again host the popular family Picnic In the Park and BBQ-Cook-Off. This is a full day of food, drink, music, magic, vaudeville and games held at Buckley Park from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Special features are Durango's family entertainers and Hometown Hero awards. Important local persons should beware of the dunk tank committee looking for “volunteers”.
The evening events are all held on Main Avenue and begin with the Stars and Stripes Parade. The parade begins at 6 p.m. sharp and travels north from 5th Street and Main Ave. to 12th Street. Parade entrants will be led by a Color Guard made up of representatives of the United Veterans Council. Other highlights include the popular Tin Lizzies, a high-wheeler bicycle group, and many community clubs and organizations. Parade entrants are welcome and should call Pam Glasco at 970-375-5067.
As the last parade entrant passes by, the entertainment will begin and locals and visitors alike can enjoy several hours of great music and dancing at the Salute to America Street Dance presented by the City of Durango. The music of the High Rollers will be featured, beginning around 6:30 p.m. and end with the first BOOM of the fireworks. Coca-Cola products and local brews from SKA Brewing will be available. The 800 block of Main Avenue will be closed to traffic until 10 p.m.
Topping off the day’s celebration will be the Salute to America Fireworks display presented by Durango Fire and Rescue. The show boasts over 2200 charges and last nearly a half-hour. Most locals have their favorite viewing spot, and newcomers can find many great downtown locations from which to enjoy the show. Start time is planned for dark, approximately 9:15 p.m.
With many great evening attractions planned for downtown, the area will be busy. Locals are encouraged to walk, bike, and car pool or use the public transit system for quicker access in and out of downtown. Parking is available in public lots, on side streets and in after-hour private lots.