4th of July parades, fireworks and more set for Independence Day in El Paso
Independence Day falls on Tuesday this year.
This Fourth of July, El Pasoans are in for a treat as an extensive range of celebrations awaits. With an array of fireworks displays, two vibrant parades, and sizable gatherings, the city is primed to cater to diverse tastes and preferences.
Over the holiday weekend, don't forget about your pets. Celebrations can lead to hundreds of pets escaping from their homes and becoming lost due to the fright sparked by fireworks. City of El Paso Animal Services and El Paso County Animal Welfare are offering pet owners tips on protecting them during the festivities.
The El Paso County Commissioners Court took "no action" regarding the sale, useor possession of fireworks for the July 4 holiday period. The deadline to ban the use of sticks andfins rockets within El Paso County was June 15. Due to "no action" taken on June 15, the sale of fireworks will remain permitted.
Looking for something to do to celebrate America? Here's a peek at what's planned in and around El Paso:
Wet N' Wild will have fireworks
Take the family out to Wet N' Wild for a day of swimming, rides and more and then stay for the fireworks on July 4. Park hours will be 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Weekday admission is $39.99 plus tax for ages 4 and up. Buy tickets online at wetnwildworld.com
Celebrate July 4 at Ascarate Park
El Pasoans are invited to enjoy a fireworks show and activities, starting at noon July 4 at Ascarate Park. Gates will close to traffic at 8 p.m. for pedestrian safety during the fireworks. A fireworks display will take place on the west side of the lake at 9:20 p.m.
Activities include swimming, food trucks, and fireworks.
The Ascarate Pool will have two swim sessions from 12 to 4 p.m., and 5 to 9 p.m. Cost: $2 for youth, and $3 for adults. Cash only. Tent rentals are available for each swim session.
Food Trucks will be set up within the park on the east side of the lake in the Special Events area. Anassortment of food trucks will be available from 3 to 10 p.m.
Ascarate Golf Course VIP Picnic Party promises a spectacular view of the fireworks with the bestseats in the park. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Ascarate Golf Pro Shop: $35 adults (18+)and $10 youth (6-17). The ticket includes dinner from Clasico, a parking pass, door prizes, backyardpicnic games and live music by Excape. Children under the age of five do not require a ticket;however, a dinner plate will not be included.Parking will be $5 per vehicle, and no charge for those who walk in the park. Picnic shelters are free and opento the public on a first-come, first-served basis. To reserve a picnic shelter, fees start at $50, and the deadline toreserve a shelter is June 30. For more information, please call 915-771-2380.
All reserved picnic shelters must check in by 4 p.m. on July 4 to avoid forfeiting the rental. No refunds will be given for late check-ins.
El Paso County Parks & Recreation would like to remind the public that no alcohol or tobacco is permitted inside Ascarate Park. Information: www.epcountyparks.com/july4.
Enjoy Chihuahuas baseball and fireworks
For the first time in its history, the El Paso Chihuahuas will play a game on Independence Day. Celebrate Fourth of July at game in which the Chihuahuas take on the Las Vegas Aviators at 6:30 p.m. at Southwest University Stadium. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Free red, white and blue light up batons while supplies last, face painting, and fireworks. Find tickets online or at the Southwest University Box Office.
Rotary Club's Independence Day Parade celebrates 25 years
The Rotary Club of West El Paso will be celebrating 25 years this year with its Independence Day Parade on July 4. The theme will be United We Stand.
The Rotary Club of West El Paso was established in 1962 and its members have been actively involved in the El Paso community ever since, according to the club's release. Since 2000, this club has donated more than $150,000 to various community projects and has been actively involved in promoting quality of life and youth initiatives throughout El Paso for 50 years.
The parade will start at 9 a.m. at Western Hills Methodist Church, 530 Thunderbird Drive, then turn left on Shadow Mountain Drive, right on Mesa Street and then proceed to Coronado High School, 100 Champions Place.
This year the parade will have cash prizes for the float winners: first place, $1000, second place $500, third place $250. Judging criteria will include patriotic music, visual impact and patriotism.
Those interested in participating in the parade have until July 1 to register. Fill out an application at July4parade.com
Parade sponsors include Citizens Bank, City Bank El Paso, the Rotary Club of West El Paso, city of El Paso, and Marathon Oil.
Lions Club July 4th parade
The annual Del Norte Lions 4th of July Eastside People's Parade will start at 9 a.m. July 4 west on Montwood Drive from Hanks High School, north on Yarbrough Drive, west on Album Avenue and then ending at Album Park.
Pop Goes the Fort concert at Fort Bliss
The El Paso Symphony Orchestra will celebrate its 12th annual "Pop Goes The Fort" concert in salute of the brave men and women of Fort Bliss and all those who served to protect our country at 7 p.m. July 4 at Biggs Park, 11388 Sergeant Major Blvd., Fort Bliss. It will be free.
Symphony conductor Bohuslav Rattay will lead the El Paso Symphony in a patriotic and pop concert including traditional Sousa marches like The Washington Post and Stars and Stripes Forever, music from E.T., Indiana Jones and Skyfall plus more. The concert will end with a spectacular fireworks display.
Gates will open at 4 p.m. No outside alcoholic beverages, glass containers or pets are allowed. Food trucks are available in the park.
Civilians interested in attending can get a Fort Bliss community access pass. Information: at https://bliss.armymwr.com/happenings/fort-bliss-community-pass; MWR at (915) 568-3500.
La Perla plans 4th of July celebration
La Perla in the Plaza Hotel is planning a 4th of July celebration from 6 p.m. to midnight July 4 with DJ entertainment, specialty food and cocktails. There will be a variety of menu specials for $20 each, such as beef sliders, chile herbed marinated riblets or chicken wings. The meals include dessert.
Entertainment will be provided by DJ Omar Jimenez, playing top 40s, pop, country and other requests. Fireworks should be visible from Southwest University Park after the Chihuahuas vs Aviators game.
A purchase of any of the menu specials includes mini vanilla and mini blue raspberry cupcakes. Reservations can be made at www.opentable.com or by calling (915) 440-0051. Fireworks from the Southwest University Park after the Chihuahuas vs Aviators game.
Enjoy Fourth of July at Ardovino's Desert Crossing
Support local vendors and celebrate Independence Day at the Annual Fourth of July Day at the Market from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 1. Enjoy music by Jason Grant from 10 a.m. to noon, pet adoptions through the Animal Rescue League of El Paso, and a market brunch from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Reservations: 575-589-0653 Ext. 1.
The restaurant also will offer a Fourth of July barbecue at 6 p.m. July 4.
Inn of the Mountain Gods will have Star Spangled celebration
Inn of the Mountain Gods in Mescalero is planning a Star Spangled Celebration July 4. Festivities start at 3 p.m. and continue until 10 p.m. with fireworks beginning at dusk. Jumping balloons will be available from 4 to 7 p.m. The event is free to attend, but guests can enhance their experience by purchasing wristbands for $10.
Due to the expected high attendance, parking at Inn of the Mountain Gods is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. To accommodate all guests, parking is provided at the Mescalero Big Game Hunting Lodge and Disc Golf. Complimentary shuttle services will be available to transport attendees to and from the celebration area.
Electric Light Parade in Las Cruces
The annual Electric Light Parade will return with a "Red, White, and BOOM!" theme at 9 p.m. July 3, at Apodaca Park, 801 Madrid, in Las Cruces. It will travel south on Solano Avenue to Hadley Avenue, where it ends at Maag Softball Complex.
U.S. Army veterans Chadwick Pilkington and Mike Strohm, and U.S. Air Force veterans Cora Black, Brian Morrow, Heidi Blair, and Vaughan Heussentamm will serve as co-grand marshals of this year's parade
Information: 575-541-2454.
María Cortés González may be reached at 915-546-6150, mcortes@elpasotimes.com and @EPTMaria on Twitter.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: 4th of July events El Paso: Here's how to celebrate Independence Day
