Check out the ways southern New Mexico is celebrating Independence Day this year
LAS CRUCES – The United States is getting ready to celebrate Independence Day this upcoming Tuesday. Take a look at the evens planned, starting the weekend ahead of the holiday.
Electric 5K & One-Mile Fun Run
The Las Cruces Running Club will host the annual Electric 5K and One-Mile Fun Run beginning at 7:30 p.m. Monday, July 3. The race will start at Meerscheidt Recreation Center, located at 1600 E. Hadley Ave.
Registration begins at 6:30 p.m. and is free for children 14 and under. Registration for those over 14 is $25. People can sign up online at runsignup.com or ahead of the race.
City of Las Cruces' Electric Light Parade
Following the races Monday evening, the City of Las Cruces will host the annual Electric Light Parade, named as such because of the lights and glow-in-the-dark decorations on the floats. This year’s theme is “Red, White, and BOOM!”
The parade will begin at 9 p.m. at Apodaca Park, located at 801 E. Madrid Ave. Floats will travel south on Solano Drive and east on Hadley Avenue to end at Maag Softball Complex.
City of Las Cruces Fireworks Spectacular
The City of Las Cruces’ annual Fourth of July concert and fireworks show is planned for Tuesday evening, July 4.
The night will start with music by local performer Chris Baker at 6 p.m. at the Pat and Lou Sisbarro Community Park on the New Mexico State University main campus, located at 3205 Arrowhead Dr. Las Cruces country musician and former “American Idol” contestant Dzaki Sukarno will take the stage at 6:45 p.m.
The headliner for the evening, Randy Houser, will take over the entertainment at 8 p.m. until the fireworks display begins at 9:45 p.m.
Gates open at 4 p.m. and attendees will be required to go through a bag check. People are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets, umbrellas, sunscreen and hats, however grilling, personal fireworks, RVs and overnight parking will not be allowed. Food and drink vendors will be on site.
All festivities are free and open to the public.
Boom Bash 2023 at Blue Moon Bar & Grill
Head north on Valley Drive to the Blue Moon Bar & Grill for its third annual Boom Bash. Festivities will start at 7 p.m. Friday, June 30 at the bar, located at 13060 N. Valley Dr.
The Yarbrough Band of Las Cruces is providing musical entertainment and a large fireworks display will follow. R&N Shuttle will provide shuttle service for the evening.
Seats can be reserved by calling 575-888-0230.
Mesilla Valley Concert Band Fourth of July Concert
The Mesilla Valley Concert band will perform its Fourth of July Concert at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 4 at the Atkinson Recital Hall on the NMSU main campus, 1075 N. Horseshoe St. Michael Mapp, director of bands at NMSU, will lead the ensemble in a program of patriotic pieces in honor of the holiday. This concert is the final date for the 2022-2023 season.
The concert is free and open to the public.
Elephant Butte Fireworks Extravaganza
Friends of Elephant Butte Lake State Park are hosting the popular Fireworks Extravaganza at dusk on Saturday, July 1. Dusk is around 8 p.m. Park entry fees will be waived starting at 6 p.m. the day of the show.
People are encouraged to arrive early and enjoy hiking, swimming, fishing, boating and any number of other recreational activities offered in the area before watching the colorful explosions reflect off the water.
Elephant Butte Lake State Park is located at 101 NM-195, Elephant Butte north of Truth or Consequences.
All American Concert at the Spencer Theater
The Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts in Alto is hosting an All American Concert starting at 8 p.m. Saturday, July 1. Maestro Lonnie Klein, formerly the conductor of the Las Cruces Symphony Orchestra, will conduct a 48-member orchestra in a program of patriotic tunes for audiences.
According to the theater website, the concert will include American masterworks and folk favorites, along with military salutes, Sousa marches and Broadway standards. Featured guest soloist is singer Diane Penning.
Tickets range between $55 and $69 and can be purchased online at spencertheater.com/all-american-concert.
The Spencer Theater is located at 108 Spencer Rd., Alto.
La Viña Winery Fourth of July Festival
La Union’s La Viña Winery is hosting a holiday festival from noon to 7 p.m. July 3 and 4 with vendors, activities, wine and more for people of all ages. The winery is located at 4201 S. Highway 28, La Union.
Food trucks will be on site, as well as arts and crafts vendors. Adults 21 and up can enjoy wine by the glass or wine margaritas. Music entertainment will be provided, along with activities such as croquet, badminton and a water slide.
Attendees are welcome to bring chairs, but coolers and pets will not be allowed.
Admission for adults 21 and up is $10 and active military is $5. People under 21 will be admitted for free.
Western Playland Fireworks Celebration
Head over to Sunland Park for Western Playland Amusement Park’s annual Fireworks Celebration on 4 to 10 p.m. Tuesday, July 4. The park is also hosting live music and fireworks from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, June 30.
Cool off and enjoy yourself on one of the 25-acre park’s many rides ahead of the fireworks at 9 p.m. both nights.
Admission is $5 and ride tickets are $3 if you “Pay as You Go.” Pay One Price Bracelets are $27.65 for people 42 inches or taller and Junior Bracelets are $18.49 for people 34 to 41 inches tall.
Western Playland is located at 1249 Futurity Dr., Sunland Park.
Leah Romero is the trending reporter at the Las Cruces Sun-News and can be reached at 575-418-3442, LRomero@lcsun-news.com or @rromero_leah on Twitter.
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This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Check out the ways southern New Mexico is celebrating Independence Day this year
