4th of July happenings around Southern Arizona | Community Spirit

NOTE: Please call ahead using the numbers provided below to confirm that the event you want to attend has not been canceled because of weather or adverse conditions.

It’s that time of year again – when fireworks light up the sky in celebration of the nation’s birthday.  Here is a rundown so far of events being held across Southern Arizona. 

TUCSON -

**The Hilton Tucson El Conquistador is hosting a Fourth of July celebration extravaganza.

WHEN:  9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

WHERE:  Hilton Tucson El Conquistador resort (10000 North Oracle Rd, Tucson 85704)

COST:  Resort guests $27 adults, $12 children (5-12 years old); Non-resort guests $32 adults, $15 children (5-12 years old).  Prices exclude a tax and gratuity. Children 4 and younger eat for free (for both resort and non-resort guests).

RESERVATIONS: Required for the event, please call (520)544-5000 or visit the website at www.hiltonelconquistador.com.

The schedule for fun starts at 9 a.m. at the resort’s Desert Springs Pool, with activities, games and music for all.  When fun at the pool is done guests can move over to the ‘Last Territory’ for a BBQ dinner, served buffet style from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Guests when finished with dinner can head over to the Pusch Ridge Golf Course for a little listening pleasure with DJ music and a live performance from The Twilight Band, starting at 7 p.m.  And rounding off the day will be a 30 minute fireworks display at 9 p.m.

 

**Desert Diamond Casino is sponsoring the 2012 Fireworks Celebration at ‘A’ Mountain.  This will be their third consecutive year to do so.

WHEN:  9:15 p.m.

WHERE:  'A' Mountain, but viewing locations vary according to how much traffic (both human and vehicle) you are willing to endure.

COST:  FREE

First on the list for locations is the Tucson Convention Center (TCC) Parking Lot B, off Granada Avenue between Congress and Cushing Streets.  Parking is FREE!  TCC’s Food and Beverage Department will be selling refreshments between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Other locations for fireworks viewing (and free parking) are:

• The 22nd Street Lot at the Interstate 10 frontage road (northeast corner)
• The Mercado West End Dirt Lot, south of Congress Street and west of the Santa Cruz River. (Vendors will be selling food)
• The City/State Parking Garage at 498 W. Congress, at the northeast quadrant of I-10 and Congress Street

Due to Streetcar construction drivers are encouraged to use either 22nd Street or the I-10 frontage roads to access the viewing locations.  Drivers are also reminded that Mission Road will be closed from Starr Pass Boulevard to Congress Street starting at 5 p.m. (to lessen the impact on residents in the area) and will reopen as traffic clears from the viewing locations.  Drivers are also reminded not to use residential streets west of I-10 as parking lots or as access into and out of the free parking areas. 

 

***Westin La Paloma hosting Fourth of July activities for guests.  Fireworks not included.

WHEN:  10:30 a.m. starts the festivities for guests

WHERE:  Westin La Paloma

The Westin La Paloma has cancelled their fireworks display by direction of the Pima County Board of Supervisors, due to a heightened fire danger in the area.

The Westin La Paloma's general manager, Jonathan Litvack said "We regret having to cancel the fireworks show knowing that our guests, neighbors, and associates were all looking forward to the celebration. The safety of guests, neighborhoods, and surrounding natural environment is of utmost importance to us, therefore we respect and support the Board of Supervisors decision to cancel the display."

The Westin La Paloma will still be hosting a full day of fun activities for resort guests. The schedule will be as follows:

• 10:30 am - Dive for Gold! (family pool)
• 11 am - Dizzy Bat race (Mesa Verde)
• 11:30 am - Limbo Contest (Mesa Verde)
• 12:30 pm - American Flag Cookie Decorating (fun patio)
• 1:30 pm - Learn how to make a Balloon Poodle (fun patio)
• 2:30 pm - Watermelon Eating Contest (fun patio)
• 3:30 pm - Temporary Tattoos (fun patio)
• 4 pm - Hula Hoop Contest (Mesa Verde)
• 4:30 pm - Simon Says (Mesa Verde)
• 5 pm - SlideWinder Race (pool slide)
• 6 pm - Water Balloon Toss (Mesa Verde)

AZUL will feature an All American Buffet from 5-9 p.m., featuring barbecue chicken, hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad, cole slaw, apple cobbler and brownies for $22/person.

 

 

**The Tucson Padres will host their own 4th of July fireworks spectacular, on July 3, sort of a pre-fourth fireworks practice.

WHEN: July 3 - 5:30 gates open, 7:05 game, fireworks time after the game.

WHERE:  Kino Stadium

COST: ticket prices vary depending on seating in the stadium.

For more information on tickets for this game (you have to hurry as this is one of the largest draws to Padres games and tickets go fast!) please visit: http://www.milb.com/index.jsp?sid=t549

 

**Centennial Hall to host “Let Freedom Ring”

WHEN:  July 4 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

WHERE:  Centennial Hall

COST:  Free, but donations are gladly accepted. Tickets are required.  You can request up to four free tickets by calling (520)319-0400 or by email at www.arts-express.org.  If you don’t have a ticket, but would like to attend anyhow seating is on a first come, first serve basis. 

 

**Davis-Monthan will be holding their own Fourth of July fireworks ‘spectular’.

WHEN:  Pre-fireworks festivities 6 p.m., fireworks start at 9 p.m.

WHERE:  Davis-Monthan Air Force Base – Bama Park.  There will be shuttles available from Heritage Park, Borman School and the Sonoran Science Academy and start at 5:30 p.m.

COST: Free                                                                                       

The base pool will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. – regular admission prices apply.  Kids (10 and younger) will get a free ‘goodie’ bag as well.

There will be free hotdogs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., while supplies last.  There will be family style games as well every hour.

Handicap parking is available at Outdoor Recreation and the auto hobby shop parking lot. For those who park there, their cars must have a handicap license plate or handicap placard hanging from their rearview mirror.

Feel free to bring lawn chairs and blankets, but do not bring pets, coolers or alcoholic beverages.

In the event of inclement weather, walk to Outdoor Recreation, the Community Center, base Theater or the Mirage Club, or take the bus back to vehicle parking areas.

For more information please click here: http://www.dm.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123306713

 

MARANA –

**The Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain is hosting their own 4th of July festivities with a BBQ and fireworks.

WHEN:  Starting at 5 p.m.

WHERE: Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain Resort (15000 N. Secret Springs Drive, Marana)

COST:  $40 for adults and $20 for children

RESERVATIONS: Required, please call (520) 572-3000

The fun starts at 5 p.m. with Sushi and Sake Sommelier in the Ignite Lobby Lounge with live entertainment from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The ‘Red, White and Bluegrass’ barbecue buffet will go from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (also with live entertainment) followed up by a fireworks spectacular at 8:45 p.m.

**The City of Marana will be hosting 'Star Spangled Spectacular'

WHEN: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m

WHERE: Arizona Pavillions District (I-10 and Cortaro Road), and the Crossroads at Silverbell Park.

COST:  Free admission for activities and fireworks. Parking has both free and paid lots. 

6 p.m. starts the activities for the entire family at Silverbell Park and includes a 7:45 p.m. showing of ‘Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer’.  Fireworks will begin at 9 p.m. 

For more information about fireworks and activities as well as a map to parking, please visit www.marana.com/index.aspx?nid=1108 or call (520)382-1946

 

TUBAC –

**Tubac Presidio State Historic Park to host a family friendly 4th of July celebration.

WHEN:  10 a.m. to noon

WHERE:  Tubac Presidio State Historic Park

COST:  FREE

There will be an assortment of free games for the kids, including a dunk tank, free hot dogs and watermelon, and a “squirt-down” courtesy of the Tubac Fire Department. Park admission is free during the event.

**Tubac Golf Resort & Spa - BBQ and fireworks display

WHEN:  4 p.m. till after 8:45 p.m.

WHERE:  Tubac Golf Resort & Spa

COST:  General admission for the event is free, but parking will cost $7 per car.  VIP tickets for the event are available at $48 per person (inclusive)  In the VIP package you get a deluxe buffet dinner, private cash bar, VIP parking and front row seating for fireworks display. 

RESERVATIONS:  Required for VIP tickets, please call (520)398-3531

 

SIERRA VISTA -

**The City of Sierra Vista will be hosting their own Fourth of July festivities.

WHEN:  7:30 a.m. pet promenade begins. 8:05 p.m. fireworks kick off.

WHERE:  Veteran’s Memorial Park

COST:  Free

There will be live concerts, food vendors and a pet promenade as well as other various fun family activities all day long at the park. 

For more information please call (520)417-6960.

 

TOMBSTONE – UPDATE!!! THE TOMBSTONE FIREWORKS HAVE BEEN CANCELLED!

 

BENSON – UPDATE!!! Fireworks in Benson postponed until October.

**The city is holding a parade and their annual ‘water fight’, plus all day entertainment.  The City of Benson has postponed the fireworks display until October 2012 (for Butterfield Overland Stage Days) the rest of the 4th of July activities are still scheduled.

WHEN:  9 a.m. (parade start)

WHERE:  Lions Park

COST:  Free

There will be entertainment and activities for the entire family, all day long at Lions Park, highlighted by the city’s annual ‘Water Fight’.  The following is a schedule of activities for the day.

•       9 a.m.            Parade
•     10 a.m.            Water Fights
•     11 a.m.            Subway Sub Man under the Ramada
•     11:30 a.m.      Rising Dragon Dojo
•     12:30 p.m.      Beau Renfro
•       2:30 p.m.      Dance Squad
•       3 p.m.            Folklorico
•       3:30 p.m.      Little Homestead
•       5:30 p.m.      Rowdy Johnson Band
•       7:45 p.m.      Parade Awards and announce sponsors
•       8 p.m.            D J Entertainment

For more information please call (520) 586-4293

 

BISBEE –

**The city is not hosting a fireworks display this year, due to budget issues and weather conditions.  There are still some Fourth of July activities in the city though.

WHEN:  8 a.m. start for coaster race, 11 a.m. start for parade.

WHERE:  Coaster race – West Blvd; Parade – Bisbee Road and Cole Ave.

COST:  Free for both events – no cost to participate or view either the coaster race or the parade.

The full schedule of events:

• 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. – Coaster races Tombstone Canyon/Main Street in Old Bisbee
• 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Parade in Warren at Cole Ave and West Vista continuing along Bisbee Road, past Ruppe and Vista turning north on Arizona Street (to highlight the improvements made on the street)
• 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. – Horse drawn wagon rides, up and down Main Street and Subway Street from the Copper Man to the Convention Center (FREE of charge to all)
• 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Hard Rock Drilling and Mucking in Old Bisbee-Brewery Gulch

 For more information about the coaster race and other activities please visit www.cityofbisbee.com/news.html

 

PATAGONIA –

**Downtown Patagonia will be the site for all day activities for the town of Patagonia.

WHEN:  11 a.m. start (for parade); 8 p.m. fireworks start

WHERE:  Patagonia Town Park and Patagonia High School

COST:  Free all day activities

There will be, in addition to the parade from downtown Patagonia, a ‘hanging’ of the Grand Marshal at noon at the town gazebo.  Family activities include food booths, music and dancing, as well as a fireworks display.  For more information please call the Patagonia visitor center at (520) 394-0060 or 1-888-794-0060.

 

NOGALES –

**’Celebrating Freedom’ is the name of Nogales’ 4th of July event. 

WHEN:  10 a.m. parade start, 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. events at Fleischer Park

WHERE:  Downtown Nogales, Fleischer Park

COST:  Free

There will be a parade at 10 a.m., in as well as all day long activities like food booths and live music. 

For more information please visit www.nogalesaz.gov

 

SAHUARITA –

**Rancho Sahuarita will be hosting their annual parade and Aqua-lympics.

WHEN:  Register for parade at 7 a.m., start time after everyone is registered.  Aqua-lympics start time is 8 a.m., 10 a.m. awards for games.

WHERE:  Sahuarita Lake (parade); Rancho Sahuarita Clubhouse (Aqua-lympics)

COST:  Free for Rancho Sahuarita residents and their guests

Come on down and enjoy the family friendly parade and water games.

 

###CLOSURES, 'TIPSY TOW', AND RESTRICTIONS###

Along with fireworks happenings and barbecues across Southern Arizona here are a few other reminders about the holiday week.

**AAA Arizona is offering their ‘Tipsy Tow’ service on the Fourth of July to help keep drivers safe and the holiday a happy one.

They are offering their ‘tipsy tow’ from 6 p.m. July 3 to 6 a.m. July 4.  You do not have to be a member of AAA to take advantage of this free service. This service is for a one-way ride for the driver, one passenger and their vehicle at no cost to the driver, for up to 10 miles, for trips over 10 miles drivers can expect to be charged the towing company's standard rate.

If a ride is needed during the stated hours call 1-800-AAA-HELP (1-800-222-4357) and tell the dispatcher a 'tipsy tow' is needed and then provide the driver's name, home address, phone number and vehicle/driver location. 

 

• There are a few things to remember before requesting a 'tipsy tow' - a free tow will not be provided to another drinking establishment or to a destination other than the driver's home.  A tow will however be allowed to a hotel if the driver is or plans to become a guest at the hotel.
• Drivers should be aware of services not provided via 'tipsy tow': 

• request for vehicle start
• flat tire change
• gas delivery
• and/or taxi service 

 

**The Arizona Department of Transportation would like to remind drivers that there are no proposed highway construction closures for the Fourth of July holiday. 

However drivers are advised to stay alert for improvement projects that will have started at the beginning of the holiday week. 

ADOT is encouraging the following safety tips:

• Check your vehicle, including tire pressure, belts and fluid levels
• Get a good night’s rest before starting out on a trip
• Buckle up, including all passengers in your vehicles
• Stay patient, don’t speed and don’t tailgate
• Be prepared for changing weather, including possible dust storms
• Expect the unexpected, including closures due to crashes or events such as wildfires
• Pack extra drinking water and snack foods
• Never drink and drive
• Avoiding parking your vehicle on dry grass and driving through tall grass. Hot vehicle parts can spark a brush fire
• Check road conditions in advance at www.az511.gov or by calling 5-1-1

ADOT and other state safety agencies, including the Arizona Department of Public Safety, are asking drivers to stay alert and concentrate on safe driving over the Independence Day holiday.

 

** Trash and Recycling collection for the Fourth of July

City of Tucson residents who have trash/recycling collection on Wednesdays will not be getting their regularly scheduled pickup, due to the holiday.  For those residents with regular Wednesday/Thursday/Friday collection dates, will have their services delayed by one day, during the holiday week. 

A full collection schedule is available at www.tucsonaz.gov/esd

Also closed on the Fourth of July are the Los Reales Landfill and all Environment Service Offices. 

If services are needed customers may leave a message for Environmental Services Customer Service at 791-3171 or submit a service request at www.tucsonaz.gov/esd and the customer will be contacted not later than the next business day.  Customer Service will be available on July 7, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

 

***Restrictions and reminders for visitors to the Coronado National Forest

Supervisor for the Coronado National Forest, Jim Upchurch is reminding visitors and campers that the use of all fireworks are prohibited on all national forests and national grasslands, regardless of weather conditions or holidays.  Regulations are enforced and violations are punishable as a misdemeaner by a fine of not more than $5,000 or imprisonment of not more than six months or both.  Vistors to the Forest are also reminded to ensure all fires are extinguished and cold to the touch before leaving their sites.

A variety of recreational opportunities are available for visitors to the Coronado this holiday and the weekends before and after.  Due to hot, dry conditions across much of the forest, officials once again stress the importance of responsible recreating on public lands.

Stage II fire restrictions are currently being implemented and the following reminders are:  

• Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove fire, including within a developed recreation site, or improved site.  EXCEPTION:  Use of petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns, or heating devices is allowed so long as such devices met the fire underwriter’s specifications for safety.
• Using an explosive.
• Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building.
• Operating or using any internal combustion engine, except motor vehicles. 
• Welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame. 
• Discharging a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun, except while engaged in a lawful hunt pursuant to state, federal, or tribal law and regulations.
• Possessing or using a motor vehicle off National Forest system roads, except when parking in an area devoid of vegetation within 30 feet of the roadway, and except for parking overnight in Forest Service developed campgrounds and trailheads.

As many popular sites may fill over the holiday, visitors are encouraged to arrive early to secure a site, and to recreate responsibly.  Here are a few do's and don'ts this Fourth of July:

-IF CAMPING:

• Be a good neighbor and recognize “quiet time” at 10:00 p.m.
• Pitch tents in areas that are well-drained, avoid low spots.
• Bring drinking water, as not all areas have potable water.
• Always make sure campfires are “dead out” before leaving them.
• Remove trash, don’t litter.

-WILDLIFE:

• Maintain a clean campsite.  Store food away from sleeping areas.
• “Bear-proof” food and garbage by using metal storage boxes in recreation sites.
• Wash and store cookware and dishes promptly after meals.
• Don’t take clothing that may smell like food into sleeping areas.
• Don’t feed wildlife intentionally or accidentally.
• For their safety, keep pets leashed at all times.

-HIKING AND BIKING:

• Avoid fire-damaged areas as burned trees can fall without warning.
• Avoid burned tree roots as they can harbor hidden stump holes.
• Stay on designated trails and roads to avoid damaging fragile vegetation and soils.
• Drink water to avoid dehydration.

-THUNDERSTORMS:

• Check weather forecasts.  During lightning storms, seek cover in buildings or    vehicles.  Avoid tall trees and ridges where lightning is most likely to strike.

-BORDER WATCHOUTS:

• Smuggling and/or illegal immigration may be encountered in border regions.
• Illegal uses are more likely in remote areas.
• Always know your location and be able to describe it.
• Let others know your expected route and destination (check-in/check-out).

For local information about outdoor recreation in your area please call:

• Douglas Ranger District – (520) 364-3468
• Nogales Ranger District – (520) 281-2296
• Safford Ranger District – (928) 428-4150
• Santa Catalina Ranger District – (520) 749-8700
• Sierra Vista Ranger District – (520) 378-0311

 

***Closures for City of Tucson Offices***

JULY 3 - The offices of Ward 2 Council Member Paul Cunningham and Ward 6 Vice-Mayor Steve Kozachik will be closed, in addition to the City Cashier (located in the lobby of Ward 2's offices), as part of the Fourth of July holiday.  All other council offices will remain open.

JULY 4 - All City of Tucson departments will be closed on July 4, for the holiday, as well as all City Council Offices.

 

### 4th of July statement from Governor Brewer's office ###

“Tomorrow, Arizonans and Americans will commemorate our Nation’s proudest, most significant anniversary – the day the United States declared its independence and established the freest republic on earth.

“It was 236 years ago that Thomas Jefferson – from the small, unassuming brick house in which he resided, sketched the blueprint for the greatest country the world has ever known. The Declaration of Independence, though born from humble beginnings in a quiet room across from a stable, is to this day the document most critical to America’s endurance as a Nation.

“For more than two centuries, citizens of this great country have been blessed with liberties and inalienable rights that make us truly and uniquely American. Over the coming days, let us take the opportunity to reflect on these freedoms – paying special tribute to our founders, whose courage and wisdom transformed sovereignty from vision to reality.

“In light of recent weeks’ events, recognition of the Declaration of Independence – and its relevance to today’s America – has never been more important. Remember that our forefathers’ signatures on this document were a pledge that our Nation would forever be guided by liberty and self-government. If nothing else, the Declaration stands as a compelling reminder that – in a republic such as ours – governments must always derive their just powers from the consent of the governed. We must always show respect for the rule of law that distinguishes our government from one of divine right. These principles, though too often lost on us today, are just as crucial now as they were in 1776.

“I encourage you, amid your Independence Day festivities, to take an opportunity to re-read the Declaration and to recognize why we celebrate this day every year. I am hopeful that you never take for granted this document nor its promise and purpose. We also should take a moment to offer our gratitude and prayers for the men and women of our Armed Forces who risk their lives daily to defend our freedoms. Finally, let us remember to honor our local law enforcement and firefighters whose everyday sacrifice and service keep us free and safe at home. 

“I wish you a happy and safe Fourth of July holiday. For the rest of the week, please join me in waving the American flag proudly in commemoration of the greatest Nation in the world.”