Events Scheduled For Long 4th Of July Weekend

Everyone (or just about everyone) will have to agree with this statement – this week is definitely a weird week, due to the fact that a holiday (Independence Day) falls on a Thursday. For some people, this means a longer than usual weekend.

For that reason, let’s go ahead and preview all the activities taking place this week. Doesn’t matter if you have one day off from work, taking that long-deserved vacation this week, or you’re having a long weekend, there’s plenty of things to do this week to keep you and your family entertained.

Wednesday, July 3

The Grand Junction Rockies will finish their homestand Wednesday with a game against Ogden. The game will begin at 7:05 p.m. at Suplizio Field.
Other events scheduled for Wednesday are definitely geared towards the whole family. The 5th Annual Freedom Fest will take place from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Fruita Civic Center Park. Freedom Fest organizers are promoting food, music, games, and other entertainment for this event. Local Fruita bands will provide live music, and the VFW Honor Guard will give a presentation and descriptive understanding of how to fold an American flag.
The John McConnell Math and Science Center will host an event titled “Family Science Night – Liberty and Science for All.” The event will take place 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Math and Science Center, 2660 Unaweep Avenue in Grand Junction. The public is invited to join in for an evening of patriotic experiments.

Thursday, July 4

Thursday kicks off with Mesa County's Technical Search and Rescue Team and their annual flag raising on Independence Monument. The ascent will begin following a flag presentation at the base of the rock formation. Monument officials suggest that folks view the climb from Independence Monument View and Otto's Trail.
Three Independence Day parades are scheduled for Thursday for Grand Junction, Palisade and Montrose. Grand Junction's parade has a different start time this year (as compared to previous years). Grand Junction's parade will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Main Street, and this year's theme is “Land of the Free.” Palisade's parade also begins at 10:00 a.m. in downtown Palisade. Following Palisade's parade, food and games will be available at Palisade Memorial Park. Downtown Montrose will host a 4TH of July parade at 10:00 a.m. on Montrose's Main Street, starting at Pythian Avenue and end at Rio Grand Avenue. Theme for Montrose's parade is “Salute to Veterans.”
The Senior Recreation Center will host an Independence Day Party at the center, 550 Ouray Avenue in Grand Junction. Festivities begin at 10:00 a.m., cost is $3 in advance and $5 at the door.
Lincoln Park's Moyer Pool will have its traditional July 4TH Celebration at the Pool. The public is invited to celebrate the 4TH of July at the pool beginning at 11:00 a.m. Admission is $2.37 per person for all ages.
Crossroads Senior Living in Delta will host a 4th of July Picnic bask on the lawn of Crossroads. Residents, their families, and community members are invited to this event. A BBQ picnic meal will be provided along with live entertainment, children's activities, shade and seating.
Downtown Montrose will present Main in Motion all day long from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Main Street in Montrose. Lots of festivities are scheduled throughout the day, and there is no charge for the event.
Downtown Grand Junction's Farmers Market will continue to have its weekly event on Thursday, with the event taking place from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Main Street.
Because the City of Fruita has cancelled its fireworks display this year, Fruita will hold a free community barbecue and ice cream social. The city will supply hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, ice cream and root beer. Food service begins at 6:30 p.m. and the Centennial Band will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. as part of the summer concert series. Bring your own beverages, along with a chair and blanket. Organizers do ask that pets be left at home.
Grand Junction Fireworks Spectacular will take place again this year at Suplizio Field. Gates open at 7:15 p.m., entertainment begins at 8:00 p.m., and the actual fireworks display begins at 9:45 p.m. General admission tickets are $5, and premium seat tickets are $10.
The City of Delta Fire Department will present the Delta fireworks at dusk at Confluence Park in Delta (Gunnison River Drive west of McDonald's, which is located on Highway 50 and Gunnison River Drive). Admission is free, although the fire department will accept donations.
The Montrose Rotary Club will present a fireworks display at approximately 9:00 p.m. Over Sunset Mesa in Montrose. Admission is free.

Friday, July 5

Although the 4th of July is on Thursday this year, that doesn't mean the activities stop there. On Friday, the First Friday at the Art Center will take place from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. at the Art Center, 1803 North 7th Street in Grand Junction. Join the Art Center this month for the opening of two new exhibits. The Modern Jazz Duo will provide music for the event.

Saturday, July 6

Fruita Farmers Market takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the Fruita Civic Center lawn.
A Taste of Heaven Catering will host the Independence One Car Show at A Taste of Heaven, 2817 North Avenue in Grand Junction. The car show takes place from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and is open to the public. Proceeds and donations will beneft the Mesa County Bar Association Pro Bono Project.
Gateway Canyons Resort will host an After Independence Day Fireworks & Events from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. Enjoy southern BBQ, cocktails, live music, family activities, and a firework display. For more information, call 931-2458.
As part of the Grande River Vineyards Summer Series, Western Colorado Jazz Orchestra will perform in concert at 7:30 p.m. at Wine Country Inn Courtyard, 777 Grande River Drive in Palisade. Gates open at 6:30 p.m., and the show will benefit the Grand Junction Symphony.
The City of Montrose will host Summerfest from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Sunset Mesa in Montrose. Summerfest is considered a fun family event with something for everyone. Tickets are $20 for adults, $5 for children ages 6 to 11, and children under 5 are free.
Ragtime pianist Bob Milne will perform in concert at 7:00 p.m. at the Montrose Methodist Church, 19 South Park Avenue in Montrose. Cost is $15.

Sunday, July 7