Durango, CO – The City of Durango will coordinate its annual series of family-oriented activities promoted collectively as Durango’s “Salute to America.” Events will take place from June 25 to July 9.

This year’s special addition will be a three-concert series of patriotic music at the Rotary Park gazebo, featuring military bands from Colorado and Texas. On Wednesday evening, June 25^th, Colorado’s 101st Army Band, known as “Colorado’s Musical Ambassadors”, will feature a 41-person ensemble. On July 8^th and 9^th, the Air National Guard of the Gulf Coast will entertain with a 30-person band. All concerts are from 5:30 to 7:00 pm and are free to the public. The VFW will operate a brats and beer garden adjacent to the park. All three shows will open with a presentation of the colors by the VFW Color Guard backed by brass and drums. Parking will be limited, so non-vehicular use of the river trail is encouraged.

The July 4 holiday festivities will 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 fee 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 All-American Pancake Breakfast, organized by Rotary Club of Durango, will also be held at Rotary Park and features varieties of fruit-topped pancakes, eggs, juice and coffee.  Tickets will be $8 for ages 12 and up, $4 for ages 4-11 and free for 3 and under. Tickets can be pre-purchased from members of the Rotary Club of Durango and are also available at the event. Serving time will be 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

The center of activity moves to the 1200 block of Main and Buckley Park for American Voices, a public reading of major American documents presented and organized by Fort Lewis College staff. “This event reminds us of the true purpose of the day to honor freedom in America”, says Bob Kunkel, the City’s downtown event coordinator. The readings will be from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. in Buckley Park and feature the Declaration of Independence.

Children (18 and under) can sell their old toys, sports gear, clothes, music and books at the Kids-to-Kids Flea Market, sponsored by Wells Fargo Bank. The set-up time is 11:00 a.m. in Buckley Park.  The Flea Market begins at noon and ends at 3 p.m. Bank staff will assist kids with booth space organization, money transactions, and refreshments. Space is FREE, but must be reserved by calling 385-9349.

The City of Durango partners with the Kiwanis Club to host the popular Family Picnic and BBQ. This full day of food, drink, music, and magic runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with all activities held in Buckley Park and on the 1200 block of Main Avenue.  Kid’s games on the grass will be organized by Boy’s and Girl’s Club, and Arts and Crafts booths will feature locally-made products. Kiwanis will provide a beer garden, a competitive BBQ cook-off, and present their annual Hometown Heroes Awards. The Lawn Chair Kings will perform starting at 2 p.m.

The evening events are all on Main Avenue and begin with the Stars and Stripes Parade at 6 p.m. sharp.  The parade will travel north along Main Avenue from 5^th 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 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 Hi-Rollers will be featured, beginning around 6:30 p.m., and ending with the first BOOM of the fireworks at dusk. Coco-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 2,200 charges and lasts nearly 30 minutes. 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, 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.

For more information about the City’s July 4^th Festivities, see the calendar on at http://downtowndurango.org/fourth_08.html call Bob Kunkel at 375-5065.