Across the west, cancelled 4th of July fireworks shows are becoming a new Independence Day tradition.
With less than 36 hours to go before dusk and what would normally be showtime, almost 50 fireworks displays in Colorado alone have been cancelled or drastically reworked. There will be no official fireworks show in Durango, where haze from nearby fires still hangs in the air below the peaks of the picturesque San Juan Mountains.
Aspen is having a drone show in lieu of fireworks this year; Glenwood Springs and Steamboat Springs are both doing laser light shows instead. Well known mountain destinations like Vail, Telluride and Breckenridge have completely cancelled their shows.
As of July 3, the Colorado Department of Public Safety reported at least nine wildfires burning in the state, including the Chedsey fire near Steamboat and two fires outside of Durango. I can smell the smoke from the Spring Creek fire in southcentral Colorado at my home in New Mexico.
A handful of fireworks shows have also been cancelled here, as well as in Arizona and California.
In Ohio, towns near Toledo have also cancelled their festivities, not necessarily because of fire danger, but because of health concerns associated with triple-digit temperatures gripping parts of the northeast.
The southwestern U.S. is currently in the throes of what could be a generational drought, with the Rio Grande threatening to run dry closer to its headwaters than ever before in recent memory. Almost all National Forest lands in New Mexico between Santa Fe and the Colorado border are currently closed due to the extreme fire danger.
With conditions like this, it's a wonder any fireworks are happening anywhere in the region. If Wednesday's celebrations turn into Thursday's tragedies, we can look forward to much quieter 4th of July celebrations in the future.
Oh, say can you see… the fireworks? If you’re not loving your vantage point, make sure you find a spot with a great view for these 51 fireworks displays. Replete with live music, tons of food and intricate pyrotechnics, there’s nothing like a Fourth of July celebration. Wish America a happy birthday at one of these amazing extravaganzas in every state (plus D.C.).
U.S. SPACE AND ROCKET CENTER/FACEBOOK
ALABAMA: U.S. SPACE AND ROCKET CENTER (HUNTSVILLE)
The largest display of exploding patriotism in the city, because of course a rocket center is going to have unreal fireworks. They even encourage you to view the show from other areas in the vicinity.
Learn more here.
MULCAHY STADUIM
ALASKA: MULCAHY STADIUM (ANCHORAGE)
When the sun sets past midnight in your state, it’s tough to find a good fireworks display. But if you catch a double header between the Anchorage Glacier Pilots and the Anchorage Bucs starting at 7 p.m., you’ll be in prime position for a late but memorable fireworks show.
Learn more here.
CITY OF PHOENIX PARKS AND RECREATION/FACEBOOK
ARIZONA: STEELE INDIAN SCHOOL PARK (PHOENIX)
This annual family fun fest has taken place for over three decades. It features one of the largest displays of fireworks in the Southwest, with pre-show entertainment from international recording artists and tons of food and (non-alcoholic) drink vendors. There’s even Kids’ World, with a water spray zone to help them beat the heat.
Learn more here.
EXPERIENCE FORT SMITH/FACEBOOK
ARKANSAS: HARRY E. KELLEY RIVERFRONT PARK (FORT SMITH)
The mayor’s annual Fourth of July celebration is one of the largest displays in the region. But make sure you reserve the whole day so you can check out the Mustang Club Car Show and lots of live music.
Learn more here.
J. STEPHEN CONN/FLICKR
CALIFORNIA: LIGHTS ON THE LAKE (LAKE TAHOE)
Launched from barges on the shore of Lake Tahoe, this show is considered one of the biggest synchronized displays in the West, which means the fireworks are visible all over town. If you’re worried about getting a seat, park your picnic at the El Dorado Beaches before 9:45 p.m. Or you can take the road less traveled and hike to the top of Mount Tallac for an unforgettable view of the pageant. (Just remember you’ll have to hike down, so bring a headlight.)
Learn more here.
SAILFEST
CONNECTICUT: SAILFEST FIREWORKS EXTRAVAGANZA (NEW LONDON)
OK, so the fireworks aren’t smack-dab on July 4 (this year, they’re July 13 to 15), but they’re worth the wait. Enjoy the amusement rides, hundreds of vendors and boats at sea before the sun sets. Then, stick around for a one-of-a-kind spectacle choreographed to music.
Learn more here.
GRAND LAKE CHAMBER/FACEBOOK
COLORADO: GRAND LAKES FIREWORKS
Surrounded by the mountains and a placid, clear lake, this Colorado fireworks show just has the extra sparkle (mostly because of the lake’s reflection). Pack the bug spray and all your picnic gear to take in the night sky in one of America’s most beautiful landscapes.
Learn more here.
CITY OF REHOBOTH BEACH, DELAWARE/FACEBOOK
DELAWARE: REHOBOTH BEACH
Launched from the beach south of Rehoboth Avenue, these fireworks are visible up and down the boardwalk and beach. So hop on the Jolly Trolley early and spend your whole day at the beach. There’s even live music after the fireworks. Those summer niiiiiights. (Note: This year’s fireworks display is scheduled for July 1, 2018.)
Learn more here.
SERTOMA’S 4TH OF JULY - PENSACOLA BAY
FLORIDA: SERTOMA’S 4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS (PENSACOLA BAY)
The Gulf Coast knows how to celebrate the Fourth of July. With vendors, arts and crafts, kid-friendly activities and live entertainment, this fun-filled day in Old Seville culminates with the largest fireworks display in the area. (Unfortunately the pony rides and face painting are only for the kids, though.)
Learn more here.
DAHLONEGA 4TH OF JULY
GEORGIA: DAHLONEGA’S 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION
Pack up your lawn chairs, blankets and coolers and head about an hour outside of Atlanta to the University of North Georgia. It’s even pet friendly—just make sure your pup can take the noise. And if you get to town early enough (11 a.m.), there’s a Fourth of July parade that aims to put all other Fourth of July parades to shame.
Learn more here.
For the full list, head to PureWow.com.
Local fireworks shows for the 4th of July Video
SPOKANE, Wash. - If you're not heading out of town for this mid-week 4th of July, there's plenty for you and your family to do right here in the Inland Northwest.
From Coeur d'Alene to downtown Spokane, events will be held throughout the day. But for many, the best important part is the firework shows!
In Riverfront Park in downtown Spokane, festivities will start at 11:00 a.m. and go all day until the firework show at 10:00 p.m. Live music starts at noon. There will also be food trucks, a beer garden, and activities for kids.
You can also watch the Riverfront Park show from Kendall Yards. The weekly Wednesday Night Market will have music, food and a farmer's market before the fireworks.
At Avista Stadium, you can watch the Spokane Indians take on the Tri-City Dust Devils with a fireworks show right after. The game starts at 6:30 p.m. (NOTE: Tickets for this event are now sold out.) You can also see fireworks on Thursday, July 5 at the stadium after the game.
At Liberty Lake, a 4th of July Parade will be at Alpine Shores at noon. Live music starts in Pavilion Park at 6:00 p.m. and fireworks when the sun goes down.
In Coeur d'Alene the American Heroes Parade on Sherman Avenue at 10:00 a.m. After the parade, there will be live music and food in Coeur d'Alene City Park before the fireworks display at dusk.
DETROIT - Even though it's the day before the Fourth of July, there are several places across Metro Detroit you can go Tuesday night to check out a good fireworks show.
Whether you are in Wayne County, Oakland County, Washtenaw County or Macomb County, there is a fireworks show for you to take the family to this evening.
Here are five spots to check out fireworks tonight:
Stars and Stripes Festival
Fireworks light off at dusk at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi -- 46100 Grand River Ave. The festival features laser shows, live music, carnival rides, food and more. Although you have to pay for the concerts, the fireworks show is free. Click here for more information.
Ford Field Park
Shelby Township is lighting off the fireworks at 10 p.m. at Ford Field Park -- 7460 23 Mile Road. You can also check out the township's Fireworks Festival at the Packard Proving Grounds -- 49965 Van Dyke Ave. -- featuring live entertainment, kids activities, concessions and shopping.
Greenfield Village
Not only will there be fireworks at Greenfield Village in Dearborn, but also live music by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, family events, a live cannon and more. You can even bring your own food if you want to. Festivities kick off at 6 p.m. and wrap up around 10 p.m. More information can be found here.
Sylvan-Otter Lake
The annual Oakland County Boat Club fireworks will light off at dusk over Sylvan and Otter Lake in Waterford. Fireworks begin at 10 p.m. Parking fees may apply.
Carr Park
For the Washtenaw County residents, Carr Park in Manchester is the place to catch a fireworks show tonight. Admission is free, and the fireworks are set to shoot off at dusk.
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