Arizona's small towns know how to celebrate July 4. Here's a alphabetical roundup from Ajo to Sierra Vista:
Ajo
The July 4 Parade and Festival, sponsored by the Ajo Fire District, takes place from 8-9 a.m. on Plaza Street in Ajo.
Alpine
The folks in Alpine kick off their Independence Day Celebration at 9 a.m. July 4 with food for sale, music and a craft fair. At 10 a.m., catch the parade down Main Street, and don’t miss the worm races that start at 12:30 and again 2:30 p.m. at Ye Olde Tavern. There’s also an artisans display at Melody Field on Main Street. The fireworks start at 8:30 p.m. Learn more at 1-928-339-1999.
Arivaca
The 13th annual Arivaca Red, White and Blue Parade celebration takes place from 9:30-11:30 a.m. on Arivaca Road.
Benson
Looking for the charm of small-town America? It takes less than an hour east on I-10 to reach the city of Benson’s Fourth of July Celebration at Lions Park, 435 N Adams St. The parade starts at 9 a.m., 120 W. Sixth St. with Congresswoman Martha McSally as this year’s grand marshal. A full day of free activities follows, starting with the annual water fight at 10 a.m. Pre-fireworks entertainment is at 8 p.m., the National Anthem at 8:28 p.m., fireworks at 8:30 p.m. Learn more at 720-6044.
Bisbee
Fourth of July celebrations start early in Bisbee, with coaster races beginning at 7 a.m. in Tombstone Canyon, followed at 11 a.m. with a parade in the Warren neighborhood. Bisbee celebrates its mining traditions from 1-3 p.m. with a drilling and mucking contest in Brewery Gulch. Cool off from 3-6:30 p.m. with Monsoon Madness waterpark activities at Vista Park including slides, jumping castles and water games. Fireworks start at 8:30 p.m at Vista Park. Learn more 1-520-432-3554.
Heber-Overgaard
The Independence Day Celebration in Heber-Overgaard stretches over the entire holiday weekend at Tall Timbers Navajo County Park, 2774 Highway 260. Park activities include pony rides, jumping castles, a shooting simulator, beer garden, food vendors, music and games for a fee. 1-5 p.m July 2; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. July 3; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. July 4. There’s a parade with a wet zone at 11 a.m. July 2; fireworks at Mogollon High School, 3450 Mustang at 9 p.m. July 2. Learn more at 1-928-535-5777 and heberovergaard.org
Sierra Vista
This community’s 49th annual Fourth of July celebration starts at 5 p.m. Sunday, July 3, with music and a talent show at Veterans Memorial Park, 3105 E. Fry Blvd., at Centennial Pavilion. Presented by the Sierra Vista Rotary with the city of Sierra Vista and Fort Huachuca, the celebration picks right back up at 7 a.m. July 4 with a Pets and People Promenade. In addition to a variety of music, dance, arts and craft vendors, a chili cook-off, expect military displays, demonstrations, and even a Fifty Cannon Salute with the Fort Huachuca Honor Battery and a flyover by the 162nd Fighter Wing F-16s. Fireworks start at 8:05 p.m.
