Silverton has an old-fashioned July 4th that is reminiscent of years gone by. We had been anticipating it, especially the fireworks, for almost a year.
The day started with a race. We might have done it if it hadn't started at 7:30 in the morning. Too early for a non-work day for me. My excuse anyway!
The parade started at 10:30. People lined the two main streets and we were at the beginning of the parade. Anyone who wants to particpate can...and does. There was one fairly professional float, lots of vehicles with decorations, old and new bikes, ATVs, jeeps, people on foot, an old army vehicle with half-tracks treads instead of tires, a color guard with flags, and of course a brass band.
People threw candy, balls, beads, etc. from their vehicles and Uncle Sam gave out small flags. The streets were lined but only a couple of people deep so everyone had a great view.
After the parade, the local volunteer fire department had a water fight with nearby departments. Of course Silverton was declared the winner although it was really closer to a draw than a definitive win. As we walked to the park for the Rhubarb festival 4 fighter jets flew overhead. Since this is a no fly area, it was striking to see the jets and hear their noise echo in the mountains.
At the park, the band played again, people ate, kids played, folks chatted. The weather was extremely pleasant most of the day, in the low 70's!
We had a brief thunder storm in the afternoon but it cleared up for the fireworks. First there was the pre-show fireworks. Lots of people setting off some nice displays. The main fireworks were much nicer. They were put off by the volunteer fire department up on the hill so they were visible from everywhere. People come from all over to view them. The town is packed, all camp spaces and rooms taken, people boon-docking all around (no hookups), the people who just drive in, and the train has a special run that returns to Durango after it is over.
The fireworks were extremely nice and I loved hearing them echo off the mountains on the 4 sides of town. There was one huge one that if I remember correctly is about 1600 feet wide and 1600 feet tall! Unfortunately, I don't have fireworks pics but here are a few of the pics from the parade/park.