Montrose, CO — Each summer, City of Montrose staff look forward to Independence Day celebrations. This year, city event planners are pleased to announce an entire day of patriotic celebration, from a community breakfast in the morning to a thunderous fireworks display at dusk.
Beginning at 8 a.m., Tuesday, July 4, a pancake breakfast will be served at the Welcome Home Alliance for Veterans located at 4 Hillcrest Plaza Way. The public is invited to load up on sugar and carbs free of charge while celebrating fellowship between local and out-of-town folk alike.
Following a tasty breakfast, the public is invited to gather on both sides of historic Main Street for the annual Independence Day parade. The parade begins at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Main Street and Pythian Avenue, traveling west along Main Street through the heart of downtown.
Dozens of patriotically decorated floats and vehicles, comingled with representatives of various civic organizations walking the route, will spread cheer along Main Street. In 2022 the city received over 70 applications for float entries, and this year the city is expecting even more as representatives of the Uncompahgre Valley’s agricultural community will join the festivities to celebrate Montrose’s legacy as a farming and ranching community.
“One of the best things we do at the City of Montrose is planning our annual 4th of July festivities,” said City of Montrose Pavilion and Community Events Manager Katie Schroer. “If you are in the Montrose area this year, you will not want to miss this year’s celebration. It’s truly going to be one massive community celebration.”
At 3 p.m. the community is invited to begin gathering in Cerise Park for hours of “Fun in the Park” as food trucks, a beer garden, and games for kids will commence before live music begins at 5:30 p.m with the Montrose Community Band set to perform a wide array of tunes for about 90 minutes. At 7 p.m. Montrose’s own Brown Family Band will perform as the afternoon turns into the evening ahead of the fireworks show.
The annual Independence Day fireworks display, one of the community's most anticipated summertime traditions, will begin at dusk with hundreds of thunderous fireworks electronically timed to deliver an awe-inspiring display. Each year the Montrose City Council sets aside funds for the annual fireworks show, making this summertime tradition a top priority every year.
“What’s new this year about the fireworks show, is that the fireworks themselves will be set off using an electronic system,” Schroer said. “Not only does this cut down on lag time in between firework explosions, but it will also make the entire show look and feel seamless.”
The Montrose Police Department would like everyone to have a fun and safe Independence Day by celebrating responsibility and avoiding drinking and driving.
“Make a plan ahead of time to have a sober, designated driver,” said Montrose Deputy Chief Matt Smith. “Having a designated driver will help everyone get home safe and avoid spending a night in the county jail.”
For more informaiton about 4th of July festivities visit www.CityofMontrose.org/July4.
Anyone wanting to participate in the annual parade should contact Community Events Manager Katie Schroer at kschroer@cityofmontrose.org or 970.252.4880.