Annual signature events are patriotic salutes to our nation!
SHOW LOW, Ariz. (June 15, 2017) – Celebrate our nation’s birthday on Tuesday, July 4, through the City of Show Low’s family-friendly signature events — the annual parade in the morning, a wet zone to follow and FreedomFest in the afternoon. Find your spot for the annual parade, which begins at 9 a.m. along the Deuce of Clubs, traveling eastbound from Owens and turning south on White Mountain Road to Hall Street. This year’s parade theme is “Made in America,” with representatives from local public safety agencies leading the parade as grand marshals. A treat this year is a grand display of family floats in homage to Show Low’s founding families.
Applications for interested parade entrants are still available and must be submitted by Monday, June 26. The final deadline for applications is 3 p.m. June 29, but will be subject to a $25 late fee.
Expect road closures and detours during the parade. The Deuce of Clubs (US 60) will be closed between Whipple Road and S. White Mountain Road (SR 260) from 8:45 until approximately 11:30 a.m., with eastbound and westbound detours established. The eastbound detour begins at the Deuce of Clubs and Whipple Road intersection, with the Deuce of Clubs closing to traffic at this location. Traffic will be routed to Whipple Road to Central Avenue and south on Woolford Road to S. White Mountain Road, where the White Mountain Entertainment Show Low 5 movie theaters are located. Westbound traffic on the Deuce of Clubs will be routed south on S. White Mountain Road to Woolford Road and return to the Deuce of Clubs via Whipple.
Following the end of the parade, the city will provide a “wet zone” at no charge until 1:30 p.m. at Frontier Fields, 600 N. 9th Place. All ages who want to frolic among the sprinklers, cool off with a good soak from Timber Mesa Fire and Medical District’s fire truck or enjoy exciting water activities are invited to come and have fun.
At 3 p.m., head over to the Show Low football stadium complex, 500 W. Old Linden Road, for the popular FreedomFest festivities — with free admission — planned to last well into the evening. Relish tasty fare, including wood-fired pizza, Indian tacos, funnel cakes, kettle corn, Mexican food, pretzels, cotton candy, shaved ice, hand-crafted soda and other delectable treats. The Made in America Fun Zone will be in full swing from 3 to 8:30 p.m., featuring a double-lane mega slide, rock wall, wrecking ball, adrenaline rush obstacle course, rock and roll joust, bounce houses and much more. Unlimited ride wristbands are only $10 each.
Live concerts begin at 3 p.m. with Strange Brew (classic rock), Arizona Blacktop at 4:15 (a mix of vintage honky-tonk, modern classic rock, country and pop), Plum Krazy at 5:30 (classic rock, blues, alternative, country twang), culminating with headliner, Drew Cooper & The Cavalry, performing at 7:30 p.m. and again after the spectacular fireworks display, which begins at 9 p.m. (weather permitting). In addition, parade winners will be announced at 6:45 and, beginning at 7, the Show Low High School Choir will perform “God Bless America” and the “Star-Spangled Banner” along with a flag-raising ceremony.
All events are sponsored by the Show Low Parks and Recreation Department. For more event details or information, call (928) 532-4141.