While the City of Castle Pines does not have any activities planned for Independence Day this year, there are several events planned in Douglas County. Many are free and open to the public, but some require registration, so check websites for details.

Castle Rock

The Town of Castle Rock is hosting a 15-minute fireworks show starting at about 9:30 p.m., fire ban dependent. The fireworks will shoot off from the former Acme Brick Tile & Stone building at 401 Prairie Hawk Drive. A three-shot salute will announce the start of the show. If there is rain or severe weather, the fireworks will be postponed to July 5.

For full details and recommended viewing locations, visit www.crgov.com/2658/Fireworks-in-Castle-Rock.

Highlands Ranch

The Highlands Ranch Fourth of July celebration kicks off with a 5K walk/run at 7:30 a.m. at Highlands Ranch Town Center, 9352 Dorchester Street. A patriotic kettlebell hidden on the course is worth $100 to whomever finds it and brings it to the finish line!

The Family Bike and Pet Parade for children from 2 years old to sixth grade begins at 8:45 a.m. The parade route runs south on Hepburn Street from Cpl Max Donahue Lane to Highlands Ranch Parkway, then east and south into the Town Center parking lot. Participants line up at 8:30 a.m. on Cpl Max Donahue Lane.

The Community Parade begins at 9 a.m. at 9285 Hepburn Street. The parade route runs east on Highlands Ranch Parkway to Zotos Drive, then south to Ridgeline Boulevard, north to Highlands Ranch Parkway, and back west to Hepburn Street.

The day concludes with fireworks starting around 9:30 p.m., weather and fire ban dependent, at Highland Heritage Regional Park, 9651 South Quebec Street. Food trucks will be on site.

For full details, visit hrcaonline.org and search July 4.

Lone Tree

The City of Lone Tree celebration starts with a family fun ride and stroll at 9 a.m. on Willow Creek Trail from Lone Tree Elementary to Prairie Sky Park. There will be complimentary decorative kits available.

Family Fun Park is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Prairie Sky Park, 9381 Crossington Way, with inflatables, interactive activities, live entertainment, and food trucks. The event is free to attend, however, some items inside the park may have a fee.

The evening event, Party in the Park at Prairie Sky Park, is from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., with savory and dessert food trucks and live entertainment. Bring blankets, camping chairs, coolers, and outdoor games. A huge fireworks display begins at 9:30 p.m.

For full details, visit cityoflonetree.com/cityevents/july4.

Parker

The Town of Parker is hosting a remote-only fireworks celebration starting at 9:30 p.m., weather permitting, with the fireworks launched from Salisbury Equestrian Park, 11920 North Motsenbocker Road. No activities are planned at the park before the fireworks, and the Town encourages people to watch the display from around the community. For suggested viewing locations, visit www.parkerco.gov. For full details, visit www.parkerco.gov/1102/July-4th-Fireworks-Show.

Many neighborhoods throughout the community host Independence Day parades. Send us your photos and you may be featured in a future issue – like the cover of this month’s E Guide!

By Susan Helton