Small Town AZ 4th of July Celebrations

I admit it….I love suburbia. The perfect combination of community, recreation, and retail with the convenience of being adjacent to a big city such as Phoenix. The Valley of the Sun is chock full of suburbia. But there are just some days, where it seems “right” to celebrate small-town style. You know, a parade with old tractors, kiddos in blinged-out red Radio Flyer wagons, local live-stock decked out in their finest attire, and maybe even a pie eating or watermelon seed spitting contest. In my mind, the 4th of July is one of those days. And even though we live here in one of the largest cities in America, you don’t have to drive too far to celebrate Independence Day small-town Americana style.

Check out this list of some of the best celebrations in the state and then pack up the car and go! You won’t be sorry!

•  Eagar/Springerville: I may be slightly biased because this is the one we take our family to each year, but this is such a fun celebration. The parade through downtown Eagar and Springerville is a blast for the kiddos with candy, horses, firetrucks and ice pops galore, my kiddos wait for this one each year. There is a also a rodeo in the afternoon and a good ol’ fashioned dance at the high school that night. Weather permitting, the night ends with a bigger-than-expected fireworks display and some tired and happy families! Eagar 4th of July Celebration

• Heber-Overgaard: While I have never attended this event personally, I know it is a big one because I have been stuck in the traffic it creates along Hwy 260! And it looks like a GREAT time!! With live music, a parade, a 10K event, and the largest hand-lit fireworks display in the state of Arizona, this one won’t disappoint. And, you get to enjoy it all amongst the beauty and cool shade of the beautiful pines! That alone, is worth the drive!  Heber‑Overgaard Fourth of July Celebration

• Prescott: Looking for some great live music this holiday weekend? Head on up to Prescott’s Pioneer Park for games, great food, Fireworks (obviously) and a FREE post-fireworks concert by The Wallflowers!! For the slightly older kiddos, there is a carnival that is sure to please and wristbands can be purchased for a fair price. No pets allowed at this one, so leave Rex and Fluffy at home (you can tell them all about it when you get home!). Prescott’s  July 4th Celebration * WALLFLOWERS PLAY LIVE!

• Bisbee: If your travels call you south this weekend, head on down to the historic town of Bisbee. This town is super cool and is the perfect destination for all you history buffs! The morning starts out with a Coaster Race and parade and the afternoon is packed with events like a rock drilling and mucking contest (come on…where else are you gonna find entertainment like that?) and of course, culminates in a fireworks display when the sun goes down. Local hotels like the Copper Queen and other offer live music and food throughout the day as well!  Fourth of July in Bisbee

I could go on and on, but why don’t you check it out for yourselves? For more information on the events above and many others like them around the state, check out Arizona Guide: Small Town 4th of July Celebrations! What better reason to get out and explore this beautiful state of ours!! Have a happy and safe July 4th weekend everyone!