Summer Guide 2017 

Page 14 of 15

• Ian Kluft

BABY YOU'RE A FIREWORK
Here's where to spend your July fourth holiday.
By Scott Renshaw

On the one hand, it would be easy to grumble that the Fourth of July falls on a Tuesday this year, making it more inconvenient to turn it into part of a long weekend. On the other hand, it means a nice patriotic break in the middle of your week—because there's a place to have fun and celebrate no matter where you are along the Wasatch Front. Here are just some of the most popular official Independence Day festivities (though some information was incomplete at press time):

America's Freedom Festival: The state's largest Fourth of July festivities kick off with the four-day Freedom Days festival on Provo's Center Street June 30-July 4. The centerpiece Stadium of Fire show finds country stars Little Big Town and comedian Brian Regan headlining LaVell Edwards Stadium on Saturday, July 1, at 8 p.m. before the fireworks display. On Independence Day proper, the Grand Parade rolls down University Avenue beginning at 9 a.m. (freedomfestival.org)

Sandy City Fourth of July: The South Towne Promenade (10000 S. Centennial Parkway) again hosts its annual community fair, afternoon parade, main-stage musical entertainment and 10 p.m. Sky Concert. Free admission. (sandy.utah.gov)

Salt Lake City Independence Day Celebration: SLC's west side again hosts the city's official bash, with a 10 p.m. fireworks display near the north end of Jordan Park (1060 S. 900 West). (slcgov.com)

Magna Small Town Big Fourth: If you're way out west, enjoy a full day of activities on Magna's Main Street, from the early morning 5K fun run through the noon parade and into afternoon activities at Copper Park, including games, inflatables, entertainment and a 10 p.m. fireworks show. (magnautah.org)

Park City: If a sizzling day faces you, consider a mountain getaway for your patriotic fun. The annual parade begins at the top of Main Street at 11 a.m., and festivities continue at City Park from noon-4 p.m. Then head to Park City Mountain Resort for a free concert at 7 p.m., followed by fireworks at dusk. (visitparkcity.com)

Riverton City Town Days: If you feel like getting your parade-watching early, head to Redwood Road in Riverton for the July 3 parade, beginning 6:30 p.m. from 13400 South to 12800 South and ending at Riverton City Park for a free evening movie. On July Fourth, return to the park for a chuck wagon breakfast, games, entertainment and 10 p.m. (fireworks. rivertoncity.com)

Sugar House Park: Salt Lake City's most popular annual fireworks show takes over the lovely venue (1300 E. 2100 South) for community fair and music in the afternoon and fireworks at dusk. (sugarhousepark.org)

Smith's Ballpark: The Salt Lake Bees get the celebration started a bit early, with post-game fireworks after they play the Las Vegas '51s on July 3 (6:35 p.m.; $11-$27), before they head out on a road trip. (slbees.com)

Thanksgiving Point: Lehi gets lively at the Electric Park, with gates opening at 4 p.m. for concessions, games and vendors. Live music kicks off at 7 p.m., with the fireworks display scheduled for 10 p.m. (thanksgivingpoint.com)

West Jordan Stampede: The annual PRCA rodeo comes to the West Jordan Arena (8035 S. 2200 West) July 1, 3 and 4 as appetizer for Independence Day activities. At Veterans Memorial Park next door on the Fourth, enjoy a carnival, 10:30 a.m. parade, band concert, free movie in the park (Sing) and 10 p.m. fireworks finale. (westernstampede.com)

And there you have it. Here's to a memorable, wet, dusty, sparkly and booze-filled summer!