Yuma County prepares for big July 4 events

The colors of patriotism will paint the night skies Friday and Saturday as Yuma County celebrates Independence Day with numerous fireworks displays - and so much more.

Back down on earth, celebrations will dazzle the senses with everything from hot dogs and watermelon to live music and games for the kids.

Here's the scoop on what big public celebrations are being planned:

YUMA COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS

Fireworks, banged-up cars and watermelons will draw a big crowd out to the fairgrounds, where the event billed as the county's largest Fourth of July celebration is set to begin at 6 p.m. Saturday. Admission will be $3 per person, with kids 6 and under admitted for free.

The event will kick off with free games for kids and a free watermelon bust at the grandstands. A demolition derby - offering a top prize of $1,000 - will get going at 8 p.m. People wanting to enter the derby should call Dick's Towing at 726-6846.

The big fireworks show will crown the event after dark. For more information, call the fair office at 726-4420.

CABALLEROS DE YUMA

The Yuma organization's flag-raising ceremony, which has become an annual favorite, is being planned once more - with a major twist.

After years of holding the ceremony at Friendship Tower, the Caballeros de Yuma is moving its event to the Yuma Armed Forces Park, 291 Gila St. downtown.

"We're excited to be able to have the ceremony at the park," said Jeff Byrd, spokesman for event. "The park is brand-new and looking good."

The ceremony is slated for 7:30 a.m. Saturday.

The Yuma Territorial Prisonaires will sing the Star Spangled Banner, followed by a gun salute by the Vietnam Veterans of America, Yuma Chapter 835.  This year’s guest speaker is Col. Mark Werth, commander of Marine Corps Air Station Yuma. Selected service members from Yuma Proving Ground and MCAS will be recognized and awarded by the Yuma County Chamber of Commerce.

Seating will be provided. Refreshments will be served after the ceremony.

YUMA GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB

The country club's Fourth of July is only open to members, but the huge fireworks display is enjoyed by folks for blocks in all directions.This year's display is set for around 9 p.m.

AREA CASINOS

Quechan Casino Resort and Paradise Casino will join up for a shared Independence Day celebration Friday.The casinos' event will take place at Paradise Casino. The action will start at 7 p.m. The free, all-ages event will offer games for kids and live music by Tribal Seeds, a reggae band. A show of motorcycle jumps and stunts is planned for 7 to 9 p.m. The event will also feature a fireworks display.

Cocopah Casino will hold its celebration Saturday from 5 p.m. to midnight. The all-ages event will be held outdoors and feature a free concert by Cat Daddy, food vendors and a fireworks display.People are asked to bring their own chairs or blankets for the concert. Free watermelon will be provided, along with activities for children.

JULY 4 IN WELLTON

The community of Wellton will host several activities Saturday.There will be free swimming at N.D. Kline Pool from 1 to 5 p.m. and coin-toss contests at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. Festivities - presented by American Legion Post No. 67 Auxiliary - will continue at Butterfield Park. Activities will begin with food at 6:30 p.m., followed by a flag-raising ceremony at 7 p.m. Fireworks are slated for dusk.

SOUTH COUNTY CELEBRATIONS

Folks in San Luis will be treated to an evening of music and fireworks Saturday. The event is slated for Joe Orduno Park in San Luis, Ariz. The free public event will run from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m., sponsored by the city of San Luis and Del Sol grocery stores. Live music will be provided by Los Apson and Flashback. The evening will include a fireworks display. For more information, call 341-8535.

Somerton will hold its celebration Saturday, with the fun starting at 7 p.m. at Perricone Park. The event is sponsored by the city of Somerton, San Luis Food City and local businesses. The celebration will feature live entertainment and about 30 food vendors. For more information, call 627-2056.

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Darin Fenger can be reached at dfenger@yumasun.com or 539-6860.