By J.J. Lamb, Vail Preservation Society
The Vail Preservation Society is proud to host A Colossal Fourth. From June 30th through July 4th events will unfold from the Rincon Valley Farmers Market and Colossal Cave Mountain Park, south along Colossal Cave Road to Charron Vineyards in the beautiful Empire Mountains. Vail and Corona are the places to be during this multi-day celebration of country and community!
On June 30th, enter the Red, White, and Blue Costume Contest at the Rincon Valley Farmers Market. In the afternoon join friends and neighbors at American Legion Post #109’s Patriotic Celebration featuring activities, music, and food. End the day with a wagon ride, entertainment on the Terrace and spectacular views at Colossal Cave Mountain Park’s, Sunset at the Park.
July 1st features Door Slammers Car Club and Corvette Car Shows at Hacienda del Lago, Wine Tasting & Vine Blessing at Charron Vineyard, and Dark Skies Stargazing at Christ Lutheran Vail.
The huge July 3rd Block Party from 5-8 PM features music, kid’s fun zone, great food, and vendors followed by spectacular fireworks at Hacienda del Lago in Vail.
The July 4th Parade will wind its way down Colossal Cave Road. Come prepared to enjoy the Super-Wet Splash Zone! The 2018 Grand Marshal is Marjorie Taylor Bass. She began calling Vail home five years ago, bringing with her a lifetime of memories and a legacy of service. Like the iconic Rosie the Riveter, Marjorie worked in U.S. war plants during World War II and volunteered with the USO as an organizer for respite and social activities, like dances, for our nation’s servicemen in the San Francisco Bay area as they prepared to depart for WWII. To celebrate July 4th, and her 95th birthday in June, Marjorie’s platform as Parade Grand Marshal is to bring attention to the important mission of the USO as they continue to support service members and their families in 2018, just as they did when she volunteered 75 years ago.
Park at Cienega High School and catch a free shuttle bus every 15 minutes to the Block Party and Fireworks on July 3rd and for the Parade on July 4th. July 3rd shuttle bus riders will receive a free VPS Raffle ticket! Don’t waste time searching for a parking spot! The bus is fast and free.
The History Project says it best: “No place really becomes a community until it is wrapped in human memory, family stories, traditions and civic commemorations. Our connections and commitment to one another are strengthened when we share experiences.”
Let’s make some great memories together during A Colossal Fourth 2018. We appreciate event sponsors: Rita Ranch Automotive & Tire, Hugh’s Federal Credit Union, Dunkin’ Donuts, and Chiara Dental. Please support them and the other A Colossal Fourth sponsors with your business throughout the year. Details at www.acolossalfourth.org.
