Unforgettable Spots to Celebrate the 4th of July

On Friday, July 4th, the Verde Valley area celebrates freedom with an array of community events featuring food and activities suitable for all ages.

Sedona Summer Splash

The Sedona Parks and Recreation Department will host the Sedona Summer Splash from noon to 4 p.m. at the Sedona Community Pool, located at 570 Posse Ground Road. This free event includes open swim, games, and food trucks offering refreshing treats like ice cream and snow cones.

Parks and Recreation Special Events Coordinator Jason Vargo shared, “It’s become an annual favorite before heading west for the fireworks in Cottonwood.” New games will be introduced, and a pie-eating contest is in the lineup. Every attendee will receive a free raffle ticket, with hourly drawings. The event is expected to draw a crowd, so water slides and outdoor attractions will also be available.

DJ Frsh will provide entertainment, with a mix of diverse musical styles to keep attendees engaged throughout the day.

Parking is usually manageable, but Vargo encourages taking advantage of the Sedona Shuttle Connect for convenience.

For inquiries, contact Sedona Parks and Recreation at (928) 282-7098.

Elks Lodge BBQ

The Sedona Elks Lodge at 110 Airport Road is hosting its annual community barbecue from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and features live music from the band Simply Renee. For $20, attendees can indulge in a meal choice of hamburger, hot dog, or bratwurst, accompanied by traditional sides.

For more information, contact the Sedona Elks Lodge at (928) 282-7571.

County officials urge caution regarding fire restrictions due to wildfire risks, particularly given that several jurisdictions have activated Stage 2 fire restrictions. David McAtee, Yavapai County Communications Manager, emphasizes the importance of understanding these rules to ensure a safe celebration. For detailed fire restriction information, visit YavapaiReady.gov/FireBan.

Cottonwood Celebrations

Cottonwood Kid’s Park will host its Fantastic Family Fourth of July from 4 to 9:30 p.m., with complimentary hot dogs, watermelon, soft drinks, and chips served from 4 to 6 p.m. The evening will culminate with a spectacular fireworks display at 9 p.m.

Parks, Recreation & Library Director Jak Teel encourages audiences to enjoy professional fireworks for safety reasons. Food trucks will be on-site and a $10 wristband will provide access to inflatable attractions. An F-35 Lightning II flyover is scheduled, although timing is yet to be confirmed.

For more information, call (928) 639-3200 or visit cottonwoodaz.gov.

Clarkdale 4th of July

Clarkdale’s Old Fashioned Fourth of July begins with a ceremony at the Town Park, featuring remarks from Mayor Robyn Prud’homme-Bauer and a Color Guard presentation. The event typically attracts between 1,000 and 1,200 attendees.

A pancake breakfast for $4 for children and $6 for adults will be served immediately after the opening ceremony, followed by free carnival games. The Kids’ Parade encourages local children to showcase their creativity with decorated bicycles and wagons. No registration is necessary for participants aged 18 or younger.

Winners of the parade will be announced around 9:30 a.m., concluding with a patriotic concert performed by the Cottonwood Community Band.

For parking information, contact the Clarkdale Parks and Recreation Department at (928) 639-2460 or visit clarkdale.az.gov/fourthofjuly.

Lake Montezuma Festivities

The Beaver Creek Kiwanis is bringing excitement to Rollins Park with a pancake breakfast starting at 7 a.m., followed by a parade at 9 a.m. The event typically garners over 500 participants and features games, activities, and entertainment.

The parade will travel along Montezuma Avenue and is expected to close part of the road temporarily. Kaleidoscope Redrocks will perform from 10 a.m. until noon, followed by the much-anticipated duck races at noon.

All activities are free, though donations are welcomed to support community projects. Jim Willis, a veteran of the U.S. Army, will serve as the Grand Marshal.

For further details, contact Kiwanis Club President Carol Keeton at (928) 606-4050 or cjrock@mac.com.