Plan an inspiring July Fourth in the American West. Families and friends looking for memorable festivities should head toward Cochise County's communities of Benson, Bisbee, Douglas, Sierra Vista, Tombstone and Willcox.
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Benson's family fun day begins with a parade at 9 a.m. The festivities move to Lions Park at 10:30 for the annual Water Fight, a competition between local volunteer fire departments. Contestants try to move a barrel on a pulley system using water pressure from hoses to slide the barrel toward the opposing team. Spectators often get a refreshing soak, and the kids can play in the mud. Live music is planned throughout the day. A spectacular fireworks display ignites at dusk. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early for the best view.
When: July 4
Where: Lions Park, Benson
Admission: Free
Info: 520-586-4293; www.bensonvisitorcenter.com/events.htm
Bisbee
The big day begins at 9 a.m. with the Bisbee Coaster Races down Tombstone Canyon, the oldest and longest gravity-powered race in the U.S. Between heats, runners compete in the Bisbee Iron Man Mile, starting at the Iron Man statue and continuing down the canyon. A parade begins at 11 a.m. in Bisbee's Warren section. Along the Vista Park route, food booths offer tasty morsels, and the band, Train Wreck, plays 4-8 p.m.
The afternoon features contests of skill in traditional mining activities at Brewery Gulch: at 2 p.m., muckers let their shovels fly, digging and fill mining carts with gravel in a timed competition; at 4 p.m., hard-rock drillers pound metal stakes into rock with a four-pound hammer, vying to pierce the deepest hole and claim the cash prize. The Bisbee Copper Kings baseball team comes out swinging at 3 p.m. in the Warren Ballpark with a double header against the Tucson Stars. Between games, fans can watch the Bisbee Bees vs. the Bisbee Hot Flashes in historic 1890's dead ball baseball and then enjoy fireworks as they electrify the sky.
When: July 4
Where: Throughout Bisbee
Admission: Varies
Info: 520-432-6016 or 1-866-2BISBEE; www.discoverbisbee.com
Douglas
Douglas launches the Fourth with a parade at 10 a.m. along historic G Avenue and wraps up with an evening concert and fireworks show. Throughout the day, visitors enjoy live entertainment, food booths, games and free swimming and activities at Veterans Memorial Park. The band Ritmo Suave plays 6-10 p.m.
When: July 4
Where: Veterans Memorial Park
Admission: Varies depending on event. Live entertainment FREE
Info: 520-364-2496 or 520-805-4047; www.DouglasAz.gov
Sierra Vista
This two-day celebration begins the evening of July 3 with a street dance, 7-11 p.m., featuring the music of Train Wreck at Veterans' Memorial Park. On July 4, the daylong festivities open at 8 a.m. with the Pets & People Parade. A 50-gun salute and a ceremony with a proclamation by the Mayor follow at noon at the park. Craft and food vendors, a chili cook-off, displays, booths and live music are in the park all day. Before the largest fireworks display in Cochise County, the 36th Army Band plays the National Anthem and Tchaikovsky's famous 1812 Overture with a rousing cannon salute. The music of Crysis serenades attendees as the fireworks fade.
When: July 3 & 4
Where: Veterans' Memorial Park, Fry Boulevard; Fireworks at the Domingo Paiz Sports Complex, N. Coronado Drive and Tacoma Street
Admission: Free
Info: 520-378-4601; www.visitsierravista.com
Tombstone
Tombstone's family-style Fourth of July activities include a round-robin softball tournament, kids' games and food booths. The city fireworks display at dusk is sponsored by the Tombstone Knights of Columbus.
When: July 4
Where: Medigovich Field, Tombstone
Admission: Varies depending on event
Info: 520-457-3994
Willcox
Join Willcox residents at this celebration as fireworks light the night sky at the Willcox High School..
When: Dusk, July 4
Where: Willcox High School Athletic Field, 240 N. Bisbee Ave., Willcox
Admission: Donations accepted
Info: Willcox Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture, 520-384-2272 or 1-800-200-2272
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