The biggest weekend of the summer is almost here, and I know what you’re thinking: I’d like to celebrate the Fourth of July in my favorite ski town, Ski Diva, but I’m not sure what’s going on there. Can you help?
Absolutely! Here’s a sampling of the festivities in some of our favorite ski towns across the country:
Okemo, Vermont:
Celebrate freedom and the holiday weekend with the best party of the summer. Okemo’s Jackson Gore Courtyard will be transformed into an all-American backyard barbecue with live music, games, a hot-dog-eating contest, frosty-cold beverages and fresh-from-the-grill burgers, hot dogs plus lots more. New activities this year include an inflatable water slide, a 65-foot inflatable challenge course and a combo bouncy house/slide. Saturday, July 2, 11AM – 6PM
Stowe, Vermont (Stowe Mountain Resort):
Enjoy a multi-dimensional day-long extravaganza of food, music, entertainers, fireworks and more! Starting with the Moscow parade and ending with Stowe’s incredible annual fireworks display, this is a great day to spend in Stowe.
Lake Placid, New York (Whiteface):
The ever popular I Love BBQ and Music Festival will run this year from July 2 – 5. Come out and watch some of the best BBQ competitors in the country, taste their creations, and listen to some live music at this popular annual event. On July 4th there’ll be a parade and the blockbuster “Set the Night to Music” fireworks extravaganza.
Bethel, Maine (Sunday River):
The Fourth of July features a Community Picnic at Bethel Historical Society, plus an outdoor concert by the fabulous Portland Brass Quintet.
Vail, Colorado:
A true summer celebration featuring exceptional entertainment including Vail’s celebrated 4th of July parade and fireworks. The parade will begin at Golden Peak at 10:00 AM on July 4 and will wind its way through the villages, ending in Lionshead. This year’s parade theme is Celebrate the USA! Great Moments in American History.
Aspen, Colorado:
Approximately 20,000 local residents and visitors come together to honor the nation’s birthday in true American style. Festivities include a parade, the 16th annual “America’s Birthday” carnival, a community picnic, a concert, and spectacular fireworks over Aspen Mountain at 9:15.
Breckenridge, Colorado:
Celebrate Independence Day with lively entertainment, free activities, and dynamic family fun. Breck’s Independence Day celebration kicks off with a 10K trail run and continues throughout the day with the Firecracker 50 bike race leading the Fourth of July Parade on Main Street, July Arts Festival, live music, kids’ activities, concerts and much more. End the night with the National Repertory Orchestra performing a patriotic concert at the Riverwalk Center followed by fireworks at 9:45PM.
Steamboat, Colorado:
Steamboat’s Fourth of July celebration runs from July 1 through July 4. There’s everything from a hometown parade and pancake breakfast to a rodeo, block party, and fireworks.
Lake Tahoe, California:
NBC’s Today show recognizes Tahoe South’s Lights on the Lake Fireworks display as one of the country’s top Fourth of July weekend Celebrations. The fireworks are launched from offshore barges and can be seen from all corners of town. South Shore offers convenient access to viewing areas via public transportation, paved bike trails, and nearby park and walk venues.
Sun Valley, Idaho:
The festivities begin with a parade at 10AM, and continue with a bike race, a kids’ carnival on the Main Street, a rodeo, and of course, fireworks at dusk.
Park City, Utah:
Kick the day off with a pancake breakfast in the City Park then head up to Historic Main Street for the Annual 4th of July Parade. Spend the rest of the day with a full day of activities in the City Park with live music, rugby games, beer gardens and plenty of family fun. Fireworks go off at Park City Mountain Resort at dusk!
Big Sky, Montana
Here you’ll find lots of community booths, children’s activities, lots of food, beverages, and live music capped by a firework finale.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming:
The day-long celebration includes a pancake breakfast, a 10K run, a parade, music, and fireworks.
Have fun, be safe, and remember, don’t drink and drive!