Downtown Durango turned red, white and blue Monday in
celebration of America's 229th birthday. A morning full of activities
including a pancake breakfast and a fun run got this year's 4th of July
celebration under way. Following the morning events, Buckley Park filled
with Independence Day revelers eager to participate in the Kiwanis Club of
Durango's Picnic and BBQ Cook-off. Live music, food and a multitude
of activities kept people in the park despite the hot summer sun. The crowd
then migrated downtown for the Stars and Stripes parade, which included
dancers, riders on horseback, and live music and dancing following the Main
Avenue procession. The day came to a loud and colorful conclusion with an
awe-inspiring fireworks display that engulfed wide-eyed onlookers scattered
throughout Durango's city limits.
Color explodes from the ridge line on the west side
of Durango during Monday night's fireworks display.
Pete Pheteplace, of the Frank Trio, gets the parade
crowd thumping during the downtown street dance, which immediately followed
the parade.
A Harley rider struts her stuff as she cruises along
the parade route on a warm Monday evening before the fireworks display.
A larger-than-life-sized Uncle Sam waves to the
crowd as he makes his way north up Main Avenue near the end of the parade.
Victoria McBrayer waves her stars and stripes as the
parade gets under way near College and Main Avenue.
Christin Kee stays still as Mysto the Magi paints an
intricate design on her forehead at Buckley Park.