Annual signature events are patriotic salutes to our nation!
SHOW LOW, Ariz. (June 22, 2015) – Come celebrate our nation’s birthday on Saturday, July 4, at two of Show Low’s family-friendly signature events—the annual parade in the morning and FreedomFest in the afternoon. Find your spot for the annual parade, which begins at 9 a.m. along the Deuce of Clubs from City Park on the east and turns south on White Mountain Road to E. Cooley. This year’s parade theme is “Home of the Brave,” exemplified by this year’s grand marshal, former Show Low Mayor David A. Foil, who was awarded the prestigious Distinguished Flying Cross by Congressman Paul Gosar earlier in June for his heroism in World War II.
A “wet zone” will be marked with appropriate signage on both sides of the Deuce between Thunderbird Motel, 1131 E. Deuce of Clubs, and Cattlemen’s Restaurant, 1261 E. Deuce of Clubs, which means spectators may get wet as passing floats and accompanying walkers spray the crowd. Only parade entries are allowed to carry spraying devices. For the safety of parade entrants, spectators are prohibited from using water balloons, Silly String, water hoses or water guns of any kind along the parade route. Spectators are asked to respect parade participants and comply with any request from public safety officers and parade staff.
During the parade, the Deuce of Clubs will be closed between Whipple Road and S. White Mountain Road (S.R. 260) from 8:45 until approximately 11:30 a.m. Eastbound and westbound detours will be established. The eastbound detour begins at the Deuce of Clubs and Whipple Road intersection, with the Deuce of Clubs closing to traffic at this location. Traffic will be routed to Whipple Road to Central Avenue and south on Woolford Road to S. White Mountain Road, where the White Mountain Entertainment Show Low 5 movie theaters are located. Westbound traffic on the Deuce of Clubs will be routed south on S. White Mountain Road to Woolford Road and return to the Deuce of Clubs via Whipple.
At 3 p.m., head over to the Show Low football stadium complex, 500 W. Old Linden Road, to enjoy the popular FreedomFest festivities—with free admission—planned throughout the evening. Participants will find great good, including kettle corn, shaved ice, pizza, Indian tacos, funnel cakes and other delectable treats. The kids’ zone will feature a giant slide, obstacle course or Velcro wall, bounce houses, spinning berry and much more. Live music kicks off at 3 p.m. and lasts into the evening, culminating in headliner “The Walkens,” who perform at 7:30 p.m. and again after the spectacular fireworks display, which will begin at 9 p.m. (depending on weather conditions). All events are sponsored by the Show Low Parks and Recreation Department. For more event details or information, call (928) 532-4141.