RANGELY I The Western Rio Blanco Metropolitan Recreation and Park District knows how to throw a party, and this year’s Fourth of July Celebration will be no exception. With a weekend packed full of fun, everyone is sure to find something to help them enjoy Independence Day.
The weekend activities kick off on Friday with a round of Night Golf at the Cedar Ridges Golf Course. Always a popular event, the slots for golfers are currently filled. However, the Rec District encourages people to come out and cheer on the golfers while enjoying the evening.
The bulk of the events occur on Saturday, beginning with the fourth annual New Eden Color 5K Run. The popular event raises funds for the Rangely New Eden Pregnancy Center, which provides counseling to expectant mothers and supplies for moms struggling to make ends meet.
Registration opens at 8 a.m. and the race starts at 8:30. The cost of $20 per person or $60 for a family covers a T-shirt that is sure to be full of color after runners get doused in colored powder at various points of the race.
Shortly after the race, locals can expect the smells of slow cooking ribs coming from Elks Park as Rib Cook Off contestants begin cooking at 10 a.m. Judging of the ribs will occur at 5 p.m. There is still room for more entries, and interested chefs should contact the Rec District.
A favorite of the kids, the Inflatables, will be set up in Elks Park from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Be sure to bring the kids down in swim gear to cool off and have some fun. Kids who want to participate must have a waiver signed by a parent before they are allowed on the inflatables. Waivers will be available at the park.
At 3 p.m., a free local music showcase is sure to delight. Local talents wishing to entertain will be set up in Elks Park.
After relaxing to local music, hungry patrons can grab a surf ‘n turf dinner at 5:30 in the park with the steak and shrimp fajita meal. The cost is $25 for adults and $5 for a hot dog meal for the kids. Tickets should be purchased ahead of time from the Rec Center.
Saturday evening ends with a free concert in the park beginning at 6:30 p.m. Come enjoy the musical country and rock stylings of The Greg Simpson band out of Utah.
The Fourth of July would never be complete without a fireworks show.
On Monday the Fourth, be sure to head out to Kenney Reservoir to get in all the oohs and ahs of the fireworks. The highly reflective show is scheduled to begin at dusk.
In the case of inclement weather, the fireworks show will be pushed back a day to July 5.
