Writer Amanda Christmann
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he heat is on, and so is the fun at Independence Day festivals around the Valley. Indoors and out, there’s no better place to share salutes and smiles than Phoenix! Here are just a few of the celebrations to choose from this year:
June 29–July 4
Scottsdale Princess Star-Spangled Spectacular
Kick off your celebration with a staycation at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, with special rate packages starting at $176 per night for local residents. Cool the whole family with pool parties, dive-in movies, live bands, family foam parties and more.
Fireworks will be held every night from June 29 through July 4, but that’s just the beginning!
July 2 through 4, military parachutists from the All Veterans Parachute Team will soar through the sky and land at the resort at 8 p.m. each night.
On July 4, be wowed from the cool waters of the Princess Pool and Lagoons by a vintage air show featuring retired veterans flying 28 military aircraft from WWII, Korea and Vietnam over the resort, and a military parachutist soaring through the skies and landing with an American flag. Live music, great food and more will be available for guests to enjoy.
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
7575 E. Princess Dr., Scottsdale
July 3
Anthem Independence Day
If family fun is more your style, Anthem is the place to be! Anthem Community Park can always be counted on for wholesome entertainment, and Independence Day is no exception!
Tap your toes to the music as fun bands take the stage. Bring blankets and lawn chairs to relax while the kids have the time of their lives on water slides, rides and inflatables. There will be plenty of food available for purchase, or bring your own picnic. Admission and parking are free.
Anthem Community Park
41703 N. Gavilan Peak Pkwy., Anthem
6–10 p.m.; fireworks start at 9:30 p.m.
July 4
Fabulous Phoenix Fourth
If “urban” is more your thing, the Fabulous Phoenix 4th downtown features one of the largest fireworks displays in the Southwest. Two stages of local entertainers, food and beverages, arts and crafts, interactive exhibits, a classic car display, rides and inflatables and a water spray zone for the kids are all part of the fun. No alcohol is allowed at the family-friendly event. Best yet, it’s free!
Steele Indian School Park
300 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix
6–10 p.m.
602-262-6011
July 4
67th Annual Tempe Town Lake Festival
Active military members get in free to this big event, and it’s one of the most well-known in the Valley. For desert-lovers, there’s something special about seeing fireworks launched from Mill Avenue Bridge reflecting over the waters of Tempe Town Lake.
There’s something for everyone here. Kids will have fun with inflatables, a climbing wall and more, and as always, there will be plenty of food, drinks and live music. Purchase tickets online, at any Fry’s, or at specified Tempe town offices. See website for details. VIP tickets and day-of-event tickets are also available. $7–$60.
Tempe Beach Park
80 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe
5–10 p.m.
July 4
4th of Zoo-ly
It’s going to be a wild night at the Phoenix Zoo’s annual 4th of Zoo-ly! It’ll be all-American fun with a classic summer BBQ (veggie burgers available) and a special viewing of the Tempe Town Lake Fireworks Spectacular seen from the zoo’s very own VIP seating area. No need to bring your own chair. Beer and wine will be available for adults to purchase, beginning at 7 p.m., and free carousel rides, a bounce house and a giant slide will be set up for kids to enjoy from 7–8:30 p.m. Zoo access will be limited, but the show will be a bang!
Phoenix Zoo
455 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix
7 p.m.
July 4
Scottsdale 4th of July at WestWorld
Beat the heat at the indoor Independence Day festivities at WestWorld in the 300,000 square-foot, fully air-conditioned Tony Nelssen Equestrian Center. Little ones will love pony rides, a petting zoo and the Jurassic 4th Dinosaur Encounter, while the adults take in a bull riding rodeo, Stunt Master’s BMX Show, Good Karma K9Z Stunt Dog Show and more! Fireworks will begin outside after dark.
It’s one of the most unique celebrations in the Valley. $12 and up; family pack tickets available.
WestWorld of Scottsdale
16601 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale
4–9:30 p.m.
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