Due to COVID-19 concerns, two of Fremont County’s municipalities have come up with “outside the box” ideas to celebrate the 4th of July while maintaining social distancing. Here’s what Florence and Cañon City have planned in lieu of the usual activities.
Florence
On Thursday July 2nd and Friday, July 3rd, Florence will have a Drive-In Movie Night, presented by the Rocky Mountain Bank, Florence Brewing Co., and other sponsors. This event will take place at the old smoke stack lot on Highway 67 next to Coal Creek Trading Post, just south of Main Street. Cars will be let in the lot at 7:00pm and the movies will start at sundown – approximately 8:30pm – each night. Attendees are asked to stay in their vehicles or in the immediate vicinity and to practice social distancing when getting food from the food vendors that will be onsite. The movies shown will be “Ice Age” on Thursday and “Night at the Museum” on Friday.
On Saturday, July 4th, the City of Florence will be taking the 4th of July parade to YOU! Beginning at 9:00am, the Florence Police and Fire Departments, city staff, and others will tour Florence neighborhoods so residents can enjoy the parade from the safety of their own homes! The City will provide more details about the routes and approximate times as the 4th gets closer.
Also on Saturday, July 4th, the City of Florence will put on their annual fireworks show, which will begin after dark.
Other Florence 4th of July activities will be a sidewalk chalk contest and a patriotic yard display contest. To enter the Florence Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest, please visit www.bit.ly/chalkflorence. To enter the Florence Patriotic Yard Display contest, please visit www.bit.ly/yardcontest.
Cañon City
Cañon City has come up with another clever twist on a parade with their “Reverse Car Parade,” which will be held on the 4th of July from 10:00am until noon. Businesses and organizations will set up “stationary floats” around Centennial Park and people can tune into KLRN 1400 FM for patriotic music, drive-thru, honk, wave, and take photos from their cars.
There will be fire trucks, the Blossom Queen Royalty, Rotary Club’s “Quacker Jack,” Military Veterans, a wallaby and other animals, Lion’s Club, and MORE!
The first 100 cars to drive through will receive a free swag bag, and there will be candy and other prizes. The drive-thru route accesses Centennial Park coming from Fourth Street, enter the park one way, and then exit towards First Street.
Businesses and organizations that would like to participate with a stationary float can email ashley.smith@canoncity.org by July 2nd at noon. Donated swag, candy, or other prizes can be dropped off at City Hall attn: Brandi Fowler by July 2nd at noon.
Colorado safety guidelines for outdoor venues during COVID-19 will be adhered to.