Residents of Farmington have a full schedule of community events to choose from this Saturday as the city celebrates the Fourth of July.
The festivities kick off in the morning with two simultaneous events. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., the San Juan County Gem and Mineral Society will host a Gem & Mineral Show at McGee Park.
The event features gemstones, jewelry, mineral specimens and door prizes, with a $1 entry fee for adults and free admission for children under 12.
At the same time, 505 Shredz Skate Shop is sponsoring a Party in the Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Brookside Park.
The skate shop said the event, which was brought back three years ago, will feature vendors and a skate jam focused on participants having fun and performing their best tricks rather than a strict competition.
For families looking for midday activities, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the E3 Children’s Museum will hold an ice cream social.
The free event includes an annual “Yo Down Show Down” from 1 – 2 p.m., as well as a “Blast to the Future” activity where attendees can write letters to their future selves. Proceeds from food and treats sold will benefit the Farmington Museum Foundation.
In the evening, the Farmington Museum & Visitor Center will host a free live music event from 6-7:30 p.m. as part of its Summer Terrace Series.
This Saturday’s patriotic concert features the Kissmah Brass Band and the Sacred Voce Choir, accompanied by guest piccolo artist Ashlie Gold and trumpet soloist Delbert Anderson. Scott Michlin of KSJE will serve as the event’s emcee.
Museum Director Nathan Augustine noted that this is the first time in several years they are hosting a Fourth of July concert, largely because the holiday falls on a Saturday this year. The concert will take place on the museum terrace along the Animas River.
“This is a fun family event and you get to listen to beautiful music in a beautiful setting and visit with your friends while you do it,” Augustine said.
To close out the holiday, Film Four Corners is sponsoring the Freedom Days Electric Light Parade. The parade will begin at 9 p.m. at the intersection of Court and Main streets, featuring illuminated floats and patriotic entries making their way down the historic route. Main Street will be closed from Butler Avenue to Lake Street.
The parade will honor the 125th anniversary of Farmington’s incorporation, with former mayors and city councilors invited to serve as grand marshals alongside current officials.
The event will also recognize Chief David Vega of San Juan County Fire and Rescue as the first responder of the year, and Mike Mestas of San Juan County Emergency Management as the veteran of the year.
Organizer Devin Neeley said the parade, which was brought back last year following a hiatus, is expected to feature about 40 entries and will be livestreamed by KSJE with drone shots provided by Zia Drone.
“We’re just trying to get the parade back to the huge event that it once was,” Neeley said. “It’s just a Farmington tradition.”
For those attending in person, Neeley recommended finding a spot between Court and Auburn streets.
“There’s no bad place to watch the parade in downtown,” Neeley said, adding that it offers a safe alternative to at-home celebrations. “It’s one of the most fun events on the Fourth of July, and it doesn’t involve fireworks, and you don’t have to worry about lighting your neighbor’s house on fire if you’re downtown.”
For those looking to extend their Independence Day celebration, Bloomfield will host its annual fireworks display on Sunday, July 5. The fireworks will begin at dusk from a section of Bureau of Land Management land just west of B-Hill and north of City Hall. Music for the event will be broadcast on Bloomfield Fire Radio 93.5 KFDP.
Farmington’s fireworks show will take place Friday night at Sullivan Hill.
Gem & Mineral Show, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., McGee Park, 41 Road 5568.
505 Shredz Skate Shop Party in the Park, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Brookside Park, 1901 N. Dustin Ave. Vendors, live entertainment and a skateboard competition.
Ice Cream Social, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., E3 Children’s Museum, 302 N. Orchard Ave.
Summer Terrace Series, 6-7:30 p.m., Farmington Museum & Visitor Center, 3041 E. Main St. Free live music featuring Kissmah Brass Band.
Freedom Days Electric Light Parade, 9 p.m., downtown Main Street. Illuminated floats and patriotic entries.
Gem & Mineral Show, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., McGee Park, 41 Road 5568.
5th of July Fireworks, 9 -10 p.m., Bloomfield, NM BLM Land West of B-Hill