Vail accepting float entries for annual Vail America Days Fourth of July parade, celebration

Entries for Vail's Fourth of July parade are currently being accepted through June 30 by organizers of the Vail America Days celebration. The parade will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on July 4. The theme for parade entries is “Made in America.”

Vail's parade is one of the most popular events during the Independence Day holiday, attracting thousands of spectators from throughout the region. Application forms are available on the Town of Vail web site at www.vailgov.com. Entries are available in seven categories: youth, marching, equestrian, motorized, merchant/business, float and most original. Fees vary from $50 for a non-profit to $200 for a business entry.

The parade will begin at Golden Peak and continue west to Hanson Ranch Road, north on Bridge Street, west on Gore Creek Drive, north across the International Bridge, west along Meadow Drive and finally through the LionsHead Mall to the finish.

Volunteers are needed to help organizers keep the parade moving. Duties include holding balloons, carrying banners and assisting with traffic. Contact the Vail America Days staff at 477-3699 or JoAnn Moore at 926-2177 for details.

In addition to the parade, Vail America Days will include activities throughout July Fourth, including a fireworks display at dusk. Here's a preview of what's ahead:

Fourth of July Weekend Activities/Events
For details, visit www.vail.com or call 476-4790.

Fri., July 1

Patriotic Concert Tickets available for July 4th concert from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Amphitheater Box Office only – limit of 4 (ticket buyers must be 16 years or older)
Yoga in the Gardens, 9 a.m., Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, Ford Park
Eagle Bahn Gondola, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., LionsHead
Guided Nature Hike, 11 a.m. & 2 p.m., Nature Discovery Center, top of Gondola
Alpine Wind Ensemble, 4:30 p.m., Slifer Square/Vail Village
West Vai; Fire Station No. 3 Community Open House, 5 p.m.
Bravo! Dallas Symphony Orchestra, 6 p.m., Ford Amphitheater
Friday Afternoon Club, Eagle's Nest on Vail Mountain
S'mores & More, Family Campground Program, 7 p.m., Vail Nature Center
Vail Lacrosse Shootout presented by Harrow, approx. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Men's Elite at Ford Park and Freedom Park in Edwards; Women's Elite at Freedom Park and Vail Athletic Field

Sat., July 2

Eagle Bahn Gondola, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., LionsHead
Guided Garden Tour, 10:30 a.m., Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, Ford Park
Guided Nature Hike, 11 a.m. & 2 p.m., Nature Discovery Center, top of Gondola
Vail Public Library Book Sale, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Bravo! Dallas Symphony Orchestra, 6 p.m., Ford Amphitheater
Fireside Program, 7 p.m., Gore Creek Campground Amphitheater
Vail Lacrosse Shootout presented by Harrow, approx. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Men's Elite at Ford Park and Freedom Park in Edwards; Women's Elite at Freedom Park and Vail Athletic Field

Sun., July 3

La Sportiva Vail HillClimb Trail Running Race, 8 a.m. start in Slifer Square
Eagle Bahn Gondola, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., LionsHead
Vail Farmers' Market & Art Show, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Vail Village
Creekside Tour, 11 a.m. & 1:30 p.m., Meet at the Nature Center Booth at the Vail Farmers' Market
Vail Public Library Book Sale, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Vail Jazz presents Ginga Band in the tent at Solaris, Noon to 3 p.m.
Guided Nature Hike, 11 a.m. & 2 p.m., Nature Discovery Center, top of Gondola
Bravo! Dallas Symphony Orchestra, 6 p.m., Ford Amphitheater
Vail Lacrosse Shootout presented by Harrow, approx. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Men's Elite at Ford Park & Vail Athletic Field and Freedom Park in Edwards; Women's Elite at Freedom Park & championship game at Ford Park.

Mon., July 4

Community Breakfast Vail Interfaith Chapel, Free, 8 a.m.
Community Interfaith Worship Service, Vail Chapel, 9 to 10 a.m.
Yoga in the Gardens, 9 a.m., Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, Ford Park
Eagle Bahn Gondola, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., LionsHead
Guided Garden Tour, 10:30 a.m., Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, Ford Park
Guided Nature Hike, 11 a.m. & 2 p.m., Nature Discovery Center, top of Gondola
Wildflower Walk, 11:30 a.m., Vail Nature Center

Vail America Days
--Parade, “Made in America,” 10 a.m., Golden Peak to LionsHead
--Vail Public Library Bake Sale, 8 a.m. to Noon
--Vail Public Library Book Sale, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
--Free Bravo! Patriotic Concert w/Dallas Symphony Orchestra, 2 p.m., Ford Amphitheater
(Call 476-2918 for ticket info)
--Musical entertainment following the parade, Noon to 2 p.m., LionsHead & Vail Village
--Fireworks at Golden Peak in Vail, Dusk (approx. 9:45 p.m. conditions permitting)

Vail America Days is sponsored by the Town of Vail, the Gallegos Corporation and the Vail Daily. For more information, contact Laurie Asmussen at 477-3699.