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Complete Media Kit
Across Cochise County, cities and towns are preparing for music, food, fireworks and fun for the Fourth of July holiday. From children's events to parades and musical performances, there is something to bring out the patriotic spirit in anyone.
SIERRA VISTA
July 3 (Tuesday)
  
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The following events, which are sponsored by San Pedro Kiwanis/Just Kids Inc., will take place at Veterans’ Memorial Park.
6:30 p.m. — Talent Show
7:30 to 11:30 p.m. — Annual street dance with Train Wreck
July 4 (Wednesday)
7:30 a.m. — Pets & People Parade judging of entries at Alphagraphics, 2309 E. Fry Blvd.
The following events will take place at Veterans’ Memorial Park.
8:45 a.m. — Pets & People Parade award presentation (in the bandshell)
9 a.m. — Military displays, arts and crafts vendors, food vendors begin throughout the park
9:15 a.m. — Gospel choir
10:15 a.m. — Desert Thunder Gymnastics and Cheerleader exhibition
11:30 a.m. — Official Patriotic Ceremony with guest speakers and 50-Gun Salute
12:30 p.m. — Buena High School Band and Friends concert
12:30 p.m. — Just Kids Inc. Chili Cook-Off and judging at Ramada No. 1
3 p.m. — Ron Hinkle, jazz banjoist
3:30 p.m. — Alma Dolores International Dance Center performing international dances
4 p.m. — The Barefoot Wahines + One performing Pacific Island dances
4:30 p.m. — Dance Fusion Studio performing jazz, hip hop and patriotic tap dances
5 p.m. — KRYSIS — Sierra Vista’s “Klassic True Rock Band”
7 p.m. — Beau Renfro and The Allstar Country Music Band
8:30 p.m. — Fireworks display, can be seen from half mile away
9:15 p.m. — Beau Renfro and The Allstar Country Music Band
The following events will take place at Domingo Paiz/Stone Sports Complex at the east end of Tacoma Street
6 p.m. — Army Dixie Band
7 p.m. — 36th Army Band
8:15 p.m. — “1812 Overture” by the 36th Army Band
8:30 p.m. — Fireworks display
9:15 p.m. — KRYSIS — Sierra Vista’s “Klassic True Rock Band”
BISBEE
July 4 (Wednesday)
8 a.m — Vendors set up at Vista Park (Warren) and Goar Park (Old Bisbee)
8:30 a.m. — Coaster race begins on Tombstone Canyon/Main Street (Old Bisbee)
9:15 a.m. — Iron Man run, Tombstone Canyon (Old Bisbee)
11 a.m. — “Rockin’ 4th of July” From Mines to Music, Bisbee Rocks Parade begins in Warren, goes down Arizona Street. Yesterday’s Heroes, a new Sierra Vista band making its debut, will be performing in Vista Park during the parade from 11 a.m. to noon.
2 p.m. — Hard rock drilling contest, Brewery Gulch (Old Bisbee)
4 p.m.— Mucking contest, Brewery Gulch (Old Bisbee)
4 to 8 p.m. — Band “Train Wreck” in Vista Park, Bisbee’s hottest rock and blues band
8 p.m. — Fireworks at No. 7 Dump, on the north end of Vista Park
Baseball events:
Noon — Warren ballpark opens for admissions
and concessions
2 p.m. — Bisbee Copper Kings vs. Tucson Stars
5 p.m. — Bisbee Copper Kings vs. Tucson Stars
Dusk — Fans will be able to move from the grandstands
to the other side of the field to watch the fireworks.
HUACHUCA CITY
Huachuca City Picnic in the Park:
July 4 (Wednesday)
3:30 to 7:30 p.m. — Country Outlaws band
4 p.m. — Waterballoon Toss
5 p.m. — Sack Race
6 p.m. — Piñata
7 p.m. — Three-legged Race
8:30 (dark) — Fireworks
PALOMINAS
Palominas Unorganized Parade
July 4
8 to 8:30 a.m. — Lineup at Palominas Fire Station on Palominas Road
9 a.m. — Parade begins, ends at Palominas Trading Post.
There is no theme to this parade and anyone, or anything, is welcome to participate. For photos of last year’s event, see page 14.
TOMBSTONE
Tombstone Family Style 4th of July at Medigovich Field
July 4
One-day softball tournament and food booth.
City Fireworks display at dusk
Sponsor: Tombstone Knights of Columbus
Contact: Mark Molina at 457-3994
In-depth Sierra Vista schedule
The members of the Rotary Club of Sierra Vista volunteer their time to plan and coordinate the activities including setting up and firing the fireworks display. The city of Sierra Vista Department of Parks and Leisure Services and the soldiers of Fort Huachuca provide logistical support and displays.
The club raises funds to pay for the cost of the fireworks. This year local businesses sponsoring the celebration include: Red White and Blue Sponsors Vinny’s New York Pizza, Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative, Sierra Vista Herald and Cox Communications. Patriot Sponsors are: Alphagraphics, Gas City, Lawley Automotive, Mantech, Northrop Grumman and Sierra Toyota. Liberty Sponsors are: Ace Hardware, Aegis Communications and Patio Pools. In addition, many other businesses and individuals contribute. Thank you for your support.
Festivities start the evening of July 3 with a talent show and street dance at Veterans’ Memorial Park and continue all day the Fourth, ending with the biggest and best fireworks show in southern Arizona at the Domingo Paiz/Stone Sports Complex.
July 3
Annual Talent Show and Street Dance: The activities on July 3 are sponsored by San Pedro Kiwanis Club and Just Kids, Inc. and are intended as a thank you to the community for supporting Kiwanis and Just Kids, Inc. programs all year long. The children of Sierra Vista, Hereford, Huachuca City and Bisbee benefit in many ways from these programs.
A talent show begins at 6:30 p.m. at the bandshell in Veterans’ Memorial Park to showcase youth from age 6 to 18. For additional information and to register for the talent show, contact Dee at 249-4806.
Beginning at 7 p.m. there will be a street dance featuring Train Wreck, the rock and blues band from Bisbee. The band has played at the street dance for several years and is a favorite. Bring the whole family for a fun night of talent and music. There is no admission fee.
July 4
Pets and People Parade: Start your celebration early before it gets hot by attending or participating in the annual Pets and People Parade sponsored by the Rotary Club of Sierra Vista. You can pull a wagon, walk your pet, ride your pet or just bring yourself. Be creative — have fun!
There will be prizes awarded in six different categories: Most Patriotic Person, Most Patriotic Pet, Best Group of three or more, Best Look Alike (Pet and Person), Best Costumed Pet and Best Costumed Person. You can bring your pet gerbil or your pet heifer or pony or anything in between. Exotic pets are welcome. Don’t forget to bring water for your friend.
Gather in the parking lot of Alphagraphics in Cochise Plaza on Fry Boulevard at 7 a.m. for registration. There is no registration fee. Judging begins at 7:30 a.m. The parade starts at 8 a.m. and will go down Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway to Veterans’ Memorial Park bandshell. The awards ceremony will be from 8:30 to 8:45 a.m. Mayor Bob Strain will present awards.
For information, call Marie at 458-4641.
Static displays, demonstrations at Veterans’ Memorial Park
Soldiers from Fort Huachuca will participate in the day’s events by providing displays of equipment, demonstrations, cavalry troopers, honor guards and a howitzer salute.
The 111th Military Intelligence Brigade will have on display a Shadow unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and UAV shelter. The 305th Military Intelligence Battalion will display a common ground station. The 344th Military Intelligence Battalion will have a Prophet system, a tactical ground signals intelligence platform on display. The 11th Signal Brigade will provide a number of displays of its communication capabilities. Soldiers will be on hand to answer questions and provide information.
At 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. the Directorate of Emergency Services will provide a K-9 dog demonstration. Come watch these trained dogs go through their paces including “attack and subdue.”
B Troop, 4th Cavalry (Memorial) will set up an encampment and will take part in various activities during the day. B Troop is a horse-mounted cavalry unit in the style of cavalry troops of the mid to late 1800s and early 1900s.
The post will also provide a Select Honor Guard for raising and lowering the flags in various ceremonies. A Salute Battery will fire cannons during the noon Salute to the 50 States.
It is planned that the Arizona Air National Guard will do a “fly-by” during the noon ceremonies.
For information about military activities, contact Doyal Dunn at 533-3185.
Arts and crafts vendors,
entertainment and food booths
Beginning at 9 a.m. on July 4, there will be artists and crafts people set up to offer their works for sale. Areas featuring a climbing wall, jumping castle and other entertainment for kids will also be open.
The Rotary Club of Sierra Vista will have booths selling hot dogs, soda, water and beer. All proceeds will be used to benefit the Fourth of July Celebration.
There will also be other food booths featuring ice cream, snow cones, fry bread and roasted corn on the cob, burritos and nachos, barbeque and other picnic favorites.
For information about vendor booths, call Jack Lintner at 456-5563.
Fifty State Reunion Booth
Be sure to visit the Fifty State Reunion Booth to meet up with people from back home. All 50 state flags will be displayed. You can visit your home state area and place a pin in a map to designate your hometown. You may even meet an old friend or make new ones. It should be fun for everyone.
For additional information, contact San Pedro Kiwanis Club.
Schedule of events at
Veterans’ Memorial Park
9:15 a.m. — A Gospel Choir will sing old favorites.
9:45 a.m. — A Native American group will perform.
10:15 a.m. — Desert Thunder Gymnastics and Cheerleaders will ramp up the energy level.
11:30 a.m. — Official ceremony with guest speakers and Fifty Cannon Salute
Noon — The Rotary Club of Sierra Vista July 4th Noon Ceremony, hosted by club president Ernie Montagne, and with various dignitaries will convene at the Veterans’ Memorial Park Band Shell. Among the dignitaries invited are Mayor Bob Strain, Maj. Gen. John Custer, U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, State Rep. Manny Alvarez, State Senator Tim Bee, and many others. Giffords will deliver a short speech in honor of the Fourth of July.
VFW Post No. 9972 will post the Colors. Linda Dailing will sing the National Anthem.
The Fifty Gun Salute to honor each of the 50 states will be provided by the Select Honor Guard from Fort Huachuca.
At approximately 12:20, a flight of F-16s from the 162 FTW, Tucson International Airport will do a low level fly-by.
12:30 p.m. — The Buena High School Band and Friends Concert will be held in the bandshell. This fun concert is for current and former band members who will play patriotic songs, John Phillip Sousa marches and other favorites.
12:30 p.m. — At Ramada No. 1 there will be a Chili Cook-off sponsored by Just Kids, Inc. The chefs are members of the High Desert Chili Pod, a group of about 30 chili aficionados. The contestants compete to win points and the right to attend the national chili cook-off in Texas later this year. The group travels to various venues and donates the proceeds to charities.
Ramada No. 1 is on the west side of the park. Just look for a line of parked RVs. For a $3 fee, the public can buy a tasting cup and taste as many chilis as they want. Judges will choose winners in various categories at 12:30 p.m.
For information, call Bob Fusco at 459-5864.
3 p.m. —After the chili cook off, take a siesta until 3 p.m., which is when Ron Hinkle will begin his jazz banjo set. Hinkle is an accomplished banjoist and will play some fantastic tunes.
3:30 p.m. — The Alma Dolores International Dance Center will perform. If you haven’t seen these kids perform, you really should attend. If you have seen them, you know that you will enjoy their performance. Be sure to come.
4 p.m. — The Barefoot Wahines + One are performing Pacific Island dancers. And at 4:30 p.m., Dance Fusion Studio whose members, ages 3 to 18 years old, are ballet, jazz, Hip Hop and Patriotic tap dancers. Both of these groups will provide good family fun and entertainment.
5 p.m. — Live music begins with Sierra Vista’s own “Klassic True Rock Band,” KRYSIS. You may have seen them when they played at Oktoberfest and the Festival of the Southwest. If not, come out to enjoy them at Veterans’ Memorial Park. They will also play at Domingo Paiz /Stone Sports Complex following the fireworks show.
7 p.m. — Beau Renfro and the Allstar Country Music Band starts at the bandshell. This group has opened for the likes of Merle Haggard, Charlie Rich, Mel Tillis and Willie Nelson. They promise to bring a great show with lots of country music, dancing and fun for the whole family.
8:30 p.m. — The fireworks display can be seen from half a mile away. KTAN Radio, 1420 on the AM dial, will be broadcasting live from Domingo Paiz/Stone Sports Complex so you can still enjoy most of the show. However, from the park, you cannot see the ground displays.
9:15 p.m. — After the fireworks, Beau Renfro and the Allstar Country Band will return for more great country music. They will play for about another hour. Don’t miss it!
Events at Domingo Paiz/
Stone Sports Complex
If you have been to the fireworks show in prior years, you know that there are parking problems and traffic congestion at the Sports Complex. So plan for it. Arrive early and stay late. Relax and enjoy the evening. Hopefully the weather will be good with no monsoon thunderstorms.
Also, remember to bring your portable radios to listen in on KTAN Talk Radio, 1420 on the AM dial for live local coverage. The Rotary Club of Sierra Vista will provide a soda and hot dog booth for you to enjoy. There will also be fun toys to buy for the kids. Proceeds from the sales help to pay for the Fourth of July Celebration.
6 p.m. — The Army Dixie Band will open the evening with some lively music and entertainment.
7 p.m. — The 36th Army Band, conducted by CW4 Aaron Graff, plans to have a fun concert with patriotic music and old favorites. Miss Arizona 2005 Audrey Sibley will sing the National Anthem. The concert will reach a crescendo around 8:15 p.m. with the playing of the “1812 Overture” complete with live cannon fire during the battle movement. This is a favorite of the crowd.
8:30 p.m. — The fireworks display will begin. Rich Besselman will be the Master of Ceremonies and provide the play-by-play color commentary. Rich has added an extra dimension to the show for several years.
The fireworks are set up and coordinated by the Rotary Club of Sierra Vista. More than 25 volunteers spend many hours on the days of the third and fourth of July to assemble and wire the charges. All of this is done under the able supervision of Pat Call. Pat says that no one has ever been seriously injured in all the years that the show has been done.
Local business sponsors pay for the fireworks. The major sponsors are listed at the beginning of this article. Be sure to thank them when you drop into their businesses. The Rotary Club of Sierra Vista appreciates the support of the community in making the Fourth of July Celebration a huge success year after year.
The fireworks will last at least 45 minutes. This is probably the biggest and best show in Arizona, bar none. It is spectacular! Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show. After the show continue to relax. Let some of the traffic clear.
9:15 p.m. — After the fireworks, KRYSIS will play at the Sports Complex for about an hour. It will be another hour of good family entertainment and dancing.
We hope you have a safe, fun day with your family and friends. And remember our soldiers and your freedom and independence they help to protect.
Have a great Fourth of July!
Kile wrote on Jul 4, 2007 10:23 AM: