Article Contributed on: 6/18/2008 9:40:29 AM
Free family fun on the Fourth will abound again this year in Castle Rock as the Town hosts its annual Independence Day celebration at the new Rhyolite Regional Park.
Rockin' the Fourth: Red, White & Boom - presented by the Town, Douglas County Living magazine and CastleRockRadio.com - will feature music, including a performance by the Shiloh River Band. There will be an Air Force flyover, colors presented by the U.S. Marines and a community mural to U.S. troops abroad.
There also will be an apple pie-baking contest, dunk tank, demonstrations by the Greater Castle Rock Art Guild and appearances by Castle Rock Players and Colorado Renaissance Festival performers. Children's entertainment will include the Radio Disney Street Team, bouncy houses, water slides, crafts, face painters, balloon artists and a youth parade.
Most importantly, there will be fireworks. A fantastic display will be shot from the top of the park's Quarry Mesa - the second-highest point in Castle Rock - ensuring great views for those in the park and beyond.
"Rockin' the Fourth will highlight some of the best local Castle Rock merchants and performers along with some big outside talent, making for an exciting hometown event," said Parks and Recreation Special Project Analyst Kristen Rodriguez, who's coordinating the celebration for the Town.
The celebration will run from 5 to 10 p.m. at Rhyolite Regional Park, 1701 Crystal Valley Parkway. The parkway is accessible from South Lake Gulch Road (Gilbert Street) and the East Frontage Road (Wilcox Street).
Be sure to pack sunscreen, a picnic basket, towels, blankets and lawn chairs so you can stay all evening to enjoy the activities. Vendors will sell food and beverages as well as crafts and other merchandise.
A full schedule of activities and a festival map will be available at the gate. The schedule, map and all the details about the celebration - including parking information - also will be posted online at www.CRgov.com closer to the event.
Volunteers still are needed to help make the event a success. Those who can help should contact Kristin Zagurski, 720-733-3552 or kzagurski@CRgov.com.
Anyone interested in entering the apple pie contest should contact Rhonda Dougherty, 720-733-3553 or rdougherty@CRgov.com.
Those with other questions can contact Rodriguez, 720-733-2284 or krodriguez@CRgov.com.
Kristin Zagurski is a Community Relations Specialist for the Town of Castle Rock.