THORNTON, CO... With music, food and fireworks, Thornton's Fourth of July celebration is one of the best ways to experience the Independence Day holiday.

It all begins in the early evening when thousands of families bring blankets or lawn chairs to the Multipurpose Fields at 108 th & Colorado and get ready for an exciting night.

Starting at 6 p.m., the food and drink vendors open and the traveling entertainment begins. At 8 p.m. the Longmont Symphony Orchestra kicks off a live concert featuring a patriotic play list from America's top composers. Around 9:30 p.m., when darkness falls, the fiery fun begins with a nighttime patriotic parachute jump by Mile High Skydiving immediately followed by a spectacular fireworks show. 98.5 KYGO, the official media sponsor of this event, will simulcast the rousing tunes that accompany the fireworks display.

For more information on this year's Fourth of July festivities, contact Jan Kiehl at 720-977-5906.

Another great reason to attend the Fourth of July celebration in Thornton - personal use of fireworks is illegal in the City. There is a fine of up to $1,000 for using fireworks inside the City limits. People who have already purchased fireworks can get rid of them safely, by dropping them off between now and July 7, directly to a firefighter at any Thornton Fire Station. There will be no risk of fines or prosecution. For more information on the dangers of fireworks call the Thornton Fire Department at 303-538-7602.

City offices, the Community Center, Teen Center, and the Thornton Senior Center will all be closed on Friday, July 4 in observance of the holiday. The Carpenter Recreation Center will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thornton trash customers will experience a one day holiday delay in trash and recycle services on July 4.