Places to celebrate the 4th of July around the Valley of the Sun

July 3, 9:57 AMPhoenix Travel ExaminerJay Hammond

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Family Fourth! Image Copyright J. Hammond 2007. All rights reserved.

The Fourth of July is shaping up to be another HOT Holiday in the Phoenix metro area. Whether you are enjoying a "staycation" or are in town visiting, you'll find plenty to do this weekend.

Before we get to the big events, here are a few smaller, less widely-known (and hence probably less crowded) events worth a mention or two like:

The Arcadia Neighborhood 4th of July Parade and Potluck Breakfast. This upscale neighborhood, a planned development from the 1950's, packs in both quaint architecture and the charm of a closely knit community (otherwise known as a small town) in the heart of the metro area. The neighborhood is roughly bordered by Camelback and Thomas Rd.s and 44th and 64th Sts. in Phoenix. It includes some of my favorite places to hang out and people-watch! Wear your patriotic best and bring a contribution for breakfast to this FREE event. Great for morning people - activities begin at 8 a.m.!

The Wigwam Resort's Great American Picnic From 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the resort's front lawn, this is a great family event at a great price: FREE. This iconic Arizona resort hosts hayrides, children's arts and crafts activities, storytelling and, of cost, history tours. There will also be a DJ and fireworks.

The Fiesta of Independence. Everyone should spend a little time on July 4 reflecting about what it means to be an American - the rights, the rewards, the risks and especially the responsibilities. What better way to do this than by witnessing more than 100 individuals become your fellow Americans at the Fiesta of Independence Naturalization Ceremony. The ceremony, which starts at 10:00 a.m. at South Mountain Community College is hosted by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Now, the headline-grabbing events and fireworks displays include:

• The Apache Junction '09 Fireworks Celebration caps a day full of fun events at the Apache Junction High School Football Stadium (2525 S. Ironwood). If you're looking to get out of the house, whether going for a swim, playing in an adult co-ed sand volleyball tournament, participating in the 4th of July SK8 Competition or just enjoying some FREE Watermelon, Apache Junction is the place to do it!
• In Chandler The 4th of July 7UP Fireworks Spectacular at Tumbleweed Park begins at 4 p.m. with fireworks beginning at 9:30 p.m. Tumbleweed Park is an excellent venue for events. It's big enough for a 35-foot water slide, a dunk tank and assorted water games to help you stay cool in the 100+ degree heat forecast for the day! There will also live entertainment beginning at 6:30 p.m.
• Gilbert's Old-Fashioned 4th of July Celebration will be held at Mesquite High School (500 S. McQueen Rd. in Gilbert) from 4 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Nostalgia rules in Gilbert at this alcohol- and tobacco-free event! This is a hometown celebration the way you remember it. (Oh, and I heard through Facebook that Joe's Real BBQ is smoking mega-ribs for 4th so if you find yourself in Gilbert a bit early, stop by Joe's for lunch, I know I will be!)
• In Goodyear The 4th Annual Star Spangled 4th has been moved to Goodyear Ballpark (1933 S. Ballpark Way) from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The musical headliner is local legend Cold Shott and the Hurricane Horns with Special Guests Capt'n Henry & the Rum Runners. Cold Shott and the Hurricane Horns are probably THE perfect soundtrack for summer fun!
• Litchfield Park celebrates Community Spirit, National Pride with a DJ and an F-16 flyover from Luke Air Force Base. Evening activities kick off at 7 p.m. at the corner of Old Litchfield Rd. and Honeysuckle St. Fireworks display begins at 9 p.m. Litchfield Park is also home to the Wigwam Resort's Great American Picnic.
• The Maricopa Independence Day celebration, the Great American Barbeque takes place at Pacana Park from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Peoria's 4th of July All American Festival is being celebrated from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on the Mariner's Practice Fields at the Peoria Sports Complex. You'll find a Kid Zone and a WaterZone. The 2nd Annual Prep All-Star Showcase Baseball game starts at 5:30 p.m. in the Main Stadium.
• The Fabulous Phoenix 4th begins at 6 p.m. at Steele Indian School Park. This is the probably the largest fireworks display in the Valley and one of the largest in the Southwest! Along with the fireworks, there will also be a classic car show. (This is one of the events you can ride the Metro Light Rail to/from.)
• In Surprise, the 27th Annual 4th of July Celebration  at the Surprise Recreations Campus begins at 6 p.m. with fireworks starting at dusk
• Tempe is pulling out all the stops for their 4th of July Town Lake Festival, as I've already mentioned. There will be great bands, lots to do and one of the longest fireworks shows in the Valley! (This is one of the events you can ride the Metro Light Rail to/from.)
• Schnepf Farms is home to Queen Creek's 4th of July Celebration from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Here you'll find children's activities, arts and crafts, fun and fireworks all to benefit the Kiwanis Club of Queen Creek.

That should give everyone plenty of choices. And this isn't an exhaustive list. If you have a favorite annual event that should be on the list, please, share!