I’m sure most people across the country love the Fourth of July. It’s a tough holiday not to love with all the usual festivities it brings to the table (pyrotechnics, frozen novelties, BBQs, etc.). But in my opinion, Telluride happens to be one of the best places to rejoice our nation’s independence…especially if you have kids.

 

Throughout the decade-plus I’ve resided in town, I’ve looked forward to the red, white and blue extravaganza each summer, but now with my daughter (who was 2 during the most recent celebration) the day really has a whole new meaning. First of all, there’s the parade, which hands-down, has to be one of the best parades in today’s modern world. It’s as if main street took a time warp pill and landed back in the 1950s with flags dangling from every street pole, crowds lined along the curb, classic cars, floats, horses, big brass bands (and of course a plethora of candy flying through the air). This year, all my little one wanted, as we made our way over to main street mid-morning--she adorned in red, white and blue with little pigtails flapping in the breeze--was her own flag. Not that I thought it would be a difficult thing to find on such a day, but sure enough, within seconds of finding our viewing perch, a pedal-operated Sweet Life cart pulled up with arm-loads of candy-filled flags. Awesome, not only would she have the flag to wave, but the sugar to keep her energized for the task.

After dancing, flag-waving and snacking, we caught the grand finale…the old fighter jets that buzzed the length of the canyon overhead (twice). Loud, fast and dripping with patriotic juice, it’s always my favorite part of the day, and my daughter found it pretty cool, too.

Next was the Fireman’s Picnic in Town Park, which again, is full of small town charm with BBQ and games. We skipped it this year because of the much needed afternoon slumber, but the post-nap ice cream cone on main street (again, thanks to The Sweet Life) was, to quote my daughter exactly, “a really good special treat.”

As for the fireworks, I debated keeping my toddler awake, but in the end decided to make next year her inaugural year. It was just too late in the evening (9:30 p.m.) after such a long, sugar-filled, sun-drenched day. But for me, sitting on my deck watching the colorful explosive display (knowing my sound little sleeper was 10 sheets to the wind downstairs in her crib) was a relaxing way to end one helluva long birthday party.