The Breckenridge Recreation Department’s Independence Day 10k trail race fires up the July 4th morning at 8 a.m. starting in Carter Park and providing racers with some of the best views in Breckenridge. At 10 a.m., kids’ concessions and amusements will be provided in the Blue River Plaza. For those looking to stake out prime parade seats, reservations can be made for a garden party brunch on the historic Barney Ford House Museum lawn.
The Firecracker 50 bike race, designated as the USA Cycling Marathon Mountain Biking National Championships, kicks off the Main Street parade with 700-plus mountain bikers leading the floats down Main Street and then takes competitors on a tough 50-mile cycling course through Breckenridge’s pristine singletrack trails. Breckenridge’s Independence Day Parade takes place along the town’s historic Main Street and will feature bag pipers, floats, kids’ bike brigade, Vipers and more. New this year, one of Budweiser’s six Clydesdale teams in the United States will be making the journey to Breckenridge to appear in the parade as well as be on display for viewing in the Wellington lot along with Budweiser’s famed Dalmatian.
Post-parade entertainment for the kids includes various free games and rides, plus an old-fashioned bucket brigade courtesy of the Red, White and Blue Fire Department on Main Street in commemoration of the Breck150. The Viper club will have a “show and shine” on Main Street as well. This day also encourages giving back to the community by bringing canned and other non-perishable food goods to the Riverwalk Center between 2 and 5 p.m. Items collected will be distributed to Summit County families in need.
The afternoon welcomes free entertainment starting at 2 p.m. at the Riverwalk Center featuring a triple-header line-up. First up is internationally-acclaimed jazz saxophonist Nelson Rangell, followed by always energetic, spontaneous contemporary jazz band, Dotsero. The 50-voice a cappella folk choir, Jubilate! Sacred Singers, tops off the afternoon.
End the night with the National Repertory Orchestra as they perform a free “July 4th Patriotic Celebration” at 8:30 p.m. at the Riverwalk Center; Lawn seating is free and reserved indoor tickets are available starting July 2 through the Box Office in person. The day-long celebration finishes at 9:30 p.m. with a traditional fireworks display, weather permitting.
