By Lyndsie Ferrell
CREEDE— Creede is known for many things, but one thing that stands out from all the rest, is the close-knit community’s ability to host one of the best Fourth of July celebrations in the state. The town is snuggled in between huge caldera cliffs that offer the perfect backdrop for an event of this magnitude and this year, the theme is, “There’s no place like Creede,” and the town may just be right.
The Creede Repertory Theatre has opened their 53rd season with several shows on the schedule that are bringing hundreds of people to the area, but one in particular stood out for city officials. “The Wizard of Oz” opened last week and the theme rang a bell for those planning this year’s Fourth of July celebrations and using this as inspiration, came up with this year’s theme. Those that wish to participate need only make sure that they decorate their person, animal or vehicle and if using an OHV or ATV that they transport it via trailer on the day of the event.
The parade will kick off at 10 a.m. the morning of the fourth and participants can line up near the courthouse at the top of Main Street. City officials ask that participants who wish to pass out candy, toys or beads do so gently by handing them to attendees and that no water be exchanged between the crowd and those in the parade. Everyone is invited to participate and get creative with their decorations. After all, the “Wizard of Oz” is an eccentric affair and the Fourth of July is something to be celebrated with vigor!
Other events on that day will include the annual mining competition which is the only one of its kind in the state. Participants sign up for events like jack leg drilling, mucking and more that honor the history that surrounds the area and their rich mining heritage that helped create Creede. The events will start on July 4 and run until late afternoon on July 5 in the Days of ‘92 arena behind Basham Park on Main Street.
The Kentucky Belle parking lot will be filled with food vendors, vendors with unique homemade wares and so much more. Children need not fear for the day will be packed with family-friendly events both at the ball park south of town and at Basham Park on Main Street. There will also be live entertainment in several venues around town for the duration of the day.
Though fireworks have been canceled due to high fire danger, the night will be filled with fun events including a special rodeo series put on by Burris and Sons Rodeo. Everything from bull riding to mutton busting for the younger rodeo crowd will fill the evening with tons of fun.
Come celebrate the Fourth of July in Creede. For a full schedule of events, please visit www.creede.com.