Steamboat Pilot & Today

With rodeos, fireworks, a cattle drive, concerts, a parade and much more, Steamboat Springs offers Fourth of July festivities that draw people from across the state and beyond.

"People want to be in a place where they can experience the spirit of independence," said Riley Polumbus, communications director for the Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Ass--ociation. "I think Steamboat captures that in many ways."

Steamboat's reputation of being an authentic small town with Western heritage will be on full display during the Fourth of July weekend, particularly because of the variety of events the city offers that attract visitors and residents, Polumbus said.

"There's just so much going on," she said.

The theme of this year's Fourth of July parade is "Steamboat Springs, Show Us Your Age," in celebration of the 100-year anniversaries of F.M. Light & Sons and the Routt National Forest. Parade marshals are Annabeth and Lloyd Light Lockhart.

An actor impersonating former President Teddy Roosevelt, who established the Routt National Forest in 1905, will give a "Whistle Stop" speech at the Depot Art Center on Sunday. He also will perform at the Pioneer Days Block Party.

New this year is a ranch tour on Sunday, which will give people a behind-the-scenes tour of three area private ranches.

As always, the fireworks show Monday night promises to be stunning because Steamboat is known for having one of the biggest displays in the state.

Huge rockets are used to launch the fireworks in four locations around Howelsen Hill, Polumbus said. Local radio station KBCR will broadcast live at the base of Howelsen Hill with music coordinated to the fireworks.

There are music events throughout the weekend, rodeos every day and more. For more information, go to www.steamboatsummer.com or call 879-0882.