With Independence Day approaching, many around the nation think \u201cThe Three F\u2019s\u201d: freedom, fireworks and fun.<\/p>\n
Some around Scottsdale worry about other f\u2019s: furor, fires and frenzied flocks.<\/p>\n
The Fourth is even bigger than usual this year, with the United States celebrating its 250th birthday \u2013 and Scottsdale marking its 75th anniversary as a city.<\/p>\n
Public safety leaders attempt to split the difference, encouraging locals and visitors to celebrate the Fourth of July, while following laws and being respectful.<\/p>\n
“Fourth of July celebrations are an important tradition for many families, and our goal is to help everyone enjoy the holiday safely,” said Scottsdale Fire Chief Tom Shannon.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“We’re balancing the community’s desire to celebrate with the very real fire risks that exist during Arizona’s summer months.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Fireworks are prohibited in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Pinnacle Peak Park \u2013 and properties located within one mile of those preserve areas.<\/p>\n
Shannon noted SFD will utilize \u201cproactive patrols, wildfire mitigation efforts, and community awareness \u2026 to reduce preventable fires and protect Scottsdale’s neighborhoods and desert preserves.\u201d<\/p>\n
He stressed three key points:<\/p>\n
using fireworks responsibly;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
securing trailer chains;\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
avoiding spark-producing activities in desert areas.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The Scottsdale Fire and Police departments particularly hope folks will let the professionals handle fireworks.<\/p>\n
The biggest show in town continues to be at WestWorld, which is prepping for its 13th Independence Day celebration. The fun begins at WestWorld at 5 p.m. Saturday, July 4, continuing to 9:30 p.m.<\/p>\n
Promoters promise \u201cthe LARGEST fireworks display in Scottsdale history!\u201d<\/p>\n
Most of the events will be indoors at WestWorld.<\/p>\n
Highlights:<\/p>\n
An official \u201cwalking historical tour\u201d of the city.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
The South Hall Kid Zone with bounce houses, face painters and family-friendly vendors;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
A bull-riding rodeo with classic saddle bronc riding, bull-riding competition, wild pony racing and kid-friendly \u201cmutton-busting.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
M Culinary \u201cbackyard BBQ\u201d with hotdogs, hamburgers and other American comfort food;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
A slider eating contest;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
The \u201cParade of Heroes\u201d honors eight local leaders in a variety of categories.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
At sundown, revelers will move outdoors to watch the big fireworks show.<\/p>\n
Tickets are available at Scottsdale4th.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n Legion and more<\/strong><\/p>\n A smaller celebration takes place at Old Town\u2019s American Legion Post 44.\u00a0<\/p>\n The July 4 event takes place from 1 to 4 p.m., with a $10 donation \u2013 to help raise money \u201cto support necessary improvements for electrical and maintenance.\u201d<\/p>\n The Legion\u2019s \u201chigh-energy Fourth of July celebration honoring America\u2019s 250th birthday\u201d features an Elvis tribute performance followed by a rock-and-roll dance party finale.<\/p>\n Post 44 is at 7145 E. Second St.<\/p>\n A few blocks north in Old Town\u2019s Entertainment District, a fancier Fourth celebration happens at W Scottsdale.<\/p>\n The swanky hotel and lounge is hosting \u201ca day-to-night poolside experience culminating in a night swim and fireworks display in the heart of Scottsdale\u2019s Entertainment District.<\/p>\n The W boasts it is \u201chome to Scottsdale\u2019s only chilled pool.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Night Swim experience offers a high-energy, adults-only (21+) rooftop pool party where guests can cool off in the water while enjoying front-row views of Scottsdale’s Fourth of July fireworks display.\u201d<\/p>\n Admission starts at $25. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit cottontaillounge.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n Next to the W, another ritzy hotel joins in the celebration.<\/p>\n The REMI hosts \u201ca day-to-night rooftop party at Allegra Rooftop Pool & Bar, home to Scottsdale’s tallest rooftop pool.\u201d<\/p>\n The fun here starts July 4 at 11 a.m. and continues late into the night, with music \u201cand a panoramic front-row view of the city’s fireworks displays.\u201d<\/p>\n Non-hotel guests can purchase all-day passes starting at $100 or evening-only admission beginning at 6 p.m. for $50.<\/p>\n