Heyn: Forging a new Fourth of July tradition in Pueblo West
You've probably experienced the excitement of the Pueblo West Fourth of July Wet Parade in the past and likely attended our annual Independence Day fireworks display near Pueblo West Civic Center Park.
But it's no secret that the Wet Parade has been on hold since 2019 due to COVID and water restrictions. Last year, due to supply chain issues, we couldn't even enjoy the fireworks. Without these cherished traditions, our community felt like it had lost a part of itself.
This year, thanks to the incredible efforts of the new Pueblo West Metro District Events Committee, led by Pueblo West Metro Board of Directors President Nick Madero — as well as over $28,000 in donations from the community — we’re not only bringing back the wet parade and our fireworks display, but are starting new traditions lasting well into the night.
Our aim is to create a grand celebration where our community can come together and honor the birth of our nation in the spectacular way we've always known.
We extend a warm invitation not only to Pueblo West residents, but also to all of Pueblo County and beyond. Join us in Pueblo West for our Vintage Fourth of July celebration as we revive beloved traditions, both old and new.
Parade rules of engagement
The wet parade, now renamed "The Jack Fowler Memorial Wet Parade" in honor of the former Pueblo West fire chief who inadvertently started the tradition in 1993, is back this year. We will have an added focus on security to ensure the safety of paradegoers. Safety issues have been a challenge in the past, with instances of bad actors bringing frozen water balloons or water laced with chemicals, soap, or foaming agents.
To avoid such issues and safeguard the future of the parade, we kindly ask everyone to follow these "rules of engagement" for what has been hailed as the largest water fight west of the Mississippi River:
Stick to water guns, super soakers, sprayers, homemade devices, buckets, or garden hoses that don't require power.
Leave water balloons at home as they have been used to carry dangerous substances in the past.
Avoid using high-pressure sprayers or any items that require pumps or power.
Respect the parade route and the efforts of security and law enforcement personnel who are working diligently to ensure everyone's safety.
With these guidelines in place, let the battle commence!
We request that you also keep an eye on your fellow paradegoers, as one major safety incident could jeopardize the future of the parade. We believe that one injury is one too many.
A new ‘Vintage Fourth of July’ tradition
In the first 25 years since our founding in 1969, we celebrated Independence Day with a lineup of quintessential Americana activities. There was even a frog jumping contest!
Over the past 25 years, the focus shifted towards the wet parade, and some of the more traditional Fourth of July activities gradually faded away. However, this year, as we breathe new life into the Pueblo West Fourth of July, we're merging these two worlds to create our "Vintage Fourth of July" celebration.
Beginning with mainstays like the Pueblo United Way Liberty Point 5K, the traditional Fire Department Pancake Breakfast, and the Wet Parade at 10:30 a.m., we will kick off our celebration’s staple events. We will also have a food truck market at Civic Center Park following the parade. Later, beginning at 6 p.m., we’ll have free hot dogs and hamburgers, live music from Knuckin’ Futz, a “Beautiful Baby Contest,” a classic car show and a community field day. All these events will lead into the fireworks display at dark.
Reimagining our Fourth of July celebration has demanded immense dedication, cooperation, and support from the community. We hope you'll join us this year as we strive to uphold and preserve our cherished traditions for generations to come.
Together, let's create unforgettable memories and embrace the spirit of unity that defines Pueblo West.
Christian J. Heyn is the interim Pueblo West Metropolitan District Manager
This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Heyn: Forging a new Fourth of July tradition in Pueblo West
