Where to see July Fourth fireworks and how to celebrate in El Paso
El Pasoans will have plenty of options this year to celebrate the Fourth of July with a bang, from fireworks and parades to big gatherings.
Here's a peek at what's planned in and around El Paso:
The Rotary Club of West El Paso will have its 24th annual Fourth of July parade at 9 a.m. Monday, July 4, starting at the Western Hills Methodist Church, 530 Thunderbird Drive. The parade will turn left onto Thunderbird Drive, left at Shadow Mountain Drive and right on Mesa Street. It will end at Coronado High School.
The El Paso Del Norte Lions Club will have its 45th Annual Lions Fourth of July Parade at 9 a.m. Monday, July 4, starting at Hanks High School at the corner of Montwood and Lee Trevino drives.
Fourth of July fireworks bans in El Paso County
In early June, County Commissioners voted to ban the sale of aerial fireworks, commonly known as sticks and fins, for the July Fourth holiday season.
The Commissioners Court has determined that the normal fire danger in unincorporated areas of El Paso County has increased due to the extremely dry conditions. The Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) for El Paso is 601 and meets the threshold for implementation of this order.
The San Elizario City Council voted on June 21 to allow the sale and use of certain fireworks and will follow the county's action moving forward. It means it also will ban aerials, known as sticks and fins, to be sold and used this Fourth of July.
Ascarate Park fireworks
El Pasoans are invited to celebrate a fun Fourth of July with food trucks, swimming and fireworks at Ascarate Park. The event, sponsored by the El Paso County Parks & Recreation, will start at 2 p.m. Monday.
The Ascarate Pool will have two swim sessions from 2 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. Adults pay $3, and youths pay $2, cash only. Tent rentals are available for each swim session.
Within the park on the east side of the lake, the newly renovated festival area (old Western Playland footprint) will host a variety of food trucks from 3 to 10 p.m.
The Ascarate Golf Course VIP Picnic Party will provide a good view of the fireworks. Tickets are $35 for adults, $10 for children younger than 10 years old and can be purchased in advance at the Pro Shop. The ticket includes dinner from Clasico, a parking pass, door prizes, backyard picnic games, and live music by Hypnosis.
The fireworks will take place on the west side of the lake at 9:20 p.m. Parking will be $5 per vehicle and no charge for those who walk to the park. Picnic shelters are available to reserve throughout the park with fees starting at $50 for the day. Deadline to reserve a shelter is Friday, July 1. For more information: 915-771-2380. All reserved picnic shelters must check in by 4 p.m. to avoid forfeiting the rental. No refunds will be given to late check-ins.
No alcohol or tobacco is permitted inside Ascarate Park. Staff and sheriff’s deputies will be on-site throughout the event for any concerns or assistance required. Park hours for the holiday are 5:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
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Pop Goes the Fort
The El Paso Symphony Orchestra will perform in the Pop Goes the Fort event at 4 p.m. Monday, July 4, at Biggs Field. The event includes performances by the Arsenal Drum Corp. and the 1st Armored Division Band, food trucks, inflatables and a fireworks display.
Patrons can bring their own canopies to be set up in a designated area, while space is available. Coolers, picnic blankets and chairs are welcome. But pets, alcohol and glass are not permitted at the park.
Visitors can learn about getting a day recreational pass at https://bit.ly/3Ovh1iM. Children, 10 and younger, will get a bracelet at the event to help prevent lost children.
Information: 915-588-8247.
Abundant Living Faith churches will have fireworks
The megachurch Abundant Living Faith Center will have its Fourth of July celebrations at 7 p.m. Monday at the East Side location, 1000 Valley Crest Drive, and the West Side, 7100 N. Desert Blvd. The celebrations will include live music, worship, food trucks, games and a fireworks show.
July Fourth fireworks with El Paso Chihuahuas
The El Paso Chihuahuas will be celebrating Independence Day with fireworks after games on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. There will be an extended show Sunday.
The team will be wearing specialty stars and stripes jerseys that will be auctioned off to benefit the El Paso Chihuahuas Foundation.
Gates for all three nights open at 5:30 p.m., with the first pitch at 6:35 p.m.
Tickets: https://atmilb.com/3hjlIx4
La Perla Bar to have special cocktails
The Plaza Hotel's La Perla rooftop bar in Downtown El Paso will be open for reservations from 6 to 11 p.m. Monday, July 4.
There will be DJ entertainment, specialty cocktails and an open bar. The culinary team will serve an All-American BBQ for $35, which includes grilled items, fruit kebobs, assorted pies and baked goods. Reservations can be made at www.opentable.com or by calling 915-440-0051.
Ardovino's Desert Crossing
The Italian restaurant at 1 Ardovinos Drive in Sunland Park, New Mexico, will have a special barbecue menu on the Fourth of July, from 6 to 9:30 p.m.
Reservations: 575-589-0653.
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Western Playland July Fourth fireworks
The amusement park, at 1249 Futurity Drive, in Sunland Park, New Mexico, will have fireworks on Monday, July 4. The park will be open from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m., with regular admission.
Socorro Independence Day celebration
The city of Socorro will have its Independence Day Extravaganza from 5 to 11 p.m. Saturday, July 2, at Cougar Park, 10664 Socorro Road.
The event will feature food from various food trucks, free games, entertainment, giveaways and live performances. There also will be fireworks.
Electric Light Parade in Las Cruces
The annual Electric Light Parade will return with a Patriotic Spirit and American Dreams theme at 9 p.m. Sunday, July 3, at Apodaca Park, 801 Madrid, in Las Cruces. It will travel south on Solano Drive, east on Hadley Avenue, and end at Maag Softball Complex. Information: 575-541-2454.
More in Las Cruces: Plain White T's to headline city's Fourth of July concert, Raúl Malo opening
María Cortés González may be reached at 915-546-6150; mcortes@elpasotimes.com; @EPTMaria on Twitter.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Fourth of July in El Paso: Where to see fireworks, how to celebrate
