SAN LUIS VALLEY — From pancakes to soapbox races, fireworks, and patriotism, July 4th celebrations will resonate throughout the Valley.

On July 3, South Fork Fire Rescue will host its annual Fish Fry and Ice Cream Social that starts at 10 a.m. The parade begins at 3 p.m. There will be a rodeo at 6:30 p.m., and weather permitting fireworks in the evening.

On July 4th, the Alamosa Kiwanis Club will hold its annual Pancake Breakfast from 7 to 10 a.m. in the SLV Federal Bank parking lot at 401 Edison Ave. in Alamosa. This is a great way to prepare for the following parade at 10 a.m. The San Luis Valley Community Band under the direction of Dr. Kerry Heart will play from 8 to 9 a.m.

The Young Professionals of Alamosa will kick off the July 4th celebrations hosting the annual Independence Day Parade. The fun will begin at 10 a.m. and run from east to west on Main Street. The theme for this year's parade is SUPERHEROES!

At 9:30 p.m. the San Luis Valley Federal Bank will host its 26th annual fireworks show at the Alamosa County Fairgrounds at 8784 Old Stanford Rd., Alamosa.

On Friday, July 5th, the Young Professionals of Alamosa (YPA) will host the 3rd annual Block Party for America on the 400 block of San Juan Avenue in Downtown Alamosa. The party will run from 6-10 p.m., alongside Visit Alamosa's First Friday. The event will offer local brews, a patriotic photo backdrop by Mya'S Events, a locally-owned foam pit for bubbly fun for all ages, and showcase local musical acts on the main stage.

The event will offer family-style seating, thanks to High Peak Event Rentals, to encourage food pick-up at nearby locally-owned restaurants. YPA strives to bring the local and visiting community together to celebrate the best of Alamosa. Come celebrate with us.

During First Fridays in Downtown Alamosa, the Sangre de Cristo Natural Heritage Area and Visit Alamosa will honor the 1878 founding of Alamosa with the Moving of the Gem Saloon at the Market on Main Street. The Denver Rio Grande Railroad completed the rail line from Fort Garland to Alamosa and moved buildings including the saloon. Everyone is encouraged to wear period clothing and take the historic walking tour.

Crestone and Baca Grande will celebrate Independence Day on July 4th with activities in downtown Crestone starting at 9 a.m., with a 5K run. The parade through town begins at noon with a rendition of the national anthem at 12:15. Cheap Therapy takes the stage in the town park at 12:30. The first round of the Soapbox Derby is at 3 p.m. with finals for a $250 prize at 5:30 p.m.

Not to be missed are the mesmerizing drummers from Shumi Hikari Taiko at 3 p.m. also in the park. At 5:30 p.m., The River Arkansas will play bringing their indie-Americana and honky-tonk swing to the audience.

Saguache-Moffat-Villa Grove-Crestone fire departments will have a Four Station Fourth of July celebration on 4th Street in Saguache beginning at 4 p.m. This down-home party will have food, dancing, kids activities, and fireworks.

Creede will host three days of events beginning on July 4th at 9 a.m., with the Colorado State Mining Championships behind Basham Park downtown. The giant, annual parade will begin downtown at 10 a.m. Historically, about 10,000 people attend this event. Fireworks start at dusk at Mountain Views RV Park south of town. 

On Friday, events begin at 9 a.m. and continue through the day and end at the Creede Rep with a 7:30 p.m. performance of "Importance of Being Earnest," and a 9:30 show of "Boomtown." Saturday events include street vendors, a beer garden, and a Farmers' Market. There will be a 7 p.m. performance of "Young Frankenstein," at the Creede Rep., and an 8 p.m. dance at the Elks Lodge. For more information, visit www. creederep.org and creede.com/4th-of-July.