Be prepared for Independence Day in Estes Park

LAKE ESTES

Two fireworks made of red, white and blue colors go off above Lake Estes on Fourth of July in Estes Park, Colorado. DAWN WILSON PHOTOGRAPHY

A red and white display of fireworks shoots off above Estes Park on the Fourth of July. DAWN WILSON PHOTOGRAPHY

An aerial firework explodes above Lake Estes during the Fourth of July fireworks show in Estes Park, Colorado. DAWN WILSON PHOTOGRAPHY

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By Daniel Webb

dwebb@prairiemountainmedia.com

Before planning your Independence Day festivities in Estes Park, take note of some important reminders about the town’s events.

The night sky above Lake Estes will burst into vibrant color starting at 9:30 p.m. on July 4, as part of the Town of Estes Park’s 25-minute firework display that includes over 1,800 choreographed shots.

The Town’s Emergency Communications Center will send event-related text alerts this year, an effort to help the community safely enjoy the holiday. Residents and visitors can text “EPEVENTS” to 888-777 to receive event information, parking and shuttle tips, and traffic updates from local officials.

Public Information Officer Kate Miller reminds those looking forward to the festivities that traffic congestion is likely throughout the weekend, particularly on July 4. Drivers should keep an eye out for traffic control signage and public safety staff helping to direct traffic and parking.

“It is critical to honor all permanent and temporary no-parking zones,” Miller said in a news release. “They must remain open for law enforcement, fire personnel and EMS. These restrictions will be strictly enforced to ensure the event is as safe as possible.”

As usual, elk may be around as well. As most residents understand, they can be dangerous and unpredictable and should not be approached.

“The Peak,” the town’s shuttle service, will be offering an alternative to driving and parking in more congested areas. Its routes wind all throughout Estes Park with stops at the YMCA, downtown, and dozens of hotels, shops and restaurants around the valley. The Peak will keep normal operating hours over the weekend, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. On July 4, however, the service will remain open a bit longer than normal, picking up and dropping off for about an hour after the conclusion of the fireworks display.

Parking in town, whether free or paid, will be open on a first-come, first-served basis. The parking garage at 691 North Saint Vrain Ave. provides free, all-day parking next to the Estes Park Visitors Center. Attendees can check out estes.org/parking for more information about parking options.

The Estes Valley Recreation and Park District manages the public amenities at Lake Estes and Stanley Park, and has several important reminders for those planning to catch the fireworks show. First, access to the Lake Estes nine-hole golf course is to be prohibited beginning at dusk on July 4. No one will be allowed on the course for any reason, including accessing the Lake Estes Trail. Prior to dusk, The Mariana will cut off boat, bike, and pedal cart rentals. No watercraft will be permitted to launch at the Marina ramp after the conclusion of the day’s boat rentals, and no watercraft are allowed on Lake Estes after dusk.

No parking will be permitted at Fisherman’s Nook from dusk on July 3 through July 4. Parking is available at Stanley Park for $15 until the lot is full, and parking at Cherokee Draw, on the south side of the lake, will be available for $30. Clearly marked no-parking zones will be strictly enforced by law enforcement. The Community Center will close at 5 p.m. on July 4.