Celebrate Freedom in the Verde Valley this July 4th

July 4th is just around the corner, and with it comes a host of free activities and meals in the Verde Valley.

Sedona Summer Splash

The Sedona Summer Splash is happening at the Sedona Community Pool, located at 570 Posse Ground Road, from noon to 4 PM. Attendees can enjoy open swims, games, and food trucks serving up ice cream and snow cones to keep cool.

Jason Burgo, the special events coordinator for Parks and Recreation, mentioned, “It’s exciting to see the community come together before heading to the evening fireworks in Cottonwood. We’ll introduce some fun games on the pool deck, along with a free raffle for kids and adults sponsored by local businesses, plus a pie-eating contest.”

Every participant will receive a free raffle ticket, with drawings every hour, although details for other contests still need to be announced.

With a capacity of 375 in the pool, attractions will also include the popular Vargo and outdoor features like inflatables, sprinklers, and cooling fans returning this year.

A DJ, known as DJ FRSH, will be providing entertainment throughout the day, and while his playlist is still being finalized, Vargo noted that his mix is bound to keep everyone entertained.

Parking hasn’t been a problem in past years, but Vargo suggested taking advantage of the Sedona Shuttle Connect for easy transportation to and from the event.

For more information, you can reach out to Sedona Parks and Recreation at (928) 282-7098.

Elks Lodge BBQ

The Sedona Elks Lodge will host its annual community barbecue at 110 Airport Road from 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM.

The band Simply Renee will entertain attendees with Rhythm and Blues music from 12:30 to 3:30 PM. A $20 meal will feature burgers, hot dogs, potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans, and desserts.

For more details, the Sedona Elks Lodge can be reached at (928) 282-7571.

While county officials encourage holiday festivities, they also warn of wildfire risks due to stage 2 fire restrictions in many jurisdictions.

“To ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday, it’s crucial to adhere to fire restrictions,” wrote Yavapai County Communications Manager David McAtee. He advised against open flames and charcoal grills and recommended checking local fire ban conditions online.

Cottonwood Celebration

The City of Cottonwood will host its Great Family July 4th event at Cottonwood Kid Park, located at 350 S. 12th St., from 4 PM to 9:30 PM.

“It wraps up with Northern Arizona’s top fireworks show at 9 PM,” stated Jak Teel, Director of Recreation & Library.

Teel emphasized that spectators should leave fireworks to professionals for safety, noting, “I want everyone to wake up with both hands and ten fingers!”

A food truck will be available, and a $10 wristband will grant access to various inflatable attractions.

There’s a planned F-35 Lightning II flyover, although the timing is yet to be confirmed as it’s being coordinated with other cities. Additionally, the national anthem will be played during the overpass.

For event inquiries, call (928) 639-3200 or visit cottonwoodaz.gov.

Clarkdale’s Festivities

Clarkdale’s traditional July 4th celebrations take place at Clarkdale Town Park, with a welcome from Mayor Robin Prudbauer and a color guard presentation by veterans.

Attendance typically ranges from 1,000 to 1,200 people, and organizers aim to include various activities to celebrate diverse community groups.

Following the opening ceremony, a pancake breakfast offered by the Clarkdale Police Department and Verde Valley Fire District will be available for $4 for children and $6 for adults.

A free carnival game will start at 8 AM, along with rides on an antique fire truck.

“Our celebrations have been around for nearly 50 years,” Smart mentioned. “The emphasis is on children’s parades, so we invite local kids to decorate their bikes and wagons.”

Registration for the Kids Parade begins at 8 AM, and kids can participate without prior registration. The parade route runs from Clarkdale Jerome School to Clarkdale Town Park, so spectators should bring chairs.

Children under 18 can take part, but those under six need an adult present. Only pets under 50 pounds are allowed, and there are restrictions on vehicles and candy tossing. Awards will be given to the top entries based on creativity reflecting the town’s charm, history, and local art.

The winners will be announced at roughly 9:30 AM, with the Cottonwood community band providing a closing concert.

“There’s ample parking in the school lot, and clear signage will mark the event zone,” Smart added. And to combat the heat, water stations and shaded tent areas will be set up throughout the park.

“This tradition is an integral part of Clarkdale, uniting people of all ages to celebrate our love for the country,” Smart emphasized.

For more details, contact Clarkdale Parks and Recreation at (928) 639-2460.

Lake Montezuma’s Celebration

The Beaver Creek Kiwanis will host an event at Rollins Park, located at 4235 Zuniway on Lake Montezuma, starting with a pancake breakfast at 7 AM and a parade at 9 AM.

“We usually have over 500 people here, and it’s always a great time,” noted Carol Keaton, president of the Kiwanis Club. “There are various games, activities, food, and entertainment—it’s kind of like a slice of small-town America on July 4th.”

Parking is available across the street near an old golf course, with some other options around the park.

The Beaver Creek Parade kicks off at 9 AM from Sycamore Park and will travel south on Montezuma Avenue, closing this section from 9 AM to 9:30 AM.

KaleIdoscope Redrocks will perform a mix of patriotic songs and other genres from 10 AM to noon.

Don’t miss the duck race at noon at Sycamore Park, a fun tradition for over 50 years. Attendees can also enjoy hot dogs, ice cream, and snacks—all thanks to the Kiwanis Club.

While many activities are free, donations are welcomed to support youth programs benefiting Beaver Creek School and other community initiatives.

Grand Marshall Jim Willis, a 30-year military veteran with a history of special duty at the Secret Service and CIA, will lead the festivities.

For further information, contact Keeton at (928) 606-4050 or cjrock@mac.com.