As El Paso County gears up for the Fourth of July celebrations, residents are offered a suite of activities ranging from fireworks shows to parades and events that encapsulate the patriotic spirit of the holiday. El Paso Times provides a comprehensive guide for locals and visitors alike to navigate the festivities happening around the area.
The El Paso Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a Fourth of July celebration at Cleveland Square Park with live music and vendor-offered food and drinks. There's also the Rotary Independence Day Parade and a bash at Ascarate Park that concludes with a fireworks display. For convenience, remember there will be a parking fee at Ascarate Park set at $5, as reported by El Paso Matters.
While many seek the thrill of lighting their fireworks, safety remains paramount. According to KVIA, over 14,000 people were treated in emergency rooms last year due to firework-related incidents. The city of El Paso and many surrounding towns have a ban on all fireworks, which includes even those seemingly harmless handheld sparklers, however, certain types are permissible in unincorporated parts of the county.
With options for purchasing fireworks available until July 4, El Paso County residents are advised to heed safety protocols while enjoying the explosive entertainment, especially when creating their makeshift displays in allowed areas, despite the inherent risks involved. Additionally, two parades will offer a more traditional experience, boasting marching bands and classic cars, a spectacle that simply calls for a lawn chair, as highlighted by the El Paso Times.
