Thousands Celebrate 12th annual Fourth at Firestone

By Kristi Ritter

Communications and community outreach director, Town of Firestone

Thousands of people helped Firestone celebrate the 12th annual Fourth at Firestone event on July 4, 2014, in historic Firestone.

The day started with the American Legion Auxiliary’s traditional pancake breakfast and the Firecracker 5k presented by the Carbon Valley Park and Recreation District. More than 160 runners and walkers took part in the race.

The highly anticipated parade wove its way through historic Firestone to Miners Park for the celebration. More than 70 participants entered the parade for a great mix of floats, vehicles, music, dance numbers, classic cars, horses and more. The main event included a showcase of business, children, nonprofit, art and food vendors. Children scoured the climbing wall throughout the day, showing their skills in the air. Additional activities included inflatables, mini golf, games, a bungee trampoline, petting zoo, pony rides, face painting, caricature artist, balloon twisting, laser tag and more. Even a stilt walker made his way through the crowd showing off his patriotic attire.

In addition, Anadarko Petroleum Corp., the official fireworks sponsor, provided free wagon rides for attendees. The classic car show grew in size and included 40 classic cars and trucks for people to view in detail along the Firestone Trail.

The Frederick-Firestone Fire Protection District Color Guard led the presentation of colors followed by a veteran’s recognition.

Outstanding live entertainment throughout the day included a fresh twist on bluegrass by Party of Peasants, the Celtic Irish sounds from The Indulgers and high-energy country music by the Triple Nickel Band. Festival attendees came back out to the park in the evening for a headlining concert in the park with Santana tribute band Soul Sacrifice before the night sky was lit with a spectacular fireworks display over Saddleback Golf Club.

The 4th at Firestone has become not only Firestone’s premier annual community event, but also a regional attraction to celebrate America’s birthday. The event has continued to increase in participation, drawing thousands of people to Firestone for family-oriented fun and entertainment throughout the day.

PARADE WINNERS

Best in Parade:

First–3 Margaritas

Second–Buffalo Soldiers

Third–Promenade Horsemanship

Best Marching & Musical Group:

First–3 Margaritas

Second–Frederick High School Band

Best Float:

First–Town of Firestone

Second–Mom’s Club of Tri Town

Third–Alpine Lumber

Best Classic Truck or Hot Rod:

First–1948 Pontiac Woody, Leo Martinez

Second–SSR Club, Ron Franco

Third–1925 Ford Touring Car, Gordon Chestek

Best Motorcycle:

First–American Legion Riders

Second-Doktor Scott Diabolical

Best Dance/Cheer/Martial Arts Group:

First–Axis of Movement

Second–Frederick High School Cheer Team

Third–Frederick High School Dance Team

CLASSIC CAR SHOW WINNERS

Best Truck:

First–1932 Ford Pickup, Kevin Stonebraker

Second–1936 Chevy Pickup, Tom Gonzales

Third–1956 F-100 Ford, Dan Kessler

Best Car:

First–1955 Crown Victoria, Terry Menebroker

Second–1948 Pontiac Convertible, Pat Shaw

Third–1936 Ford Sedan, John Shallenbarger