by Elean Gersack

On July 4, this nation will celebrate its 230th birthday. Celebrate this magnificent day with stars and stripes, music, parades, and fireworks displays. Here are just a few ideas to help plan the celebration:

The Liberty Festival will be held at the Douglas County Fairgrounds on July 4. The Air Force Color Guard will perform and a jet fighter will fly overhead at 4:15 p.m. Following the show, there will be music, food, motorcycle and car shows, a Taekwondo exhibition and more. This event is free to everyone. Gates open at 4 p.m. and the evening ends with a fireworks display at 10 p.m. For more information, visit www.castlerocklibertyfestival.com.

On July 3, Hudson Gardens in Littleton will host the sounds of Flash Cadillac and offer an amazing fireworks display. Bring a picnic and enjoy the sights and sounds of the beautiful gardens. General admission tickets are $19.50 and member tickets are $17. Gates open at 5 p.m. and the concert will begin at 7 p.m. For more information, visit www.hudsongardens.org.

The Colorado Rockies will host the San Francisco Giants on Monday and Tuesday, July 3 and 4. There will be a spectacular fireworks display on both evenings. Tickets range in price from $4 to $47. For more information, visit www.rockies.mlb.com.

Just looking for a great spot to catch fireworks on July 4? There are several shows planned close to home:

Butterfield Park at The Meadows -
www.meadowscastlerock.com.
I-25 to Meadows Parkway and then west. Fireworks begin at dusk.

Highlands Ranch Town Center -
www.hrcaonline.org
Near the intersection of Ridgeline Road & Highlands Ranch Parkway, fireworks begin at approximately 9:15 p.m.