The Fourth of July in Telluride
Presented by the Telluride Tourism Board and Telluride Inside…and Out
Spectacular fireworks, floats, flyovers, a public BBQ, and an outdoor Impressionist art show top the list of reasons why a family vacation in Telluride on and around the Fourth of July adds up to one unforgettable experience of a lifetime. And should you decide to visit our box canyon to mark Independence Day in America, please be sure to thank two very special ladies for initiating all the fun and games: Joyce Allred and Shari Flatt, women who can move and shake with the best of them.
Click the “play” button and listen to our interview with Joyce and Shari.
The backstory on the Fourth of July:
The original resolution calling for the Continental Congress to declare the United States free from British rule was introduced by Richard Henry Lee of Virginia on June 7, 1776. Three days later, a committee headed by Thomas Jefferson was appointed to prepare a document appropriate to the cause.
The Declaration of Independence was adopted by Congress on July 4, although the resolution that led to its writing had been approved two days earlier, prompting President James Adams to say:
“The second day of July 1776 will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the Day of Deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, fun, bells, bonfires and illumination from one end of this continent to the other from this time forward forever more.” (From “John Adams” by David McCullough.)
Apart from slipping two days on the calendar to July 4, a ho-hum day back in Adams’ time, his vision became tradition: the Fourth of July became a big birthday party our nation throws for itself.
The Fourth of July in Telluride:
In Telluride that tradition, which began in the 1880s, had gotten out of control some time in the early 1970s, when town was populated by miners, cowboys and hippies. The initial response to the derring-do was to cancel the Fourth of July party until further notice. When the holiday was reinstated on the summer calendar a year or two later, the main event was a BBQ and fireworks sponsored by the Telluride Volunteer Fire Department. Period.
Here’s a video with highlights from the 2010 Telluride 4th of July Parade.
Enter Joyce and Shari, who had moved to town in the 1970s and 1980s respectively. (Joyce came kicking and screaming with husband Ron, who founded the ski mountain.)
In 1989, thanks to the efforts of this dynamic duo, the parade returned to its past glory. Now almost everyone in the region participates.
“If it weren’t for the tourists, there might be no spectators at all, ” explains Joyce.
For Joyce and Shari highlights of the Fourth of July include convincing then General Norman Schwarzkopf to address the color guard. The flyovers. All the veterans carrying flags. The Rauncherettes. (We wish they’d come back.) Men Without Rhythm. Kids. Dogs. Wagons. Bikes.
It’s a scene straight out of Norman Rockwell.
Check out this video segment that appeared on National Geographic Weekend. Boyd Matson talks about being part of the “Men Without Rhythm” group in the 2011 Telluride, Co. 4th of July parade.
