Rocky Mountain 4th of July in Aspen, Colorado

In 1880 a small Colorado mining town called Ute City was renamed Aspen, and for a while was one of the United State's top silver production areas. The town grew and thrived until the economic crisis known as The Panic of 1893 swept the country and mining fell to an all time low. With mining dwindling and seasons too short to be a viable agricultural town, people flocked from Aspen, leaving behind a town of magnificent buildings, Victorian mansions and less than 800 residents.

In the 1930's interest was peaked and thoughts turned to turning Aspen into a ski area but World War II came and Aspen slept on as a little mountain town. In 1946 with the beginning of the Aspen Skiing Company, the town began it's metamorphosis into the fame riddled, haute monde, ski town of the 20^th century.

But Aspen is much more than a winter playground. As the snow melts in the spring time and summer in the mountains catches up to the valleys below, Aspen becomes a vision of beauty, like the finest cloak Mother Nature could ever don. Wildflowers bloom with vibrant shades to cover the now green slopes with a carpet of color. The sun is warm and bright and the breeze crisp and clean. The town comes alive with music festivals, live theater in the park, wine festivals, street dances and one of the best old fashioned 4^th of July celebrations in the Rocky Mountains.

The sense of community fun during the 4^th of July weekend as people from all over the valley and the country pile into Aspen's park and walking mall, is a bright reminder of the reason Aspen has endured throughout the years. Barefoot babies and carefree dogs chase balls and Frisbees, and live music mixes with laughter and conversation as perfect strangers dance together in the cobbled streets of the outdoor mall. Aspen, for all it's fame, money, and reputation has managed to retain a small town atmosphere and casual attitude unlike anything expected of a ski resort where celebrities and billionaires build homes the size of small towns.

Aspen starts celebrating the 4^th of July on the 3^rd. Summer of 2010 activities start on July 3^rd with an outdoor market, an antiques and fine arts fair, and Natalie Cole in the evening at the Benedict Music Tent.

On the 4^th families can register for the 1 mile family/canine walk, and your children can do the bicycle decorating before riding in the parade that starts at 12. Free outdoor concerts, rugby, picnics, and street dancing lead up to the fireworks show over Aspen Mountain.

As the mountain lights up beneath the glow of fireworks, the beauty of your surroundings combined with the diversity and joy of the crowd fills you up with all the wonder that is our country. Aspen may be best known as a winter destination, but for those who really want to enjoy the towns finer moments, summer is the time to go. Prices drop, tensions lower, and the town presents an array of outdoor activities, relaxing entertainment and a 4^th of July celebration you will always remember.

Source:
Aspen Chamber
Personal Experience