July Fourth 2009 events in Cochise County

Photo by sillysocks via Flickr

Check out the July 4th events for 2010.

July Fourth weekend is coming up. Yeah, you can go to a major city’s celebration with a million of your closest friends, but why not get out in Arizona’s wide open spaces?

You can see some unique events like the Coaster Races, baseball at a 100-year old ballpark, Benson’s water fight or Sierra Vista’s massive fireworks display. There’s plenty of firepower during Cochise County’s Fourth of July. Here’s a sample of the fun:

Benson’s July 4^th Celebration

Keep cool as you watch Benson’s annual Water Fight, a competition between local volunteer fire departments. Contestants try to move a barrel on a pulley system using pressure from water hoses. The barrels slide back and forth toward the opposing team. Spectators get a refreshing soak, and the kids can play in the mud. The family fun starts with a parade through town. Live music is planned throughout the day, and a spectacular fireworks display ignites the skies at dusk.

Details: 9 a.m. parade begins; Water fights at 10 a.m. fireworks begin at dusk at Lions Park in Benson.Admission is free. For more info, visit the Benson events listing or call the Benson Visitor Center 520-586-4293.

Bisbee’s Fourth of July

Bisbee’s big day begins at 9 a.m. with the Bisbee Coaster Races down Tombstone Canyon, the oldest and longest gravity-powered race in the U.S. Between heats, runners compete in the Bisbee Iron Man Mile. A parade, watermelon eating contest and games are featured in Bisbee’s Warren district. Along the parade’s Vista Park route, food booths offer tasty morsels, and a DJ will entertain.

The afternoon features contests of skill in traditional mining activities at Brewery Gulch. Muckers let their shovels fly, digging and fill mining carts with gravel in a timed competition and hard-rock drillers vie for cash prizes. Wrap up the weekend with fireworks in the evening sky.

The Bisbee Copper Kings baseball team will come out swinging in Warren Ballpark as it hosts the 1st Annual Invitational Baseball Tournament. The tourney kicks off at the 100-year old Warren Ballpark, the nation’s oldest, where Dizzy Dean and the Babe himself have played.

Details: Events are ongoing throughout the day on July 4 in all parts of Bisbee. Admission varies per event. More info at 520-432-6016.

Bowie‘s Big 4th of July Bash

Bowie’s Fourth includes a parade, swimming contests, game booths, bingo, raffles, BBQ, jam session, dancing and more! The parade begins at 10 a.m. Admission varies depending on the activity. Call the Bowie Chamber of Commerce for more info at 520-253-0930.

Douglas 4^th of July Celebrations

Douglas launches the Fourth with an invitational baseball on Friday, July 3. The Copper Kings baseball tournament will be held at the Copper King field. A parade will proceed along historic G Avenue, and a soccer tournament will be held. July Fourth festivities wrap up with an evening fireworks show. Visitors can enjoy a full day of live entertainment, food booths, games and free swimming and activities at Veterans Memorial Park. Info at 520-417-7334.

Copper King Playoffs will be held July 3 & 4 at the historic Copper King Stadium. Info at 520-417-7354.

Sierra Vista’s 42^nd Annual Fourth of July Celebration

A massive fireworks display at the Stone Field Complex is the highlight of Sierra Vista’s Fourth of July celebration. In addition, enjoy the Kiwanis Street Talent Show on Friday, July 3 in Veteran’s Memorial Park along with food booths, and other entertainment. Early on Friday is the

Pets & People Parade. The official July Fourth ceremonies begin in Veteran’s Memorial Park at 11:30 a.m. Entertainment includes the 36th Army Band.

When: July 3 & 4; fireworks start promptly at 8:10 p.m., July 4 at Veterans’ Memorial Park on Fry Boulevard. Fireworks will be held at the Domingo Paiz Sports Complex, N. Coronado Drive and Tacoma Street. Admission is free. Call 520-378-4601 for more info or search the calendar on the Sierra Vista website.

July Fourth in Willcox

Join Willcox residents at this celebration as fireworks light the night sky at the Willcox High Schoolm 240 N. Bisbee Avenue. Fireworks will begin at dusk. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. Call the Willcox Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture at 520-384-2272 or 1-800-200-2272 for more information.