Honoring 250 Years

By Misty Cryer

Carlsbad has been known for hosting remarkable Fourth of July celebrations year after year, attracting droves of people. As the nation celebrates 250 years of independence this year, the City of Carlsbad has planned two days of community gatherings in honor of America’s birthday.

“All Fourth of July activities are free to attend, except the GLOW Mini Golf Tournament, which requires advance registration through the Lake Carlsbad Golf Course,” said Valeria Q. Bannister, Communication Specialist for the City of Carlsbad.

“Free activities include the Honoring All Veterans Ceremony, the BLM Time Capsule, live music, face painting, hair tinsel, the foam party, and gellyball activities. Food and retail vendors will also be on-site throughout the celebration,” she said.

According to the schedule, live music will be performed at the Beach Bandshell from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. both Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4. Friday’s lineup features Topo Chico Cowboys, Last Child, and Maldad. In Saturday’s lineup, Homegrown Boyz, Veneno, and Teague Brothers Band will be performing.

Last Child is a band local to Carlsbad, said Bannister. “Veneno, Maldad, and HomeGrown Boyz are all New Mexico-based artists, while the remaining performers are from outside the area,” she said.

The GLOW Mini Golf Tournament, scheduled for Friday at 9 p.m., is hosted by United Way of Eddy County in partnership with the City of Carlsbad and Lake Carlsbad Golf Course, said Bannister. “The tournament was added to the Independence Day weekend festivities a few years ago as another fun, family-friendly activity for the community,” she said.

According to the flyer, online registration is available at https://golfhub.golfgenius.com/ by entering 88220, with the tournament designed to accommodate 36 teams of four.

To cover prizes and registration, Kyle Marksteiner, Executive Director of United Way of Eddy County, said the cost for the tournament is $40 per team.

The Annual Fourth of July Parade begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday. Lineup for the parade starts at 8 a.m. at Carlsbad Prep Academy, and the route goes down Church Street and ends at the Cavern Theatre, said Denise Green, Executive Director of Carlsbad MainStreet.

“I would prefer if they sign-up in advance,” she said, adding that registration for the parade is on the Carlsbad MainStreet website. (https://www.carlsbadmainstreet.com/4th-of-july-parade)

The City of Carlsbad is hosting the Honoring All Veterans Ceremony on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at the Cavern Theatre. “The ceremony is free and open to the public and recognizes and honors all veterans for their service,” said Bannister.

Free activities will continue on Saturday in the beach area starting at 11 a.m. with DJ G-Money playing tunes, according to the schedule. Face painting and hair tinsel will be set up at the Beach Bandshell with a Gellyball and Foam Fest set up by Carlsbad Water Park.

Also at the Beach Bandshell, the Watermelon Eating Contest begins at 1 p.m. on Saturday with the BLM (Bureau of Land Management) Time Capsule scheduled for 2 p.m.

“The BLM Time Capsule is hosted by the Carlsbad Field Office as part of the America’s 250 celebration,” said Bannister.

After the lineup for live music on Saturday comes the highlight of the celebration, the fireworks and drone show.

“Both the fireworks display and drone show are produced by Precision Fireworks. Mayor Rick Lopez introduced the drone show to last year’s Independence Day celebration and wanted to continue it this year,” said Bannister. “To commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, he decided to expand the show, creating an approximately 40-minute drone-and-fireworks experience,” she said.

“We recommend carpooling to the Riverwalk area to help reduce traffic and congestion,” said Bannister. With parking available along the river, at the Cascades, and at the Riverwalk Recreation Center, she said, “City Transit will also be providing shuttle service between the Riverwalk Recreation Center, the Cascades, and the event area to help attendees avoid long walks.”

Everyone is encouraged to arrive early, stay hydrated, follow directions from law enforcement and event staff, and help keep the celebration safe for everyone, said Bannister.