ALLENSPARK — By the time the parade reached the middle of town Saturday morning, kids were already clutching bags full of candy while keeping one eye on the approaching fire trucks, knowing a soaking might be next.

That mix of laughter, flying Tootsie Rolls, and friendly faces is what keeps people coming back to Allenspark's annual Fourth of July celebration. 

Colorful hummingbird costumes add some fun to the Fourth of July parade.

Photo by Mindy Leary

The small mountain community has marked Independence Day with its hometown parade for decades, attracting residents, summer visitors, and generations of families who return year after year to celebrate together.

The day started with a flea and farmers market outside Tree Huggers Trading Co., where vendors filled the parking lot with handmade jewelry, jams, baked goods, artwork, clothing, and fresh fruit. Children stopped to create masks with feathers, pom-poms, and markers while adults grabbed coffee and pastries before finding a good spot along the parade route.

At 11 a.m., the parade rolled down Business Highway 7 with decorated vehicles, local businesses, community groups, and an impressive line of 13 Allenspark Fire Protection District vehicles. Firefighters tossed candy to children and cooled off the crowd with blasts of water, a tradition that had plenty of kids laughing instead of running for cover.

Members of the Allenspark Community Church ride through the Fourth of July parade.

Photo by Mindy Leary

The sounds of the Allenspark brass band drifted over the town, giving the parade the feeling of an old-fashioned Fourth of July.

Once the last float passed, the celebration moved uphill to The Old Gallery, where volunteers served hot dogs, baked beans, and shared side dishes brought by community members. Bluegrass music from Three Moose Morning, face painting, and a cakewalk kept the festivities going through the afternoon.

The event also gave local artists a chance to meet visitors. Featured artist Julie Neri displayed her work, while photographer Dawn Wilson shared photographs of Colorado wildlife, mountain landscapes, and the northern lights, many of which were printed on aluminum to make the colors stand out.

In a town where everybody seems to know everybody, the Fourth of July is less about putting on a big show and more about spending the day together. 

By the end of the afternoon, the parade, picnic, music, and homemade food had once again turned Independence Day into a community reunion.