Yuma, Arizona - Following greater-than-expected attendance last year, the City of Yuma will once again host an Independence Day celebration with the return of the 4th of July All-American BBQ and Fireworks Spectacular, starting 4 p.m. Monday, July 4 at Desert Sun Stadium and the Ray Kroc Sports Complex, 36th Street and Avenue A.
Featuring American-style family barbecue, refreshments, patriotic entertainment and activities for all ages, this year’s event will also serve to restock shelves at the Yuma Community Food Bank during a period when donations have stalled in the past. Attendees are asked to please bring a nonperishable food item for donation, if they choose.
Admission is $1 per person. Entertainment includes giant water slides, a splash zone, family-friendly challenges, eating contests, games and other surprises. Tribute to our nation’s heritage will come through recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, local talent performing the national anthem, and an honor guard presentation.
Vendors, sponsors still welcome
Food vendor and sponsorships for this event are still available.
“Our community effort is to promote and support local businesses and organizations, while enhancing the quality of life for our community by providing affordable, safe and family friendly events in Yuma,” said Yuma Civic Center Manager Christopher Williams.
Partnerships with local businesses serve to align the City with Mayor Doug Nicholls’ vision for the United for Yumacampaign.
“Events such as this would not be possible without our community’s business partnerships,” Williams said. “We greatly appreciate the tremendous support we have received from sponsors so far. We look forward to working with more local businesses to bring this patriotic, fun and safe family friendly event back, bigger and better than ever.”
For information on how to become a food vendor and/or festival sponsor, contact the Yuma Civic Center at 928-373-5040.
About the event
Gates will open at the sports complex 4 p.m. July 4. Parking in the adjacent stadium/Civic Center parking lot is free. No outside food, beverages, alcohol or coolers will be allowed inside the festival gate (food and beverage will be available for purchase inside). One sealed bottle of water per person will be permitted.
The festival has increased the number of food vendors and drink stations from the 2015 event to accommodate all guests. We encourage the community to bring sunscreen, pop-up tents, chairs and blankets. Additionally, residents will be able to bring their own kites, flying discs, jump ropes, bubbles or sports balls. No animals, please, other than service companions.
A 25-minute fireworks display will take place after dusk. (Attendees should not, however, bring their own fireworks.