The City of Cortez is excited that July 4, 2022, Independence Day Fireworks are planned to go on as scheduled. At sundown on July 4, 2022, Cortez Fire Protection District will produce the fireworks show in Parque De Vida at a new launch site. “The Cortez Fire Protection District is excited to help the residents of Cortez and our surrounding area celebrate our nation's Independence Day. We have a unique opportunity with Parque De Vida that even with our dry conditions, we can put on a safe show.” Cortez Fire Protection District Chief Charlie Borden said.

Traditionally the show was staged just south of the Cortez Recreation Center, however this year the fireworks will be launched north of the duck pond in Parque De Vida (see site plan).

With surrounding communities canceling their shows due to dry conditions, Cortez is expected to see significant crowds and has altered the show allowing for more viewing space. “We are thrilled that the Cortez Fire Protection District is staging the fireworks differently than in years past. This will open up a vast portion of the south end of Parque De Vida for viewing the show.” Cortez Parks and Recreation Director Creighton Wright said.

Surrounding events happening prior to the show will be the Cortez Rotary Club will have a beer garden during the day in Centennial Park and the Four Corners Community Band will perform a free concert at 6 p.m. at the Centennial Park Pavilion.

As with every year, Mildred road will be closed to vehicles for pedestrian traffic starting at 5 p.m. and will remain closed until the Cortez Police Department deems it safe to re-open.

New this year, the city will have new no-parking areas and traffic flow procedures to help guide folks away from the park in a safe and efficient manner (see traffic flow pattern).

Parks and Recreation Director Wright said “We ask everyone to celebrate safely and responsibly and to please give our first responders the right of way if they are responding to a call on the roadways or in our parks. Cortez Police Department bike patrols will be in our parks helping folks celebrate safely, as well as ATVs from the Cortez Fire Protection District ready to respond to any emergencies quickly and efficiently around the park system. We want everyone to enjoy the holiday safely and have fun!”

For questions regarding the July 4, 2022 fireworks celebration, please contact Parks and Recreation Director Creighton Wright at cwright@cortezco.gov.