Big Independence Day celebrations in Blanding

Residents from San Juan County and beyond will gather in Blanding this weekend for the annual Independence Day celebration. The major events will take place on Saturday, July 3, with events beginning early in the morning and running throughout the here.
The Blanding Fourth of July Festival, under the banner of “Give me liberty”, takes on new meaning as the local National Guard prepares for deployment to Afghanistan.
Members of the 118th Sapper company will lead the parade, which begins Saturday at 10 a.m. A Color Guard consisting of war veterans will lead the departing troops and their families down Main Street to the intersection of Main Street and 100 South (Redd’s True Value).
There the troops will stop, the Star Spangled Banner will be sung, and Boy Scouts will ask all to join in the Pledge of Allegiance. After a scheduled fly-over by F-15 fighter jets, the troops will then continue down Main Street and the parade will begin.
Another event to honor departing troops is a Veterans of Foreign Wars Family Dance at the Blanding Armory beginning at 8 p.m. on Friday, July 2.
Supporters are also gathering fleece blankets-to give to each soldier and a door prize for each family at a Special Dinner the night before they leave. If you have a blanket or door prize you would like to share, please take it to the San Juan Credit Union, 411 S Main, in Blanding by Friday, July 2.
A booth at the Centennial Park will donate 100 percent of the proceeds to the 118th Sappers Family Support Group. The funds will help the families gather together monthly for support and activities. Baked goods for sale at the booth will be accepted. They must be wrapped and priced to sell. Just look for the cardboard Camo Soldier!
Other events that will highlight the annual celebration include the Edge of the Seaters Melodrama, “Cornfield of Dreams”, that will be performed on July 1,2,3 and 5 at 7:30 at the Blanding Arts and Events Center. The Mayor’s breakfast will include a speech by Brigadier General Jefferson S. Burton.
Talent will be showcased as the Francis Lyman Orchestra, Elk Ridge Boys, and Artie Hemphill and the Iron Horse Band will perform.
A Celebrate America pageant begins at 3 p.m.
There will be a host of competitions, including softball, volleyball, swimming, horseshoes, boxing, 5K and 1-mile runs, equestrian games, basketball and more.
After a full schedule of activities, the celebration will culminate with fireworks at 10 p.m. at Centennial Park.