Blanding Independence Day celebrations coming

Once again, it’s that time of year, as Blanding gears up for its annual Independence Day tradition. Thousands are expected to converge for a day of patriotic celebration that will stretch a few days, in both directions, from the main celebration on the Fourth of July.
The theme for the celebration is “A Heritage of Freedom”.
A full schedule of official events and contact information, in addition to other events throughout the celebration, can be found in this issue of the San Juan Record.
The celebration kicks off Friday, June 30 as Edge of the Seaters puts on “Rustlers at Red Rock” melodrama. The production is directed by Steve Olsen and will start at 7:30 p.m. at the Arts and Events Center, 715 West 200 South in Blanding. The Melodrama will continue with a show on Saturday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights at the same time.
The 7-on-7 football tournament, sponsored by San Juan High football, will be held at the high school football fields on Saturday, July 1 beginning at 6 p.m.
Monday brings an early Mini-Madness softball tournament beginning at 8:30 a.m., and the 3-on-3 basketball tournament starting at noon at the Wellness Center, sponsored by San Juan High basketball.
On Monday, July 3, the Blanding Rotary Club will sponsor a Car Show “Freedom Rides”, Navajo Taco Dinner and Chili Cook-Off at the Blanding Central Park, adjacent to the South LDS Chapel on Main Street. The car show begins at 4 p.m., the chili cook-off from 3 to 4 p.m. and the dinner from 4 to 6:30 p.m.
Also on Monday, the annual Shane Warenski Memorial Midnight Madness softball tournament starts at 5:30 p.m. and continues play through the entire night at the old high school fields.
Things begin early on Tuesday, July 4 at 6:30 a.m. with a 5K run beginning at Centennial Park. A one mile fun run will begin at 7:15.
The annual Mayor’s Breakfast begins soon afterward at Centennial Park and will feature a speech by San Juan County Commissioner Rebecca Benally. The breakfast includes food and words from Mayor Calvin Balch.
The July 4th Parade, A Heritage of Freedom, makes its way down Main Street beginning at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday July 4. Grand marshal for the parade is Effie Brockmeyer.
Other highlights of the parade include a host of floats and other entries, including the sixth annual Jason Workman Memorial Ride. Dozens of motorcycles crowd the parade route to honor Workman, a Blanding native and member of Seal Team Six, who was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2011.
The July 4 parade, which features dozens of entries, is just one of the highlights of the annual Independence Day celebration.
The fun continues with co-ed volleyball, horseshoes, kids games, swimming races, horse games and more with events throughout the afternoon.
Food booths and other vendors will offer their services throughout the day, primarily from Centennial Park and in the Blanding Wellness Center.
Arts and crafts are available at the Blanding Wellness Center. The Grayson Country Quilt show is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Wellness Center.   
There will also be handmade quilts for sale this year.  The Country Store will have items for sale.
Dinner at the park, including the famous Boy Scout Dinner, starts at 5 p.m. The evening will include a free concert in the park by “Dance Doctors” from 7 until 10 p.m.
The fireworks show at 10 p.m. is always a highlight and a great finale of the celebration. The fireworks show is computer fired and choreographed to patriotic music. It is sponsored by Dr. Joe Wilson.
Updates or changes to the schedule will be posted at www.blanding-ut.gov/4th-of-july.html.