Blanding to host Independence Day

With a celebration starting June 30 and lasting until July 9, the City of Blanding Independence Day celebration is sure to be one to remember.
“United We Stand” is the theme of this year's celebration, with events starting Thursday and lasting over a week.
Due to a number of complications with getting the fireworks to Blanding in time for the celebration, the famed firework show won’t be until Saturday, July 9. However, there’s no need to fret. Independence Day in Blanding will still be a day full of fun.
There’s a large host of events to look forward to. Including the Independence Day parade, fun in the park, concerts, fireworks and more.
The fun starts June 30 with the first of a total of five performances of the Edge of the Seaters sponsored Melodrama. Come watch a local production of The Pony Espresso or the Villain Came to a Grinding Halt, starting at 7 p.m. at the Arts and Events Center in Blanding. The performance can also be seen on July 1, 2, 4 and 5 at the same time and location.
Friday will be a day full of softball splendor. The day kicks off at 9 a.m. with the Mini-Madness Softball tournament for kids in eight-grade and younger. The Shane Warenski Memorial Midnight Softball Tournament will then start at 5:30 p.m. Players must at least currently be in high school to participate.
July 2
Events Saturday will start at 9 a.m. with a horseshoe tournament at Centennial Park as well as a Disc Golf Tournament at the USU Blanding disc golf course.
At 9:30 a.m. there will be the Diving for Dollars activity at the Blanding pool, and at 10 a.m. there will be the Scales and Tales educational show. There will be lizards, turtles, scorpions, an alligator and more at Central Park north of the Blanding Library.
An indoor six-on-six volleyball tournament will take place at the Wellness Center Gym at 10 a.m. as well.
At 3 p.m. the first showing of the Picture-it-Palmer documentary Pressure is a Privilege, highlighting the historic San Juan basketball season, will be at the San Juan Theater. There will also be screenings of the documentary on the 4th at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
The day will wrap up with the ATV Poker Run at the Edge of the Cedars parking lot, JackPot Horse Gam at the Lynn Stevens Arena, and a family game, dinner and movie night at the SJH football field.
July 3
Sunday there will be a chalk art competition at the park. Come down and decorate a square to potentially win a prize. The event will be running all day.
July 4
The big day will start bright and early with the 5k run starting at 6:30 a.m. and the one-mile Fun Run starting at 7:15 a.m. There will then be a patriotic event and prayer run/given by Mayor Monson held at Centennial Park at 8 a.m.
The July 4th Parade will start at 10 a.m. where the theme “United We Stand” will be proudly displayed. The Grand Marshals of the parade will be prominent community figures Cleal Bradford and Harold Lyman. After the parade, head down to Centennial Park for food and fun. Vendors will be set up around the park with great food and fun activities.
A four-on-four outdoor volleyball tournament sponsored by Blanding Elementary will start at 11 a.m., and kid's games at the Southwest baseball field will begin at 11:15 a.m. Come for fun activities and prizes!
At Noon classic racing games, free for the entire family and activities for people of all ages, will start at the Southeast baseball field, and a Quilter's Guild will be held at the Wellness Center from Noon to 3 p.m.
Stan Bronson- Down from the Mountain Concert will begin at 4 p.m. at the SJH Auditorium. Tickets will go on sale at the door starting at 3 p.m. Prices are $10 for 21 and up and $5 for ages 20 and under.
Make sure to head back down to Centennial Park to get some dinner and save a seat for the Concert in the Park starting at 7 p.m. A mix of classic rock and today’s hits, music stretching from the 70s to the 2020s will be blared till 10 p.m., wrapping up the 4th of July celebration.
July 9
USU Goat Roping Contest will start at 5 p.m.
It’s the time all firework enthusiasts have been waiting for. The Firework Celebration will be at Centennial Park starting at 6 p.m. Music and vendors will be at the park leading up to the big firework show starting at 9:45 p.m.
Don’t miss out on one of San Juan County’s biggest celebrations of the year.
For more information and the latest details on these events, visit https://www.blanding-ut.gov/4th or the Blanding City Facebook page.

San Juan Record

49 South Main St
PO Box 879
Monticello, UT 84535

Phone: 435.587.2277
Fax: 435.587.3377
news@sjrnews.com
Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday