Fort Carson will open its gates to local residents this Friday evening, July 3, for “Rocking in the Rockies,” a free Independence Day celebration, to be held at Ironhorse Park, July 3 from 4-10 p.m. With Colorado Springs cancelling its usual activities held July 4 at Memorial Park, this will be the main celebration with a fireworks show this year.
Family-oriented activities including big air jumpers, food vendors and musical entertainment from Ricky and the Radios and the Colorado Springs Philharmonic Orchestra. The evening will end with a fireworks display set to music provided by the Philharmonic.
Visitors without a military registration decal on their vehicles are asked to use gates 1, 4 and 20 beginning at 4 p.m. July 3. Gate 1 is located just off of Highway 115. Gate 4, also referred to as the B Street gate, is accessible from S. Academy. Gate 20 is accessible from Highway 85/87 and Interstate 25. All visitors must present a federal or state issued photo identification card, vehicle registration, proof of insurance and be prepared for a vehicle search at the gate. Visitors are encouraged to carpool, and will be directed to a parking area from which they will ride a shuttle bus to Ironhorse Park. No pets, except for service animals, will be allowed. Glass bottles and firearms are prohibited.
4th of July in Fountain Valley begins at Security Fire Dept.’s pancake breakfast
As has been the tradition for decades, the Fountain Valley area will start off Independence Day at the Security Fire Department’s Annual 4th of July street breakfast, which begins at 6 a.m. Saturday, at Fire Station 1, 400 Security Blvd. Breakfast will be served until 11 a.m. Cost is $5 for adults and $3 for children and seniors. Security Blvd. will be closed to traffic during the event. Alternate routes are advised.
“We look forward to welcoming everyone to our annual 4th of July Breakfast Saturday morning, which is our biggest event of the year,” said Fire Chief “Ski” Stambaugh, who said there will be fun for all ages, not to mention one of the best breakfasts in town!
There will be stage entertainment, displays from area fire departments and Flight for Life and more. For more information call 392-3271.
Bring your food donations to breakfast
The Security Fire Department’s auxiliary holds a bake/craft sale every year during the 4th of July Street Breakfast. This year auxiliary members are asking the community to donate one canned good or non-perishable item to help re-stock the food pantry it uses during the holiday season to supply holiday food baskets to families in need.
People who donate an item will receive a free gift while supplies last.
July 4th Closings
In honor of Independence Day Saturday, financial institutions will be closed with the exception of Academy Bank in the Fountain Wal-Mart, which will be open from 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.
All post office and libraries will also be closed.
City of Fountain offices and the Security Public Library will be closed Friday. The Fountain Post Office will close at Noon Friday.
Community invited to dedication of new Security Fire Department Fallen Firefighters Memorial
Security Fire Chief R. Ski Stambaugh invites everyone to a special dedication ceremony planned Sunday, July 5, at 1 p.m., for the new Security Fire Department Fallen Firefighter Memorial located at Station 3, 5110 Bradley Rd., in the Clearview neighborhood. The monument is located in front of the flagpole.
news photo by lezley woolf
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Fireworks are illegal in Fountain
by Janet Huntington
Fountain Fire Chief Darin Anstine wants city residents to be aware of a ban on fireworks in the city.
“Although fireworks are legal in the county, it is illegal to buy, sell or use fireworks within the city limits of Fountain and a violation carries a $1,000 fine or 90 days in jail,” Chief Anstine said.
Chief Anstine wants would-be sparkler buyers who are eyeing the fireworks stand on Highway 85 by Venetucci Farm to realize the stand is selling legally in El Paso County. This doesn’t mean the fireworks are legal in Fountain.
“The section of parking lot the firework stand is operating on is technically in El Paso County,” Chief Anstine said, “Bring the fireworks into the city and you will be breaking the law.”
He also explained that the “popper” type fireworks sold at stores like the Fountain Wal*Mart and Safeway are allowed and legal, because they are not lighted during use.
According to the National Council on Fireworks Safety and the US Product Safety Commision there are almost 10,000 fireworks related injuries a year in the United States.
The Fountain Police Department and the Fountain Fire Department will be doing their best to make sure no residents of Fountain become part of the statistics for 2009.
Community invited to dedication of new Security Fire Department Fallen Firefighters Memorial
