Minturn celebrating Independence Day on July 2

Vail and Beaver Creek host big events on July 4 and Avon has its own version of celebrating America’s birthday on July 3, but don’t forget about Minturn. This little historic town off of Interstate 70 will have its own celebration of Independence Day fun for the whole family to enjoy on July 2.

“Minturn has always celebrated our holiday events a little early to avoid competing with the holiday itself and to be a good partner with our neighboring communities,” said Cindy Krieg with the town of Minturn. “We’re a small town, and we want residents and visitors to be able to enjoy all of the celebrations throughout the valley. That’s why Minturn celebrates Independence Day on July 2. We take the same approach with other holidays, like Halloween and Christmas, creating opportunities for people to enjoy multiple community events instead of having to choose between them.”

Simply called the Minturn Independence Day Celebration, the event will take place at the Little Beach Amphitheater which is just south of town. Come early for the kids’ activities, which include a mechanical bull, bounce house, a balloon artists, face painting and Fairy Hair by Frankie.

Two bands will entertain the crowd on the stage along the Eagle River. Opening act Redheaded Stepchild offers up its own blend of quirkiness playing outlaw country, rockabilly, blues and rock and roll. Redheaded Stepchild is a Colorado-based band led by Tommy Anderson, who hails from Memphis, Tennessee originally. Anderson and his rotating cast of musicians will get the good groves going before the second band, The Gandy Dancers, comes on stage.

The Gandy Dancers is a band comprised of local musicians with Kevin Danzig and Casey Boyd being the main members. For Thursday’s show, you’ll find the Gandy Dancers quintet, with Peter Fontanese, Steve Van Beek and Larry Dutmer. They will play a blend of popular cover tunes and some of their own music.

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The Chi Shack food truck will be on hand serving up Chicago-style hot dogs, meats and more. Attendees are also able to bring in a picnic and their own alcohol, as long as there are no glass containers in the park. Blankets and low back chairs are allowed, too. Parking is limited, so public transit, riding your bike and carpooling is recommended.

“Minturn offers a different kind of Independence Day celebration. Instead of large crowds, visitors will find a welcoming mountain town where families can spread out in the park, kids can enjoy activities and games, everyone can dance to live music and neighbors can gather together to celebrate,” Krieg said. “It’s a relaxed, authentic community event that captures the hometown spirit Minturn is known for.”