Silverton will celebrate Fourth of July 2008 with a slew of events throughout the day and weekend. This year’s theme is “Centennial” celebrating the 100th anniversary of Silverton’s Town Hall. There will be no room for boredom in this year’s packed line-up! Camping will be available on a first-come, first-served basis in town at Kendall Mountain Community Center, and six miles south of Silverton at Molas Lake. Cost at either location is around $18 per night per vehicle.

4th of July 5k /10k Blue Ribbon Fun Run
This fun run was created nearly 30 years ago by local runners for a six-pack of Pabst Blue Ribbon and has been a tradition ever since.  For 2008, registration is $15.00 and each participant will receive a star-spangled garland, star-studded bubble blowers, T-shirt and more goodies (instead of beer).  Runners and walkers will enjoy a scenic course over dirt roads, streams and even regular roads … all in the beauty of the San Juan’s. 
Race Registration:    Gazebo in Memorial Park 6:30-7:15 a.m.
Start & Finish        Memorial Park Gazebo 7:30 a.m.

4th of July Parade
This year’s parade theme is “Centennial” in honor of Silverton’s Town Hall. Anyone and everyone is invited to participate! Look for floats, motorcycles, cowboys, fire fighters, gun slingers, funky pedaled contraptions and Silverton’s very own Brass Band. Contact info@SilvertonEvents.com if you’d like help stocking up on parade candy, favors and decorations.
Parade line up:         9:30-10:30 a.m. along Greene Street in front of the Court House. 
Parade start: 10:30 a.m.
Parade route loop:     Down Greene Street, left onto 14th Street, right onto Blair Street, up 9th Street back to Greene Street, looping back to the vicinity of the Court House.

Annual Water Fight – Parade Finale:
The parade finale entails the Silverton San Juan Volunteer Fire Department facing off with their toys for an extravagant water fight - the likes of which you have never seen.  This big boys’ game will take place around the intersection of Greene and 14th Street.

International
Rhubarb Festival & Brass Band Concert
Silverton’s Friends of the Library proudly sponsors the Annual International Rhubarb Festival after the parade in Memorial Park.  You won’t want to miss trying San Juan County’s agricultural sensation, the delectable rhubarb! The tasty rhubarb treats and ice cream sell quickly, so don’t miss out. Silverton’s famous Brass Band will fill the park with Independence Day rhubarb music.  All proceeds benefit the Silverton Public Library.

Old Fashioned
4th of July Picnic
Enjoy and Old Fashioned 4th of July Picnic at the Miners Tavern at 1069 Greene Street, Sponsored by the American Legion.  Starts immediately following the parade.
 
5th Ducky Derby
Cash Prizes and tons of fun on Cement Creek at Memorial Park.  Race starts at 2 p.m.  Duckies cost $5 each for a chance to win $100 and support the Silverton Chamber of Commerce.  Purchase your duckies ahead of time during the Taste of Silverton or at the Silverton Visitors Center.

A Theater Group Matinee Presentation
A special 4pm matinee presentation of Enchanted April will be held at the Grand Imperial Hotel. 2008 is A Theatre Group’s 20th Season! Please call 387.5337 to find out their latest information.

Town Hall Centennial
Gasp at the calamities of the past 100 as one of Silverton’s favorite landmark celebrates its centennial. Enjoy birthday cake and a mini exhibit along with special 4th of July tours. Times to be determined.

Fireworks
Look up and westward at 9:30 p.m. for the largest Fireworks display on the western slope.  The Silverton San Juan Volunteer Fire Department will launch 16” shells to make for an even more spectacular display than usual.  These additions will light up the San Juan sky 1600 ft high and 1600 ft wide.  This is an event not to be missed!
The fireworks will be displayed above Shrine Hill and will be readily visible from most places in town.  The Shrine Road will be closed to spectators. Tune in to Silverton Community Radio KSJC 92.5 FM to hear the National Anthem on the airwaves just prior to the fireworks.  Donations to support this spectacular display can be sent to Silverton San Juan Fire Department, PO Box 532, Silverton, CO 81433 or donate online at www.SilvertonEvents.com

Throughout the Weekend:
The Great Silverton Treasure Hunt
There’s treasure to be discovered in Silverton! Look for black treasure boxes hidden all around town, each one with a unique rubber stamp inside. Collect at least 12 different stamps for free ice cream at the Wooden Indian North of the Train Stop. Collect at least 30 for an even bigger prize! Treasure maps and notepads for stamping are available in many businesses around town for a $2 suggested donation. All proceeds benefit the Silverton Family Learning Center

Heritage Attractions
Find out how folks celebrated Independence Day a century ago! Stop into the 1902 Jail, Mining Heritage Center, Blair Street Museum, Mayflower Gold Mill, and the Old 100 Gold Mine.  For more information on Mill Tours, contact 387-0234 or the Museum 387-5838.

Carriage Rides
Head over to the Old Town Square for a 10-minute circuit around Silverton in an old-fashioned carriage pulled by none other than Sonny and Cher!

Silverton Brass Band
The Silverton Brass Band plays Sunday evening at 6 pm in the streets of Silverton (weather permitting).

Silverton Gunfighters
Re-live the wild west with the staged gun fights on 13th & Blair Street presented by the Silverton Gun Fighters Club. Both Friday and Saturday at 5:30pm (weather permitting).
 
Self-Guided Bicycle
& Surrey Tours
Burn off that rhubarb pie and parade candy with a jaunt around Silverton on easy-to-ride cruiser bikes and 4-wheeled surreys. Available near the train stop after the parade. Call 387-5228 for reservations.