Fourth of July, Crested Butte Style

staking out a spot for the parade

even RV's got into the action

This guy was covered in Spanish Moss

quite a few old cars in the line-up

love the doggie with the sunglasses!

lots of little kids have these "scooter bikes" with no pedals. It's amazing how fast they can go.

this float really got into the parade with music blaring and bellies rolling!

a little local talent

these ladies were walking behind the dragon to demonstrate "scooping the poop"

Of course there have to be pageant winners. These are from the Cattlemen Days in Gunnison

These are some serious athletes

anyone that can plank for as long as these people did are really in good shape

this sweetie pie was handing out fresh cherries as part of the Farmer's Market float

Highlight of the parade...the guys from the Mountain Research Center in their homemade Corn Plant costumes

This little guy was singing the whole time he was holding up his cloud

.....and the end of the parade

This is the first year that I have been here early enough to see the Fourth of July Parade. Unfortunately, because of the very dry conditions across Colorado, we are under a fire ban so the fireworks on the mountain that usually accompany this holiday didn't happen. The parade was very colorful and I was amazed at how many people came out for the parade. At the end of the parade there is a "water zone" where the firetrucks douse people with water. Apparently, the float occupants used to throw water balloons at people and not everyone enjoyed getting soaked. Now you have to go to the "water zone" where they KNOW you want to get wet. I was also excited to see that the food tents that are usually here for ArtFest are also here for the Fourth, especially my favorite KaramelCorn!