Independence Day celebrations in Blanding

Blanding plans a wide variety of their annual Independence Day activities, covering more than a week of celebrations, fun, and more
“It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to another” wrote John Adams to wife Abigail on July 3, 1776 concerning the official adoption of the Declaration of Independence.
“I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival.”
“American Dreams” is the theme for the 2024 Independence Day celebration and the annual Festival will not disappoint Adams’ 248-year prediction. Events are spread over five days beginning July 2.
A full list of events can be found on page A8 of the San Juan Record. Find updates and additional information at the Blanding City website and Facebook page.
On Independence Day, July 4th, events begin at 6:30 a.m. with 5K run at Centennial Park, and a 1-mile Fun Run at 7:15 am. Registration is available online at RunnerCard.com or contact Holly Walker at hollykwalker22@gmail.com. It is presented by San Juan Cross Country.
The Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast at Centennial Park at 8 a.m. will feature a patriotic program including a guest speaker and music provided by area youth.
The Independence Day Parade begins at 10 a.m. at San Juan High, traveling along Main Street, and concluding at 500 South.
American Dreams is the theme of the parade. The grand marshal has yet to be named. A highlight of the annual parade is the Memorial Motorcycle Ride, featuring riders in memory of native son Jason Workman, a Navy Seal who was killed in action in Afghanistan.
To participate, contact Heather Duke or Heather Lyman
Immediately following the parade, booths and food vendors will open at Centennial Park. Activities continue at Centennial Park.
The third annual Toadhead Races Family racing games for the entire family follow at noon on the southeast field with popsicles and prizes for competitors 1 to 100 years old.
A Horseshoe Tournament will start at 1 p.m.
As the day winds down, don’t miss the free concert in the park by Shuffle as they play classic rock and today’s hits from 7 to 10 p.m. Food vendors will be available for a wide range of tasty choices beginning at 5 p.m.
At “Full Dark” from the park, Blanding City will put on one of the best fireworks shows in the state. 
That will close the Fourth of July, but there are additional events to look forward to in a jam-packed week of Independence Day events running July 2 through July 6.
The first event starts Tuesday, July 2 with the first of five performances of the annual melodrama sponsored by Edge of the Seaters (EOTS) Theatre Company. The shows start at 7 pm at the Arts and Events Center in Blanding. The performance can also be seen on July 3, 4, 5, and 6 at the same time and location.
There will be two softball tournaments on Wednesday, July 3. At 9 a.m., the Jason Workman Memorial Mini Madness Softball Tournament will begin. This is for players in eighth grade and younger. Cost is $200 per team. Contact Kellie Mills at 435-979-4184 or email kelliepalmer07@gmail.com.
Later in the afternoon, at 5:30 p.m., the Shane Warenski Memorial Midnight Madness Softball Tournament will begin. The first 24 teams to sign up will be in the tournament. To participate, players must be currently high school age or older, including freshmen going to be a sophomores. $275 per team.
Also on Wednesday, July 3 is an all-day chalk art competition at the park.
Scales and Tails, a show which includes lizards, snakes, spiders and even a young alligator, will take place at 9 a.m. at the San Juan County Library in Blanding. The show will also be presented at the Monticello branch library at noon.
The annual ATV Poker Run starts at 5 p.m. on Wednesday at the Sunrise Outfitters office at 976 South Main. A $25 cash fee per hand and waiver are required before riders hit trails to collect cards to enter for prizes. Contact Josh Nielson for more details at 435-459-9676.
Friday events will start at 8 a.m. with the six-on-six co-ed volleyball tournament at the Wellness Center. Entry is $200 a team with the event acting as a fundraiser for San Juan High Volleyball. Sign-ups available online or by contacting Shelby Eldredge at 435-459-2090.
At 9:30 a.m., Diving for Dollars will begin at the Wellness Center pool. Four age groups for kids age 4-11 give a chance to grab some cash for the weekend.
Independence Day community sponsors include Redds Ace Hardware, Energy Fuels, Jones and DeMille Engineering, UAMPS SmartEnergy, and Utah State University Blanding.