If you’ve been around Ouray for any period of time, you know well the sort of revelry in store this holiday weekend.
And if you’re new to the area or visiting for the first time, get ready for one heck of a party.
Thousands of people will descend on this community of only 1,000 or so residents for the Fourth of July. There’s actually plenty to do and see this weekend throughout Ouray County — check out the calendar on Pages 12 and 13. But the holiday itself is the star.
The day begins with the 40th annual Ourayce, a 10-kilometer run that starts at 8 a.m. at City Hall and takes runners on a loop course through town. This year’s race benefits the Home Trust of Ouray County, a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing and managing affordable housing in the community.
The parade follows at 10 a.m. and runs most of the length of Main Street. (Tip: Stand on the east side of the street if you want to stay dry). Parade participants will be treated about that same time to an Air Force jet flyover.
Once the fire trucks and floats and assorted other parade vehicles have finished at the north end of Main Street, children’s games will ensue at 11 a.m. at Fellin Park.
Grab some lunch, hit a few shops, then reserve a spot to watch the water fights at Sixth and Main streets, which begin at 2 p.m.
The competition, which was started by the Ouray Volunteer Fire Department more than a century ago, is broken down into four divisions — senior men’s, junior men’s, women’s and co-ed. Armed with face masks, chest protectors and whatever other equipment they can cobble together to guard against the brute force and teeth-chattering cold of the water, two teams consisting of two competitors each train fire hoses on each other, blasting away until one team concedes.
A second parade is set for 9 p.m. when a series of lit-up Jeeps makes its way down Main Street.
The grand finale is the fireworks display, set to begin around 9:30 p.m.
It’s a packed day in the self-proclaimed Switzerland of America, to be sure. Here are a couple of tips to help ensure you get the most out of America’s 247th birthday on Tuesday:
Sunscreen and water are your friends
The forecast predicts sunny skies and temperatures in the low 80s. Given that, as well as Ouray’s elevation of nearly 8,000 feet and high UV index, it doesn’t take long to become dehydrated or to get singed by a nasty sunburn. Slather on the sunscreen — and plan on reapplying if you’re intending to spend several hours outside — and drink plenty of water even before you head out. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty. You’ll find public bathrooms at the Ouray Community Center, Citizens State Bank and Fellin Park.
Be patient
There will inevitably be delays when thousands of people are streaming into and out of a box canyon in one day. Main Street in Ouray will shut down to vehicular traffic at least three times on Monday — for the morning parade, for the afternoon water fights and for the evening Jeep parade. The best thing you can do, for your own safety and sanity and for the safety and sanity of those around you, is to slow down. Give yourself ample time to get where you want to go. Understand that parking will be at an extraordinary premium — significantly more so than on any other summer weekend — and be prepared to walk several blocks.
