Thoughts of Arizona in the summer usually elicits the immediate image of a sweltering sun, cloudless days, and intense heat. Most wouldn’t consider coming to Arizona during these summer months, especially not to engage in outdoor activities. While this reality might ring true for larger Arizona cities such as Tucson, Phoenix, and Yuma, Sierra Vista doesn’t share this obstacle. Although the weather here has been warming up since April, we can still expect cool high desert nights and rolling monsoon storms after the Fourth of July. Even now as I type this in June, we are experiencing bright summer mornings followed by cool monsoon afternoons as storm clouds begin to populate our skies. It’s a nice taste of what’s to come.
Sierra Vistans know that July 4th historically means rain. Every year, as we gather at Veteran’s Memorial Park or the Stone Ball Fields to watch the evening fireworks, we check our phones for the forecast. Some years the monsoon rain means there are delays in the fireworks, waiting for the weather to clear and the sun to set before the Sierra Vista Rotary puts on their incredible show. Other years the show starts without a hitch, and the boom of the fireworks ring in tandem with thunder.
With these warm days and cool evenings, many find it easier to be outside with the upcoming festivities. As always, the celebration starts bright and early at 8AM in Veteran’s Memorial Park with the 8th Annual Pets & People Promenade, followed by live entertainment and military displays brought to you by Fort Huachuca. A beer garden will be there with additional vendors and all-day crafts. With the refreshers and plentiful shade you can find in the park, it’s sure to be a fun-filled day. Getting to end it with the Sierra Vista Rotary’s 57th Annual Fourth of July Celebration and Fireworks event gives a whole new meaning to extraordinary skies- there’s just nothing like it.
For someone who has spent the majority of July 4th‘s in Sierra Vista, I always love going to the Stone Ball Fields with my family and watching the firework show. The way it feels like the entire city comes together to celebrate in one spot is something you don’t experience often. A joyful feeling hangs in the atmosphere while children are running around playing. This makes an enjoyable time for everyone.
There are so many more fun activities that are coming to Sierra Vista in the next couple of months, and I can’t wait to share. Until then, look out for an itinerary that’s going to be posted in the next few days- it’s kid-friendly and long weekend approved. See you in Sierra Vista!
Exploring Sierra Vista 