Although the city of Colorado Springs has canceled its July 4th fireworks display, residents can look to military installations to the north and south for Independence Day celebrations.The Air Force Academy will host its annual event as usual on July 4th, including fireworks. But it will open its north gate to the public at 5 p.m. — 90 minutes earlier than in past years.In addition, the academy’s festivities will feature an array of games and food vendors for the first time since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks prompted the base to restrict public access.Fort Carson will host a July 3rd fireworks display on post.The City Council decided several months ago to axe the $80,000 to $100,000 fireworks display in Memorial Park due to budgetary constraints brought on by a flailing economy that has caused sales tax revenue to plummet.Fort Carson will try to make its display “a little bit bigger” this year because of the city’s cancellation, a post spokeswoman has said.The Colorado Springs Philharmonic, which traditionally performs a pre-fireworks concert fireworks at Memorial Park, will move its act to Fort Carson.The Carson observance will be at Iron Horse Park, starting at 4 p.m.At the academy, family-oriented games return to the July 4th event, including obstacle courses, slides, a bungie trampoline, a rock wall, two bounce houses and other attractions. The event also will feature a variety of food booths.”After 9/11, increased security concerns led to limiting events at the academy,” academy spokesman John Van Winkle said. “These are the types of events we were doing prior to 9/11, and we’re bringing them back to local families to come out, relax and enjoy the fireworks.”The event will be held on the academy’s athletic fields. Music will be broadcast by the academy’s cadet radio station, KAFA 97.7FM, before and during the fireworks show.The Blue Steel combo of the Air Force Academy Band will perform from 8:50 p.m. to 9:20 p.m., and the 20-minute fireworks show will start at 9:30 p.m.”With the city not having an event, we need to be sure we can accommodate the public who want to come out,” Van Winkle said.He couldn’t provide an estimate of past attendance or a best guess of this year’s expected turnout, but the academy is urging people to carpool.Van Winkle stressed that no alcoholic beverages will be sold or allowed.Visitors can bring cameras, lawn chairs, blankets, umbrellas, and sealed plastic water bottles. But coolers, barbecue grills, pets other than working service dogs and fireworks are banned. Water and portable restrooms will be provided.Visitors should enter through the North Gate, Exit 156-B off of Interstate 25. Parking will be available at and near the Cadet Field House.-Call the writer at 636-0238

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