We have an amazing gift in the backyards of Teller County. Pikes Peak, America’s Mountain, peers down from its lofty height and gazes upon our homes. This is especially exciting during the first weekend of July when we honor America’s independence.

This year we celebrate VIBRANTLY in Woodland Park with a whole weekend of activities that begin on Friday with the 59th Annual Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration hosted by SOAR. The first Old Fashioned celebration was in 1966 with a BBQ and fireworks hosted by the Sertoma Club. This year there are EXTRAS for the daytime activities and now you can “read all about it.” People leaving town and going elsewhere this 4th of July may be sad when they return and hear about the revelry that happened during their absence.

The largest event of the year in Woodland Park is held on the fourth of July and this year it has expanded in size. Festivities begin at 8 a.m. (earlier start time) and continue until 3 p.m. There are games, contests, karaoke, food and drinks for everyone to enjoy. A costume parade for people and dogs is a NEW highlight this year. Sunrise Yoga is also available at 7 a.m. for those who want peace and quiet before the festivities begin. Yoga happens near the large pavilion. A full schedule of activities will be available on the Facebook page soon. Check out facebook.com/4thofjulywp.

Two additional events are partnering with the daytime activities and they are the Art & Crafts Market from the usual Friday activities in Woodland Park and a Children’s Entrepreneur Market. The kids’ market is totally run by little ones and it will be in the parking lot on the corner of Pine Street and South Avenue. If your child is interested in participating, connect with Harmony Williams at 814-577-4129. You can also learn more about this event and watch for the signup link on the following website: childrensentrepreneurmarket.com.

The evening of July 4 is the ever-popular Symphony Above the Clouds. The music begins with a solo performance at 5 p.m. and then the Woodland Park Wind Symphony at 7. Fireworks are planned and there will be food and drinks for purchase. This is a cherished tradition in Woodland Park. You won’t want to miss this free concert in the park.

The 5th of July is America’s Mountain Festival and it is also in the heart of downtown Woodland Park. You can learn more about the performers and all of the activities through the website, americasmountainfestival.com. This is the first year for this event and it is bringing big name performers to the stage. Imagine listening to wonderful music, with your family and friends, with Pikes Peak as your backdrop.

We are gifted these opportunities because our country’s landmark, Pikes Peak, is America’s Mountain. If you’d like more information about being a vendor on the 4th of July, send a message to 4thofjulywp@gmail.com. There is still time to be involved.

Contact Gayle Gross at iwantto@soarwithnetworkfundraising.org or 719-233-9902 if you want your nonprofit to be part of this column or to be part of the Nonprofit Cooperative of Teller County. Gayle Gross has worked with nonprofits since 1998. Now, she facilitates SOAR’s Nonprofit Cooperative of Teller County. Meetings are on the second Tuesday of each month, 9:30 a.m. – 10:45. The group meets at Reserve Our Gallery or at a nonprofit’s location. Join the group on March 12 at the gallery.