The City of Las Cruces has a few big events set for July 4 weekend, and due to uncertain time, celebrations are a little more creative to ensure the safety and well-being of both visitors and residents.

Kicking off the weekend is the return of the City of Las Cruces Parks and Recreation Department's popular Music in the Park Series. Beginning Friday, July 3, the virtual concert series begins with stellar performances by Pat "Guitar Slim" Chase and Kenny Arroyos.

Photo by Designecologist from Pexels

All concerts will be available on their scheduled dates and can be accessed here.

Electric Light Parade

The annual “Electric Light Parade” is going virtual, and lights are optional for this parade. This year’s theme: “Celebrating our Heroes” Virtual Electric Light Parade. It’s a tribute to all those who have kept the community going through the current pandemic.

Participants were asked to create a Fourth of July parade entry by decorating a yard or vehicle, dressing in patriotic style, showing a pet’s patriotic spirit or designing a patriotic face covering. Categories include: Yard and Vehicle Decorations, Patriotic Family Photo, Patriotic Pets, Patriotic Hairstyle or Face Paint and Patriotic Face Covering. All entries will be showcased in a virtual parade event at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 4 on CLC TV 20 and Facebook. Prizes will be awarded in each category. All winners will be announced on the Fourth of July during the virtual parade.

City fireworks display

This year’s annual fireworks display begins at 9:15 p.m. Saturday, July 4 and it’s a throwback to when fireworks could be watched from almost every neighborhood in Las Cruces. To view the display, look up at the night sky above the center of the city. Restrictions on large gatherings as mandated by the governor’s office and the New Mexico Department of Health, prevents no formal or additional events associated with the display. Residents should watch from their homes. Do not use city-owned properties in the area to view the fireworks. Avoid large gatherings, practice social distancing, wear face coverings in public, wear face coverings if you are outside and are in a group of people and wash hands regularly.

For further details on these events, visit the city’s Fourth of July page.