Celebrating our nation’s birthday is an annual event throughout the United States, and Las Cruces, New Mexico has no shortage of patriotism. The city kicks-off its 4th of July Celebration with the Electric 5k Fun Run (July 3rd), which precedes the nighttime event, the Electric Light Parade. The starting gun goes off at 7:45 p.m. at the north end of Main Street, as walkers and runners take the parade route ahead of the floats, which start parading at 9 p.m. Additional race information can be found at lascrucesrunningclub.com
This year’s theme is “Hats off to America” and the city’s businesses and organizations are working around the clock, preparing their floats for this celebration. A very long entourage of floats are expected to light up the parade route, which travels through Main, Church and Water Street. The decorative lights under the Las Cruces evening skies is a sight to see and the backdrop of the majestic Organ Mountains on a summer evening is well, priceless. It’s a very popular event and more than 40,000 people were on hand last year to witness a spectacular event. An event important to so many in our city, it not only celebrates our nation’s birth but it also recognizes our citizens serving our nation in the military.
The festivities continue on the 4th with a concert and fireworks, and a slew of youth and family activities taking place at the Las Cruces Public Schools Sports Complex (Field of Dreams), located at 2501 Tashiro Road. Parking is available at Mayfield High School, Picacho Middle School and the Field of Dreams stadium.
Some of the activities include a large-scale obstacle course, and group/ team games. Several food and beverage vendors will be on hand. Entertainment starts at 4 p.m. with local bands playing throughout the evening. A Beatles tribute band, live from Las Vegas, Nevada will perform at 6 pm. The main event begins at 8 p.m. with legendary singer-songwriter, performer, Don McLean. Some of his hits include, “American Pie,” “Crying,” “And I Love You So,” and “Vincent (Starry, Starry Night).”
The popping and banging noise of the extravagant fireworks display begins at 9:30 right after a few words from the Mayor, and the Presentation of Colors with the National Anthem. One of the event sponsors (New Mexico Lottery) is having a drawing. Three lucky winners will each walk away with a Harley-Davidson Motorcycle before the evening is over.
Closing out the festivities is Indigenous, a Blues/Rock/Jazz band. All the entertainment and activities are free, so come celebrate the 4th of July in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Great hospitality, great venue, great people.