Town of Payson reveals plans for gala 4th of July

(Editor's note: Locals might prefer to celebrate the 4th of July in a relaxed, small town setting, but the Town of Payson sent out the following not very well written press release inviting Flatlanders and others to give our ailing economy a much-needed jolt by joining us for the festivities.  We have cleaned it up as best we can without a total rewrite.)

Nestled in the largest stand of Ponderosa Pine Forest in the World and surrounded by the Mogollon Rim to the north, the Mazatzal Mountain Range to the west and the Granite Dells to the east, – Payson is the perfect place to enjoy a good old fashioned 4th of July celebration. Locals and visitors alike will enjoy Payson’s patriotic salute to our country and the men and women who have given all to make America the land of the free and the home of the brave. Enjoy a spectacular fireworks display and fun for the whole family.

The festivities kick off on July 2 with the popular First Friday night on Main St. Starting at 5 p.m. and running through 8 p.m.  Take a leisurely stroll down Historic Main Street with your sweetheart or friends. Noted as one of Payson’s best places to “meet someone” by the (paper that doesn't always tell it like it is), you will enjoy shopping, treats from our merchants, good conversation and music - all in a laid-back atmosphere.

Also on July 2, the Town of Payson is excited to introduce Moto X Madness at the Payson Event Center. This event will feature Freestyle Motocross, Step-Up Competition and Arena Cross as well as high flying dare-devil stunts.

The action starts at 7 p.m. Friday night and continues with an encore performance on Saturday, June 3. Tickets are $15 at the gate or you can purchase them in advance on line at www.paysonrimcountry.com or by calling 888-840-0457.

On July 3, the Town of Payson is just getting warmed up as it continues its patriotic salute to America with the 2nd Annual Payson Hometown Patriotic Parade down Historic Main Street at 5 p.m. The parade is coordinated and produced by the Main Street Merchants Guild. Viewers will enjoy floats, walking and performing groups and much more.

Want to participate? This parade is open to everyone and all you have to do is decorate yourself, a float, bike, quad or car and enter the parade. The Parade is free but you must register by visiting www.paysonrimcountry.com and click on the button that says “4th of July.”

The fun continues on Saturday evening with live musical entertainment, a laid back atmosphere and yummy food vendors at the Payson Summer Concert Series held at Green Valley park from 7-9 PM. The performing band will be The Higher Power Band.

On Sunday, July 4, the Town of Payson will begin its 4th of July celebration with a special Patriotic Tribute at Green Valley Park, starting at 8 a.m. This tribute is in celebration of our Independence and the price many have paid for the freedoms we enjoy. Listen to a recital of the Declaration of Independence, followed by an emotional Flag raising ceremony.

From 1-3 p.m. the Town of Payson’s Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department will kick off its count down to “BOOM TIME” with traditional kids games. Kids will enjoy everything from sack races to water balloon tossing to tug of war.

Finally we will conduct the 2nd Annual Payson Arizona Foot Races. Our goal is to find the fastest kids (young or old) in Rim Country. Race age groups will range from toddlers up to 50 years old. Also enjoy bouncy houses, face painters, balloon artists, food vendors and much more!

Rim Country favorites John Carpino and the Hot Cappuccinos will provide live music from 4-6 p.m. and from 7-9 p.m. the band Johnny Anonymous will entertain the crowds as we inch closer to that magical hour of bright lights and enormous boom.

Starting at approximately 9 p.m. over Green Valley Park, the skies will come alive with one of the “best small town fireworks displays in the state of Arizona” according to The Arizona Republic. Enjoy over 45 minutes of bright colors, mesmerizing displays and BIG BOOM. Special thanks to the Northern Gila County Sanitary District and the Town of Payson’s Water Department for providing this year’s fireworks display!

Due to the popularity of this event, free shuttle busses will be running from the Payson High School to Green Valley Park. Starting at 5:30 p.m., a shuttle bus will pick you up on the north side parking lot (football field) and transport you to Green Valley Park. After the show the busses will return you to your parked car.

Directions to the Payson High School: Take Arizona Highway 87 to Longhorn Rd. Go west on Longhorn Road until you get to the Payson High School north parking lot (north of the football field).

Come be our guest in Payson – Arizona’s Cool Mountain Town on 4th of July weekend and enjoy patriotism, great weather, outdoor activities and fun for the whole family!