Home to Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park is the ideal all-American destination for Fourth of July celebrations. In addition to one of the most spectacular fireworks displays in the state (always held on July 4), this quintessential Colorado mountain village offers a variety of family-friendly festivities and events specifically tailored for the holiday in addition to an abundance of outdoor recreation activities.

Per tradition, July 4 kicks off with an old-fashioned annual pancake breakfast – eggs, sausage, juice, coffee, and of course, pancakes. Headquarters for the breakfast is Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church at 920 Big Thompson Ave. The event is held from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and costs only $6 for adults and $3 for children.

After a hearty breakfast, spend the afternoon enjoying hiking, bike riding, paddle boating, miniature golf or check out the Coolest Car Show. More than 120 “Steam –to-Electric” vehicles will be displayed around Bond Park in the heart of downtown Estes Park. Along with steam and electric cars, other street rods, stock cars, muscle cars, sports cars, vintage and classic cars will be on display from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost is $5 for adults; $10 for a family of four (two adults, two children); children under five are not charged.

At 7 p.m., the Estes Village Band tunes up for its annual patriotic concert featuring the works of John Philip Sousa and others. The concert is free to attend and will be held at the Performance Park Amphitheater.

To make it easier for all Estes Park guests to get around, on July 4th, the Estes Park FREE Shuttles have extended evening service hours so all can easily attend the evening festivities. See www.estes.org/shuttles or call 970-577-9900 for more information on the shuttle system.