Although a Sedona Fire District ban on fireworks and current fire restrictions by county and federal agencies prohibit the Fourth of July’s usual bright lights and explosions and rockets’ red glare, Sedonans will have a few softer and wetter options to celebrate the holiday.
Fourth of July Wet Fest
The city’s of Sedona Parks & Recreation Department will host the Fourth of July Wet Fest at the Sedona Community Pool at Posse Grounds Park on Tuesday, July 4, from noon until 4 p.m. Swimming will be free and will be accompanied by the sounds of a DJ from Frsh Entertainment playing an eclectic mix of crowd-pleasing hits along with food vendors, games and a dunk tank. The food truck lineup for the day will sell sandwiches, gelato and cotton candy.
Lifeguards will be organizing pool games such as water volleyball and participants will have the opportunity to win prizes.
In addition, Giant Jenga and Giant Connect Four will be available to play, along with inflatable games such as mini-hoops, baseball pitch, soccer darts and a basketball shooting star game that will be held outside the pool if the pool is at capacity.
Parking will be available on a first-come, first-served basis in the West Sedona School parking lots.
“This will be a fun way to start your holiday, [purchase] some food with free swimming and hang out with the family before you go watch fireworks,” newly promoted Parks & Recreation Manager Josh Frewin said.
For more information about Wet Fest, call Frewin at (928) 282-7098.
Adult Softball
The Sedona adult softball league season at Posse Grounds Park is ongoing, with seven teams registered so far. Residents wanting to join the program can visit sedona az.gov/sports and join the free agent list. At this point, signup is not guaranteed because the teams have already been selected, but some teams occasionally need to fill a spot.
Elks Lodge BBQ
The Sedona Elks will hold a community barbecue to celebrate the holiday from noon to 3 p.m. at the Elks Lodge at 110 Airport Road. Music will be provided by DJ Sound Events and a cornhole will be set up.
“This is a fantastic way to celebrate the Fourth of July here in Sedona, while supporting the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America and all of its youth, veteran, and community service programs,” the lodge said in a press release.
The cost for the meal is $15, and the barbecue will include hamburgers, hot dogs, bratwurst, potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans and dessert.
Cottonwood Fireworks
The city of Cottonwood Parks and Recreation Department will host its 24th annual Fantastic Family 4th of July at the Cottonwood Kids Park from 4 to 9:30 p.m. with free food from 4 to 6 p.m., the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ Patriotic Salute, games, activities and vendors. Fireworks will begin at approximately 9 p.m., shot off behind the Cottonwood Kids’ Park above the slag next to the Verde Valley Fairgrounds.
