Festivities set for Fourth

Area celebrations for the Fourth of July will kick of this weekend in Logan with a street dance, parade, free barbecue and fireworks display.

The Logan/Ute Lake Chamber of Commerce's 45th annual Fourth of July festivities will begin on Friday.

The events will include the Friday night street dance featuring Will Banister and the Modern Day Ramblers, said Bucky Stone, chamber vice president.

Stone said the recent rains will aid in making this year's event more enjoyable for the residents and visitors. He said this year's raffle features several prizes including $10,000 cash, an $11,000 remodeling package and a vacation package worth up to $11,000. Tickets cost $25 and are available at several area retailers.

Stone said on Saturday, there will be a parade at 10 a.m., people interested in entering a float can call Bobby or Judy Casados at 575-403-8623. He said for those with a competitive nature, a horseshoe pitching contest will be held at the Ute Lake State Park entrance. For more information about the horseshoe contest, contact Charles Knotts at 575-403-7668.

Stone said one of the main draws to the event is the free barbecue and bean feed in which residents and visitors are treated to a free barbecue meal served by the chamber members and staff.

Stone said the celebration wraps up with the free fireworks display at Windy Point at Ute Lake State Park.

Tucumcari's Fourth of July celebration will be held on Tuesday with the free fireworks display at the Elk's Lodge.

The city of Tucumcari and the Elk's Lodge have split the cost of the fireworks display for the enjoyment of the residents, said Jared Langenegger, city manager.

For residents looking to purchase and shoot off fire works of their own, there are currently no fireworks restrictions in place for Quay County, Logan, Tucumcari or San Jon.

Moisture over the past several weeks has helped to keep the area grasslands green, but people need to exercise caution when using fireworks, said Donald Adams, Quay County fire marshal.

It is very important to be safe with fireworks; it needs to start with the children, said Mark Martinez, interim fire chief.

Martinez said parents and guardians need to stress to their children that an adult needs to be present when setting off fireworks. There needs to be someone who is at least 16 years old when using fireworks.

Martinez said when setting off fireworks, people need to use a flat area away from buildings, grassy areas and any structures that may catch fire. He said be courteous and dispose of the fireworks, but before they are disposed, soak the remains in the water to be sure they are out and don't cause a fire from residual heat.