Fireworks are the culmination of a great Independence Day celebration, but what do you do leading up to that? Don't worry, Montrose has plenty of fun before the fireworks.

The fun begins on Monday (July 4) with a parade at 10 a.m. and continues throughout the day with a number of activities along Main Street including a car show, petting zoo, and live entertainment from 11 a.m.until 4 p.m.

The Montrose High School Band is hosting a bake sale and giant pong as fundraisers. The Montrose High School Spanish Club is also raising money selling tamales so there will be plenty of food and beverages available.

One of the most interesting activities of the day is a dog food eating contest which starts at 2:15 p.m. I'm not sure who is competing, but the winner gets a $500 gift certificate for pet food.

There is an Evening Camp Chat at the Black Canyon National Park, South Rim Campground Amphitheater from 7:00 p. until 7:45 p.m.

Fireworks start at 9 p.m. to wrap up the day's events. Viewing is best from Riverbottom or Cerise Park.

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