The 4-1-1 on Fort Carson, AFA Fourth of July celebrations

Planning to attend the Fort Carson fireworks fest Friday or the Air Force Academy’s Independence Day celebration on Saturday? Here are some things to know:

FORT CARSON, JULY 3
• Visitors who don’t have a military registration decal on their car can use gates 1, 4 and 20 beginning at 4 p.m. Friday. Gate 1 is Fort Carson’s main gate and is located just off of State Highway 115. Gate 4, the B Street gate, is off South Academy Boulevard. Gate 20 is the closest to Fountain and is accessible from nearby Highway 85/87 and Interstate 25.
• Visitors must show a government-issued ID, vehicle registration, proof of insurance and be prepared for a vehicle search at the gate.
• Parking is limited; carpooling is encouraged. Visitors will be directed to a parking area to hitch a ride on a shuttle bus to the post’s Ironhorse Park.
• Banned items include pets, glass bottles and firearms.

AIR FORCE ACADEMY, JULY 4
• Enter through the North Gate, Exit 156-B off of I-25. You might be stopped and asked to show an ID, such as a driver’s license.
• Vendors wlll open for business and entertainment will start at 5 p.m. Saturday, but it’s OK to get there earlier. The Blue Steel combo of the academy band will perform from 8:50 to 9:20 p.m.; fireworks start at about 9:30 p.m. and last for about 20 minutes.
• A big turnout is expected, and parking will be limited, so carpooling is encouraged. Parking will be available at and near the Cadet Field House.
 • Visitors can bring cameras, lawn chairs, blankets, umbrellas and sealed plastic water bottles. Prohibited items include coolers, barbecue grills, pets other than working service dogs, and fireworks. Water and portable restrooms will be provided.
• The celebration may be canceled if the weather is bad — especially if lightning is in the area. The cadet radio station, KAFA 97.7 FM, is the best place to check for schedule changes or cancellations, but its reach it limited mostly to the academy grounds.