Rain doesn't dampen holiday celebrations

As many as 10,000 people turned out for an Independence Day parade in Monument on Saturday, one of several star-spangled celebrations held throughout the Pikes Peak region.

Although a precise crowd count wasn't available, spectators were undeterred by the prospect for July thunderstorms.

"The weather was a little milder than it has been in previous years," said Monument Police Sgt. Richard Tudor, who provided the crowd estimate.

He said the parade went off without a hitch, though a few children suffered scraped knees while scrambling after candy.
Meanwhile, pancakes were the first order of the day for people in Security.

The Security Fire Department's annual July Fourth pancake breakfast drew about 1,300 people, some as early as 6 a.m.
"We had a lot of folks here. Other fire departments, and a whole bunch of people from the community," said Darin Meek, a firefighter.

"We were well prepared," he said.

The event included blood-pressure checks, entertainment and a dunk tank, where the fire chaplain Ray Briseno didn't mind getting wet for a good cause.

Revelers descended on Memorial Park in Colorado Springs this afternoon - even though this year's fireworks display was cancelled due to city budget cuts and weather forecasters promised pounding rainstorms across the city.

People played volleyball, grilled, fished and boated while the sky was relatively clear. But unlike previous holidays, there were parking spaces and empty tables.

"It used to be packed," said Tonia Smith, who had a picnic with family members. "It ain't like it used to be. There ain't no fireworks. To me, it's ridiculous."

This evening, crowds will begin to assemble at the Air Force Academy for a fireworks display set to begin about 9:20 p.m. - weather depending.

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 before the display.

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.

Check the cadet radio station, KAFA 97.7 FM, for schedule changes or cancellations, but its reach it limited mostly to the academy grounds.