Celebrating the Fourth of July in Estes Park means more than spectacular light flashes and the sound of fireworks reverberating from the peaks surrounding this mountain village, although that culmination of events here is known throughout the state as one of the best fireworks displays anywhere.

Here there’s an air of tradition that starts with an annual community pancake breakfast with all the fixin’s for all. From mid-morning to mid-afternoon there’s a classic car show in the center of downtown. Throughout the day visitors are welcome to stop by the Fairgrounds at Stanley Park to watch horsemanship competition during the Arabian Sport Horse Championships. This year, the event is celebrating its 58th year of competition at this altitude.

By late afternoon the musicians are tuned up and the crowds turn out for an annual patriotic concert coming from the Performance Park Amphitheater.Before long, the summer’s sun has dipped behind the peaks and at 9:30 pm, explosive charges are heading skyward from the banks of Lake Estes. Locals say the best viewing spots for the free light show are from any spot where there is a view corridor toward the lake.