Hi-Line Communities Prepare for Fourth of July Celebrations

Communities across the Hi-Line are preparing to celebrate Independence Day with fireworks, family activities, food, live entertainment, and community gatherings as the nation marks America’s 250th birthday. From hometown barbecues and family games to fireworks displays and community fundraisers, residents will find plenty of ways to celebrate the nation’s milestone birthday.

Chinook

The Chinook Chamber of Commerce is inviting residents and visitors to celebrate America’s 250th birthday on Saturday, July 4, at the Blaine County Fairgrounds.

The celebration will run from 5 to 10 p.m. and feature activities for all ages, including horseshoes, cornhole, bingo, three-legged races, sack races, baseball, and tug-of-war.

A community barbecue will feature hamburgers, hot dogs, and apple pie before the evening concludes with a fireworks display.

The celebration is being offered on a free-will donation basis, allowing everyone to take part while helping support the event.

Hays

The Hays community will once again host a full day of Independence Day festivities on Saturday, July 4, beginning at 10 a.m. with a cornhole tournament.

Children’s games will follow throughout the afternoon, with activities for toddlers, children ages 4-7, youth ages 8-12, and teenagers.

Additional events include co-ed mud volleyball at 2 p.m., a co-ed mud tug-of-war at 3 p.m., and the Stuff-a-Rez Ride at 3:30 p.m.

One of the day’s featured events will be the Independence Challenge, beginning at 4 p.m. Youth ages 6-12 will participate in an exhibition challenge before competitions begin for teens and adults. Cash prizes will be awarded in multiple divisions, with top prizes ranging from $300 in the teen divisions to $800 for the men’s and women’s 18-45 divisions and $500 in the 45-and-over divisions. Prizes will also be awarded to youth participants.

A hot dog eating contest will offer a $300 Visa gift card for the adult winner and a $100 Visa gift card for the teen champion.

Throughout the day, local vendors will provide food and beverages while DJ G provides music and entertainment. The celebration concludes with a fireworks display after dark.