Originally written and posted by Visit Mammoth on Jun 15, 2022
Source: https://www.visitmammoth.com/blogs/4thofjuly/
Independence Day is one of the most popular times during the summer months for visiting Mammoth Lakes. With exciting activities and peak summer weather, it’s no wonder these mountains are the place to be over the holiday. If you’re headed to Mammoth Lakes this Fourth of July, make these town traditions part of your holiday celebrations.
Things to do on 4th of July in Mammoth Lakes:
Chow Down on Pancakes
Kick off the day with a hearty breakfast at the annual Lions Club Pancake Breakfast. The breakfast runs from 7 – 11 am and includes orange juice, coffee, sausage and unlimited pancakes. Adults are $12 and kids 12 and under are $8. Tip: Bring a hat if you attend later in the morning as the lot where the breakfast takes place can get very sunny.
Run the Annual Footloose Freedom Mile
Join in a one-mile fun run through town. The race starts at 10:30 am at the Snowcreek Resort driving range and follows the parade route down Old Mammoth Road to Footloose Sports on the corner of Old Mammoth Road and Main Street. Sign up in advance to save on registration.
Watch the Fourth of July Parade
The festivities continue at the annual 4th of July parade through town. Set up chairs along Old Mammoth Road or Main Street to view the parade, which includes music, entertainment, and floats sponsored by local businesses. Walking, biking or taking public transportation are the best ways to get to the parade, as parking along the parade route is limited. The parade kicks off at 11 am and runs through 1 pm. As a special treat for 2022, the parade will feature the Air National Guard Band of the West Coast. The band is composed of citizen-airmen whose civilian occupations range from professional musicians and music educators to computer programmers, accountants, engineers, and law enforcement officers. The Air National Guard Band will also have two performances prior to July 4 at Shady Rest Park. You can find more information on these performances below.
Enjoy Pops in the Park
After the parade, head to Shady Rest Park for a performance by a 40-45 piece orchestra. The event starts approximately 30 minutes after the last float concludes in the Fourth of July parade and runs for about an hour. Chamber Music Unbound will be showcasing all your favorite tunes in this beautiful setting among the trees. As a special treat for 2022, the concert will feature the Air National Guard Band of the West Coast. This is a musical event not to be missed.
Shop for Local Art, Listen to Live Music, and Enjoy Activities at Arts on the 4th
Throughout the entire weekend, local and regional artists will display their work at an art show in the parking lot of Footloose Sports. More than 70 local artists showcase items such as handcrafted jewelry, log furniture, handmade clothing, photography, stained glass, pottery, home and garden metalwork, paintings, homemade bath products, and more. While you shop, enjoy beer and cocktails, live music and food. The art festival runs throughout the holiday weekend.
See the Fireworks at Crowley Lake
Independence Day wouldn’t be complete without a fireworks show. The event takes place at Crowley Lake to minimize fire risk. Head down to Crowley Lake early before the show begins at 9:15 pm. Admission is $25 per car, RV or truck. Or you can walk or bike to the event for $5 per person. The 20-minute show features over 700 fireworks and is the perfect way to wrap up the holiday. To listen in to the soundtrack to the 4th of July Crowley Lake Firework Show, tune in to KMMT at 106.5 or 104.9 FM on your radio or visit MammothFM.com to listen in via the online stream
More 4th of July Events Throughout the Weekend
Festivities in The Village at Mammoth
Head to The Village at Mammoth on Saturday, July 2 for activities. Starting at 11 am with ducky races in the pond, you can purchase ducks the day of, and take your chance to win some cool prizes – Proceeds benefit the Mammoth High School Cheer Team. Bring your chihuahua’s down at 2 pm to register for the chihuahua races in the Plaza – races take place at 3 pm. Finish out the day with Jelly Bread on the Village plaza stage at 8 pm and Fireworks at 9 pm.
Mammoth Shakespeare Festival at The Woodsite
Running weekly, Wednesday through Sunday at 7 pm, June 29 – July 17, 2022, the Mammoth Shakespeare Festival was created out of the longstanding local event “Shakespeare In The Woods.” Produced by Sierra Classic Theatre and the Mammoth Lakes Repertory Theatre, the two non-profit theatre companies have come together to create the first ever Summer Shakespeare Festival in the town of Mammoth Lakes, presenting two Shakespeare plays in repertory.
Air National Guard Band of the West Coast
The Air National Guard Band of the West Coast traces its history to October 1941 with the formation of the 62nd Army Air Force Band in Augusta, Georgia. The band is composed of citizen-airmen whose civilian occupations range from professional musicians and music educators to computer programmers, accountants, engineers, and law enforcement officers.
The full band will perform on July 1 at Shady Rest Park at 5 pm. On Saturday, July 2 at 3 pm, catch Groove Guardians, the pop/rock ensemble portion of the Air National Guard Band, again at Shady Rest Park. Catch the group’s final performance during the July 4 Parade.
Please remember that on busy weekends it’s more important than ever to take care of the places you love to recreate. Learn more about caring for Mammoth Lakes while you’re here.
