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PHOTOS: Aspen celebrates America’s 250th birthday with annual Fourth of July parade
By Austin Colbert Follow
acolbert@aspentimes.com at Aspen Times
· July 5, 2026
· 11 min read
Aspen locals and visitors alike came together on Saturday to celebrate America’s 250th birthday with the annual Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade through the downtown core. Lasting about 90 minutes, it included dozens of local organizations and no shortage of entertainment as the crowd lined th...
Key takeaway Aspen’s Alex Ferreira, who recently completed his collection by winning gold in halfpipe skiing at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, served as the parade’s grand marshal.
Why this matters in Aspen News
Aspen's annual Fourth of July parade is a beloved tradition that brings the community together, and this year's celebration of America's 250th birthday was no exception. The event's success is a testament to the city's ability to balance its growing reputation as a world-class ski resort and cultural center with its small-town charm. The participation of local organizations and the attendance of visitors from outside the area demonstrate the parade's enduring appeal. The presence of Smokey Bear alongside local park rangers also serves as a timely reminder of the importance of wildfire prevention in the dry months, a crucial concern for a mountain town like Aspen. As the summer season continues, the city will likely face increased wildfire danger, making community events like the parade a welcome distraction and a celebration of the community's resilience.
About this story
Original reporting by Aspen Times . Aspen News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: local ·
Published: July 5, 2026 ·
Source: Aspen Times ·
Reading time: 11 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Aspen locals and visitors alike came together on Saturday to celebrate America’s 250th birthday with the annual Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade through the downtown core. Lasting about 90 minutes, it included dozens of local organizations and no shortage of entertainment as the crowd lined th...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 5, 2026 by Aspen Times and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Austin Colbert Follow
acolbert@aspentimes.com at Aspen Times. To learn more about how Aspen News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Aspen News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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