City of Rio Rancho to host 4th of July celebration

The city of Rio Rancho will celebrate Independence Day at Campus Park in City Center from 6-9:45 p.m. July 4.

The event will feature a parade, live music, food trucks, a beer garden and, of course, fireworks.

Spectators can enjoy live music in the Sky Room during and after the parade. Following the musical performances, a fireworks show will begin. Admission to these events is free.

For those wishing to only view the fireworks and not wanting to attend the musical performances or visit Campus Park, there is ample parking available in the multiple lots, including HP's, surrounding City Center. Visitors may park in the lots and tailgate as they enjoy the fireworks display.

Event schedule

• 4-5 p.m.: Parade lineup

• 5-5:30 p.m.: Parade float judging

• 5-9:15 p.m.: Food trucks and beer garden

• 6 p.m.: Parade through City Center

• 6-9 p.m.: Live music

• 9:15 p.m.: Fireworks Extravaganza

The schedule is subject to change.

Parade registration

Participants are encouraged to decorate floats that reflect a patriotic theme. Parade registration can be done online by visiting rrnm.gov/ParadeRegistration, in person at City Hall, or by calling the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department at 505-891-5015. It is free to take part in the parade. The deadline to register for the parade is June 28. The parade route begins and ends in the upper northwest parking lot of the Rio Rancho Events Center. All participants must be on site, registered and lined up no later than 5:30 p.m. Each group will line up by position determined by parade officials. Lineup positions will be emailed and posted online prior to the day of the parade.

Additional information

All event start times are subject to weather and may be canceled or delayed due to such conditions as rain, wind or lightning. Admission is free. Parking and park seating space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Blankets and coolers are permitted. Food vendors and a beer garden will be on site. No glass, outside alcoholic beverages or individual grills will be allowed. Visitors can access City Center via Unser Boulevard/King Boulevard and Paseo del Volcan/Broadmoor Boulevard. The Fourth of July parade, fireworks and associated activities are coordinated by the city of Rio Rancho and the Rio Rancho Events Center.

Fireworks restrictions

The city of Rio Rancho encourages residents to attend a public fireworks display rather than risking an injury or potential fire with the use of fireworks at home. The city of Rio Rancho prohibits fireworks that go higher than 10 feet and are louder than a cap gun. Any fireworks that do not meet this standard are deemed illegal, and anyone caught in possession of them and/or using them may be subject to fireworks seizure, citation and penalty. A violation carries a potential fine of up to $500 and/or jail time of up to 90 days. Igniting fireworks, starting or maintaining any fire or smoking in the Rio Rancho Bosque is prohibited by city ordinances at all times. Those found in violation of these restrictions can face a fine up to $500, 90 days of jail time, or both. The city of Rio Rancho continues to have a ban in place regarding all of the types of fireworks it can legally prohibit under state statute. Only changes to state law would give the city the authority to completely ban the sale and use of currently legal fireworks in the community.

For more information about the city’s Fourth of July holiday events, visit rrnm.gov/july4 or contact the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department at 505-891-5015.