On Tuesday, July 4, the Pueblo West Metropolitan District will host the Jack Fowler Memorial Fourth of July Parade. The parade is scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m.
Parade Route:
The parade will take place on Joe Martinez Blvd., stretching from Gadsden Drive to Civic Center Drive. A "dry" section will be designated from Gadsden Drive to Camrose Drive where water play is not allowed. The "wet" portion of the parade will commence at Camrose Drive.
Parking:
Paradegoers are permitted to park along Joe Martinez Blvd. up to 72 hours in advance. It is strictly prohibited to rope off or block any areas. Parking early carries inherent risks, and neither the Pueblo West Metropolitan District nor its partners will assume responsibility for any items left along the parade route. Parking of any kind of vehicles along the parade route before July 1 is strictly prohibited. Violators will be ticketed by the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office and may have their vehicles towed at their own expense.
Before the Parade:
The intersection of Purcell Blvd. and Joe Martinez Blvd. will be closed at 7 a.m. and Joe Martinez Blvd. at South McCulloch Blvd. will be closed at 10 a.m.
Paradegoers should arrive at the parade route prior to the 10 a.m. closure. No exceptions will be made for access after 10 a.m. It is recommended that paradegoers utilize U.S. Highway 50 to South McCulloch Blvd., proceeding south to Joe Martinez Blvd. Those arriving after 10 a.m. will need to use side streets adjacent to Joe Martinez Blvd. Due to the Liberty Point 5K Run and Walk, it is discouraged for paradegoers to use Purcell Blvd. for accessing the parade route.
After the Parade:
Following the conclusion of the parade, paradegoers are encouraged to visit the Food Truck Market at Civic Center Park, located at the intersection of Joe Martinez Blvd. and Civic Center Drive. For those leaving the parade route, designated routes will direct paradegoers through major side streets toward Hahns Peak Ave. or South McCulloch Blvd.
Background:
The Fourth of July "wet parade" has been a cherished tradition in Pueblo West for 30 years. However, due to concerns about COVID and local water restrictions, the parade was put on hold from 2020 to 2022. This year, the parade is making a triumphant comeback as the Jack Fowler Memorial Fourth of July Water Parade, in honor of the late Jack Fowler, the former Pueblo West fire chief who unintentionally initiated the tradition in 1993.
Safety concerns have also been addressed, as previous years saw instances of individuals using frozen water balloons or water containing harmful substances with the intent to harm other paradegoers and participants. To tackle this issue, the Metro District has increased private security presence and partnered with the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office to ensure public safety.
'Zero Tolerance' Policy:
The Jack Fowler Memorial Fourth of July Parade places safety as its top priority. To ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants, the following “rules of engagement” have been established and will be strictly enforced during the parade. These rules have a ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY, and measures will be taken to ensure the protection of everyone. Deputies from the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office and security officers will be present to ensure compliance. Failure to adhere to these rules will result in being asked to leave the parade route.
Permissible Uses during the Wet Section:
- Water gun devices such as water pistols, super soakers, and other homemade devices that do not require an external power source.
- Sprayers, buckets, or garden hoses that can be operated without power.
Prohibited Items:
- High-power pressure water sprayers.
- Water trucks with pressure producing capabilities.
- Large totes used to carry large volumes of water that require a pump to expel the water through hoses.
- Any additives such as foaming agents, soaps, or other chemicals.
- Water balloons.
Spectator Conduct:
- Spectators MUST NOT enter the parade route and MUST remain alongside the roadway.
- Spectators SHOULD NOT engage in any form of water fight with other spectators unless all parties willingly participate.
- Spectators are expected to show respect for participants in the dry section of the parade.
- Spectators should also demonstrate respect for the numerous volunteers, law enforcement personnel, security officers, firefighters, and EMS personnel who work to ensure a safe event.
