CREEDE - Main Street in Creede was lined with hundreds of people in anticipation of the annual 4th of July Parade on Friday morning. Parade participants lined up all the way back along Main Street into the ATV staging areas for the Bachelor Loop as the celebrations kicked off for a full day of fun in the small mountain town. 

Every year, thousands venture to the San Juan Mountains to celebrate Independence Day and this year was no exception. Creede was packed to the brim while decorated floats, ATVs, cars, trucks and more walked down the parade route to the cheering of the crowd. It was the perfect way to start off a weekend full of events and to celebrate summer in good ol’ fashioned Creede style. 

This year’s parade marshal was beloved Creede veterinarian Doc Howard, who took some time to talk about his days in Creede and how serving the Creede community has been his greatest joy. “I always get asked when I will retire and I will always say that when I’m dead, you’ll know I’m done.” 

Doc rode down the parade route to the cheers of the crowd who honored him as a beloved resident and community idol. “It’s been marvelous to have the legacy that we feel like we built here and have it continued.” 

As the parade ended, the sound of chisels hitting rock could be heard above the noise of celebrations in town as the annual Days of 92’ Mining Competitions was in full swing. Contestants vied for top spots in jackleg drilling, mucking and so much more.  

Vendors lined the back parking lot behind the K-Belle grocery store offering everything from snow cones, turkey legs, homemade wares, and everything in between while guests enjoyed the summer afternoon meandering the many shops and restaurants in Creede. 

As the day turned to evening, guests packed the stands at the Mineral County Fairgrounds for the annual Rocking the Rio Grande Rodeo hosted by Burris and Sons Rodeo. 

The sun sank behind the San Juans just in time for people to find the perfect spot to watch the fireworks display shot off from Mountain View RV Park south of town. The festivities continued throughout the weekend. 

Next up for Creede are the Woodcarver’s Rendezvous, Ladies Aid Rummage Sale and the Creede Rock and Mineral Show. For more information, visit www.creede.com.