Castle Rock and Parker in Douglas County, Colorado, have moved their Fourth of July fireworks displays to Veterans Day. The change was necessitated by fire bans that forced the cancellation of the original summer celebrations. By shifting the dates, both municipalities aim to transform a standard patriotic holiday event into a dedicated tribute to military service members.
Castle Rock Fire Chief Norris Croom noted that while the town would have preferred to celebrate on the actual holiday, the rescheduling allows for a meaningful recognition of those who have served. He highlighted that this year marks a significant dual milestone, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States and the 150th anniversary of Colorado. Croom stated that improved weather conditions have made the new date viable, though he acknowledged that the timing still carries some uncertainty.
The decision to select Veterans Day was intentional, according to Croom. He said the town wants to recognize individuals who have served the country. While acknowledging community concerns regarding how loud fireworks can affect veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, Croom maintained that celebrating the anniversaries and honoring the troops is the right course of action.
In Parker, community event manager Brook Spain indicated that planning for the alternative date began early in the year. This timing coincides with Parker celebrating its 45th birthday. Spain expressed that honoring veterans through the fireworks display on their dedicated day seemed like an excellent way to combine the town’s anniversary with a tribute to the military.
Local veterans have expressed positive sentiments regarding the rescheduled events. Brian Gunther, a U.S. Army veteran and member of VFW Post 12230, served as an infantry soldier and was deployed to Afghanistan. He described the news of the rescheduled show as heartwarming and expressed excitement to finally see the fireworks. Gunther believes the towns made a wise decision by aligning the celebration with Veterans Day, a unique annual opportunity to acknowledge the service community.
Gunther also discussed the ongoing efforts of his VFW post, which was established in March 2024. He noted that the group is still defining its role in the Castle Rock community and helping veterans feel heard. He pointed to the planned construction of a facility called Heroes Hall as a critical need. This space is intended to provide a gathering place for veteran organizations to foster camaraderie and support, addressing a current lack of dedicated meeting areas in the town.
David Seal, a Vietnam-era veteran and member of VFW Post 4266 in Parker, supported the initial postponement due to the fire bans. He recalled his service beginning in 1967 and the often difficult reception veterans received upon returning home. Seal emphasized that the original mission was to protect freedoms of speech and assembly. He noted that approximately 2,500 veterans reside in Parker, with more than 20,000 living across Douglas County.
BJ Reese, a member of American Legion Post 1187 in Castle Rock, also followed his father into service. He welcomed the rescheduling, viewing it as a way to honor past, present, and future veterans. Reese acknowledged that fireworks can be challenging for those with PTSD, as he has learned to manage the noise himself. He encouraged the community to support the towns for their effort to celebrate veterans, regardless of individual preferences regarding the displays.
The rescheduled fireworks shows are both set to begin at 7 p.m. on Wednesday. In Parker, the display will be held at Salisbury Regional Park. In Castle Rock, the rockets will launch from Miller’s Landing off Plum Creek Parkway.
