Show Low Fourth of July parade draws large crowds; city reiterates Stage 2 fire restrictions and schedules FreedomFest fireworks

Show Low's Fourth of July parade on July 4 drew a crowd that hosts described as "probably close to 20,000," and city and broadcast hosts reminded attendees that Stage 2 fire restrictions are in effect and private fireworks are prohibited.

The parade concluded near 11 a.m., with Frontier Park opening its splash zone immediately afterward and FreedomFest scheduled at Show Low High School from 3 to 9 p.m., including food trucks, a kids zone and live bands. The city's organized fireworks display is scheduled to begin about 9 p.m. and is described as "weather permitting." Chris Bennett, co-host of the parade coverage, said the crowd estimate and noted the city's year-round population: "There's probably over 20,000 people witnessing this parade, and our full time residentship here is 12,000." Bennett and co-host Grace Payne repeatedly warned viewers that Stage 2 fire restrictions are active and said, "No fires. No smoking," adding that residents should call 911 if they see anyone igniting fireworks.

Why it matters: Show Low's summer gatherings bring large numbers of visitors and put local fire-prevention measures at the center of public-safety planning. Organizers and emergency services used the broadcast to amplify safety guidance for residents and visitors during a high-risk holiday.

Most important facts: The City of Show Low Parks and Recreation schedules multiple public events tied to the parade: a splash zone at Frontier Park beginning shortly after the parade, and FreedomFest at Show Low High School from 3 to 9 p.m. Grace Payne, co-host, listed the evening's lineup and performers, including Stone Country, The Brighter Still, the 108th Arizona Army National Guard country-rock band and Zennora as the closing act during the fireworks, weather permitting. Timber Mesa Fire Department and other first responders were visible in the parade and were named during the broadcast; hosts credited those agencies for public-safety work and reminded viewers that organized fireworks would be the only permitted displays under the Stage 2 restrictions.

Background and supporting details: The broadcast included drone coverage and multiple on-screen reminders from Show Low TV that the city app and the Parks and Recreation Facebook pages list event details and schedules. Hosts encouraged families to use the splash zone at Frontier Park to cool off and to attend evening events at Show Low High School. They also noted other community events and Parks and Recreation programming (for example, the Wild West Mini Mud Run and summer swim lessons) as part of their public-service reminders.

Quotes: "There's probably close to 20,000," Chris Bennett said of the parade crowd. "Stage 2 fire restrictions are in effect. No fires," the hosts warned on several occasions, urging viewers to call 911 if they see unauthorized fireworks.

Ending: Parade organizers and city staff said the in-person festivities continue through the afternoon and into the evening with monitored, city-sanctioned fireworks only if weather and safety conditions permit. The city reiterated that private fireworks remain prohibited during Stage 2 fire restrictions and asked the public to report violations to 911.