Thousands of residents and visitors filled downtown Monument on July 4 as the community celebrated Independence Day with its annual parade, street fair and live music while marking the 250th anniversary of the United States and Colorado’s 150th year of statehood.

Turnout was hefty, as in past years, with spectators lining the extended parade route well before the main procession began. Despite the large crowds, traffic was managed appropriately as visitors moved between the parade route, downtown businesses, the street fair and activities at Limbach Park.

Young participants took center stage for the Monument Hill Kiwanis Club’s Children’s Parade before the main Fourth of July Parade moved through downtown.

This year’s parade carried the theme “250 Years of Freedom; 150 Years of Colorado Statehood.” Spectators appeared excited to celebrate the two milestones as patriotic clothing, flags and red, white and blue decorations filled the downtown area.

For Mary Smith of Colorado Springs, who attended with a friend and their combined three children, the celebration was her first experience with Monument’s parade.

“It was awesome. It was cool,” Smith said. “The kids wanted a parade, and it’s really the only one around here.”

Smith said the experience was enough to convince her to return.

“I think we will come again, for sure,” she said.

For Molly Pattillo of Monument, the parade was a return to a familiar hometown tradition. Pattillo participated in the parade annually when she was younger, representing her swim team, but had not attended since 2018..

“It’s still the same to me,” Pattillo said.

She said the community has found a formula which works for the annual celebration.

“I think we have a good system for it, and how our town works, works for how we have it set up,” Pattillo said. “I think it’s good.”

Following the parade, activity continued during the Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce’s Fourth of July Street Fair, where more than 100 vendors filled downtown.

Giving back was a noticeable theme among vendors and downtown businesses. The Fletcher Team Realty continued its annual tradition of offering free hamburgers, hot dogs and drinks while accepting donations for Tri-Lakes Cares and, this year, relief efforts connected to the Aspen Acres Fire.

Crowds also gathered at Limbach Park, where a family-friendly beer garden and live music kept the celebration going through the late afternoon.