Everyone’s favorite summer holiday is just around the corner, and that means barbecues, fireworks and a three-day weekend (for some lucky folks, anyway).

Durango does it up for Independence Day every year, and this year is no exception, so you should make your plans now for July 4 in Durango or risk missing out!

The Fourth of July in Durango kicks off bright and early with a 7:30 a.m. pancake breakfast at Rotary Park in downtown  followed by a 5k fun run.

Throughout the day, Mild to Wild Rafting and Jeep Tours will be putting on a 4th of July Rafting Parade, with rafters wearing patriotic costumes floating down the Animas River. Rafters can choose from five float times: 8 a.m., 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. The best costume wins a prize, and kids get a souvenir.

The fun continues in downtown Durango at Buckley Park with a slew of activities and a little something for everyone. Families can bring their kids to listen to readings of the Declaration of Independence, shop in the Kids to Kids Flea Market or take in a magic show and juggling act.There will also be a bounce house, face painting and treats, and the grownups can enjoy live music from three bands as well as food and drinks.

The Fourth of July street dance starts at 5 p.m. on the 800 block of Main Avenue with music from the High Rollers and beer from Carver Brewing Co. Organizers expect as many as 50 entries for this year’s Stars and Stripes Parade, which starts at 6 p.m. (The street dance will take a break and start again at 7 p.m. after the parade.)

The main event — fireworks — will start around 9 p.m. and will be set off just west of downtown with great views from Main Avenue at any cross street.

At the Quality Inn Durango, you’ll have the best of all worlds. We’re on Main Avenue, just a couple of minutes from downtown on the city’s free Main Avenue Trolley, but we’re far enough away from the action to assure you some peace and quiet when you need an afternoon nap. The three-day Fourth of July weekend is the perfect time to take in our mountain town. We fill up quickly, so book your room today at the Durango Quality Inn!