Fireworks have been a part of the celebration of the Fourth of July since the first anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. The tradition began in Philadelphia where the nation’s founding document was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. After the document was engrossed on parchment, the delegates began signing it on August 2.
Modern fireworks date to the 11th and 12th centuries in China. Their use spread to Europe by the 13th century and were used in religious and public ceremonies. Their use grew over the years and became a traditional part of the Fourth of July celebrations in communities around the country.
Estes Park’s Independence Day fireworks show over Lake Estes will begin at 9:30 p.m. this evening. The 25-minue display will include 1,800 choreographed shots of fireworks.
New this year, the Town’s Emergency Communications Center will send event-related text alerts to help you safely enjoy the holiday. Text EPEVENTS to 888-777 to receive event information, parking and shuttle tips, and traffic updates from local officials.
Private use of fireworks in the Estes Valley
According to the Estes Valley Fire Protection District, the public is allowed to use :
- Non-explosive fireworks that are not intended to leave the ground
- Sparklers
- Fountains
- Ground spinners
- Novelty fireworks, such as party poppers
The EVFPD recommends that used be soaked in a bucket of water to ensure they are fully extinguished.
Except for professional and public displays, the following fireworks are always illegal to use in Colorado:
- Firecrackers
- Rockets (including bottle rockets)
- Roman candles
- Cherry bombs
- Mortars and similar items, such as M-80’s
Unless firewords have started a fire or caused a serious medical emergency, the public is asked to not call 911 to report the illegal use of fireworks. Click here to read the fire restrictions in the Estes Valley. Rocky Mountain National Park is always under Stage 1 fire restrictions where campfires are prohibited throughout RMNP, except within designated campfire rings in picnic areas and front country campgrounds.
The use of portable charcoal grills, wood fuel camp stoves and propane/butane-fueled gas stoves is allowed.
And fireworks are always prohibited within Rocky Mountain National Park. Visitors are urged to use caution and vigilance regarding the use of fire in authorized locations.
Town of Estes Park Municipal Code 9.10.010 Definitions
Fireworks means any article, device or substance prepared for the primary purpose of producing a visual or auditory sensation by combustion, explosion, deflagration or detonation, including, without limitation, the following articles and devices commonly known and used as fireworks: toy cannons, or toy canes in which explosives are used, blank cartridges, the type of balloon which requires fire underneath to propel it, firecrackers, torpedoes, skyrockets, rockets, Roman candles, dayglo bombs and torches, or other fireworks of like construction and any fireworks containing any explosive or flammable compound, or any tablets or other device containing any explosive substance.
Fireworks do not include:
- Toy caps which do not contain more than twenty-five-hundredths (.25) of a grain of explosive compound per cap
- Sparklers, trick matches, cigarette loads, trick noisemakers, toy smoke devices and novelty auto alarms
- Highway flares, railway fuses, ship distress signals, smoke candles and other emergency signal devices. (Ord. 2-84 &2(part), 1984)