JACKSON, Wyo. — The Fourth of July weekend is upon us! It’s one of the busiest and most exciting weekends in Jackson for visitors and locals alike. It’s also often extra busy for local law enforcement and emergency responders.
With so much going on, it helps to plan ahead and always have a plan B. Luckily, there’s plenty of fun to be had for people of all ages.
Festivities
The festivities start at 8 a.m. with the annual Lions Club Fourth of July Breakfast followed by the Fourth of July Parade kicking off at 10 a.m.
The parade will follow the traditional route from the Jackson Hole Fairgrounds, down Glenwood to the Town Square. Spectators are invited to line the streets to cheer on the floats vying to be crowned first place.
There will be road closures in Jackson on July 3 and 4.
The Jackson Hole Rodeo is also putting on a special fourth of July Rodeo at 8 p.m. on the fourth.
There are three different firework shows going off this year after high fire danger caused officials to cancel displays last summer. Catch the fireworks at Snow King, the Stilson parking lot in Wilson or in Teton Village at 10 p.m.
On July 3, following a Concert on the Commons, a firework show will also go off in Teton Village at 10 p.m.
While the traditional firework displays will no doubt wow the crowds, don’t try to put on your own firework show. Fireworks are illegal in Teton County, Bridger Teton National Forest, Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park.
Planning to spend the day in Grand Teton National Park or Yellowstone National Park?
Plan ahead and pack your patience before heading into one of the National Parks.
Both GTNP and Yellowstone have construction projects underway, causing delays. Double check your routes and expect long lines and crowds during peak hours. Visit busy sites in the early morning or late afternoon.
Yellowstone opened 93% of roads and suspended the alternating license plate system today. The north loop is now open along with the East, West and South Entrances.
Don’t forget to give wildlife space. Stay 100 yards from bears and wolves and 25 yards from all other animals.
Safety
If you’re camping, be sure to put your fires all the way out — that means out cold. Fire pits should literally be cool to the touch before being left alone. The best way to put out a fire is to pour water over the flames and stir it in with the dirt to saturate the embers with moisture. Considering more than 80% of wildfires are human-caused, those little warm embers can have huge consequences. Fire danger in Yellowstone is currently “moderate.“
Going on the river?
The Fourth of July is one of the busiest river recreation days, which means it also has the potential to be a big river rescue day.
Check out these scenes from the Snake River last year on the 4th of July.
While a day on the river can be pure fun, situations can turn dangerous and life-threatening quickly.
Before heading out:
- Make sure every participant in your trip knows the basic river safety rules.
- Wear a personal floatation device (PFD). Make sure they fit properly and are on and secured at all times while on the water.
- Dress for success. Wear proper quick-dry clothing for the weather conditions, or a wetsuit or drysuit if the water feels cold to you.
- Bring the proper equipment, including a properly inflated boat, a throw rope for each boat rescuing swimmers, and a first aid kit in case someone is injured.
- Be patient, and offer to lend a hand to parties that appear to be struggling, both on and off the water.
- Make sure that you have the equipment and experience needed to run the Snake Canyon’s Class II and III rapids. If you don’t, consider running one of the easier scenic sections of the Snake, or, hire one of the many capable outfitters that run the river.
Remember that each boat on the river must have as many PFD’s as people on board the craft.
All boats floating in Grand Teton National Park must pass a mandatory boat inspection to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. Learn more about GTNP’s inspection and permit process here.
Check out Buckrail/Dave Hansen’s River Report to help plan your day.
Alcohol is popular on the 4th of July, but remember to drink responsibly. Don’t drink and drive. That goes for boats and bikes, too — the legal limit (.08) is the same as if you were driving a car.
