Christian Black arrived at the Independence day parade in Gallup with a festive hat. Black was unsure of what he was looking forward to in the mornig parade, but his mother quickly interjected that candy was the attraction. [Photo by Daniel Zollinger/Independent]

The sun sets over the carnival fairway at the 21st Annual Fourth of July Youth Celebration and PRCA Pro Rodeo in Window Rock, Ariz. on Wednesday evening. The 21st Annual Fourth of July Youth Celebration and PRCA Pro Rodeo runs through July 8. [Photo by Matt Hinshaw/Independent]

Amex Tessay broke from the linear progression of the Independence Day parade in Gallup to entertain and lighten the mood of the crowd. While most laughed and enjoyed his comical behavior, some young children were unsure of the act. [Photo by Daniel Zollinger/Independent]

Downtown fire: White Cliffs Firefighters show up while neighbors and residents on West Green Street use their garden hoses in an attempt to subdue a fire caused by fireworks late Wednesday evening in downtown Gallup. Firefighters arrived at the scene just in time to keep the fire from spreading to the house. The front landscape of the home was completely burned. No injuries were reported. [Photo by Matt Hinshaw/Independent]

BRUSH FIRE: A helicopter takes off into the smoke coming from the Klagetoh Forest Fire on Wednesday afternoon southeast of Ganado, Ariz., near U.S. Highway 191. The Klagetoh Fire started on July 3. Over 40 residents have been evacuated from the area to the chapter house. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. [Photo by Matt Hinshaw/Independent]

Nevada's Rachel Hendrix guides her horse around a pole Wednesday while competing in the pole bending event during the fifth performance of the Wrangler Junior High Finals Rodeo at Red Rock State Park. Hendrix completed her run in 21.665 seconds. [Photo by Jeff Jones/Independent]