It's all about Independence
Fourth of July promises family fun

Fireworks explode in the night sky above downtown Gallup as the city celebrates Independence Day in 2005. [photo by Jeff Jones / Independent]

By Philip Stake
Special to the Independent

GALLUP — Friday is the anniversary of American independence, and to the birds circling high above the Gallup Sports Complex, an opportunity to glimpse a uniquely American melting pot.

Organizers behind the July 4 celebration “Party in the Park” expect between 12,000 and 14,000 people. The gathering is sure to yield the usual ration of Arizona and New Mexico license plates, but also attending will be a smattering of distant travelers. They’re from California, Florida, Kentucky and the Dakotas, to name a few — rodeo families from around the country whose pastime has landed them in Gallup for the holiday.

The day starts with a parade. Floats will line up in front of KGAK Radio at 401 East Coal Ave. at 9:30 a.m. and snake through the streets, ending at the sports complex. Eric Gonzales of KGAK Radio, which is sponsoring Party in the Park in tandem with the city of Gallup, said his father founded the celebration to encourage togetherness on July 4. That’s the reason there is no cost for admission. And may be the reason Party in the Park is fast becoming the largest outdoor event in Gallup.

“People are flocking to it. It’s a way to come together and have fun at no charge,” Gonzales said.

This year there will be 80 vendors and five live bands — all local. Gourd Dancers from Oklahoma and Texas will create a dazzling display. And everyone is welcome to a slice of the 4-foot by 8-foot sheet cake being donated by Wal-Mart.

Kelly Delgarito of Thoreau said her entire extended family will gather at Ford Park “because everybody else goes there too.”

“We just like to walk around and watch the fireworks,” she said.

For Steve and Anita Knutson of Toronto, S.D., who planned to attend the party as of Wednesday, July 4 strikes a patriotic chord.

“It’s our Independence Day ... a day to reflect on living in the greatest country in the world,” Steve Knutson said.
And that sentiment is felt south of Gallup, too, on Skeets Road — the home of Willis Skeets Sr. Skeets and his son, Willis Jr., plan to spend the entire day with their family. And after watching fireworks in Gallup, the Skeets plan to go home and exercise the freedom to ignite their own.

“It’s good to be in America,” Willis Sr. said. “People at war can’t celebrate, and it’s a good time to think about them.”
Gonzales said he expects a bigger turnout this year than last year because high gas prices will keep Gallupians from traveling. But Maxine Hale, assistant manager at Grandma Max’s restaurant located 15 miles east of Gallup, said the restaurant will remain open late “so all the travelers coming to and from the Gallup party can stop and have dinner with us.”