Activities abound for July 4 holiday

File photo The Smoke on the Water fireworks display will light up the sky over Greene Acres Park around 8:45 p.m. Saturday.

Even though the Clovis and Curry County Chamber of Commerce isn’t quite to their $25,000 goal for the Smoke on the Water fireworks display on Saturday, Director Ernie Kos said the day won’t be short on fun.

Kos said that $18,050 of the money needed for the show has been pledged.

“We always make our goal,” she said. “Sometimes it just takes a little longer.”

Kos said this year’s fireworks show will celebrate both Independence Day and Curry County’s centennial.

“We put a focus on more fun in the park for families,” Kos said.

Fireworks won’t light up the sky until 8:45 p.m., but there are a variety of activities for families throughout the day at Greene Acres Park.

It all begins at 2 p.m. with live music and food vendors. Headlining entertainment on the stage is Farwell’s Charla Corn, a country musician.

The third annual Matt 25 boat races will begin on the north side of the lake at about 3 p.m. Coordinator Tim Garner said the races, which were limited to dairies, have been opened up to any business or entity.

Each team that is sponsored by a business makes a $2,000 donation to the Matt 25 Hope Center. Garner said about 15 teams have already signed up, but he’s hoping for closer to 50.

“If families are wondering ‘what is there to do while we wait for the fireworks,’ we have something,” Garner said.

Garner said they expanded the event to include other businesses beside dairies because businesses has expressed interest in the races last year.

First place team will receive $1250, second place $750, and third $500. This is the first year, Garner said, that the teams will receive cash prizes and that boats and life-jackets will be provided for the participants.

The races serve as Matt 25’s only fundraiser for the year and the event is free for viewers.

Portales celebrates Independence Day a day early with the festivities beginning at 3 p.m. Friday.

Chamber executive director Sharon King said the chamber is still looking for funds for their fireworks show. Of the $8,500 needed, $5,500 has been donated.

The Portales and Roosevelt Chamber of Commerce will be hosting fireworks at 9 p.m. Friday.

About 35 food and arts and crafts vendors, live music, and games for kids will be available in the Greyhound Arena parking lot from 3 p.m. to until the fireworks show.

Also, people can join a ranger from 7 to 10 p.m. July 4 at Oasis State Park for an evening Nature Walk along the newly-filled 3-acre pond.

Ute Lake State Park hosts a prism of lights reflected over Ute Lake during Fireworks at Play, presented by the Logan Chamber of Commerce. Call 575-487-2284 for information.

Palo Duro Canyon State Park is marking the holiday with a special edition of the musical drama Texas