The Cobre Valley Independence Day Celebration is back and better than ever. We the American people mark two hundred and forty-six years of independence this July 4th, and the blessings of our liberty which we have shared with the world. On this most sacred of American holidays, we do not celebrate barbecue and trips to the lake. We do not celebrate fireworks and firecrackers. We celebrate our independence as a nation and liberty as individuals. We remember the sacrifices of our ancestors who made our celebrating possible. This we do under the waving colors of our flag.

Begin your celebrating Friday night, July 1, at the City of Globe’s First Friday event. Get out to the Globe-Miami Gun Club Saturday morning, July 2, by 9 a.m. for the Independence Day Open House. Bring the whole family to learn about gun safety and proper handling. Participate in the .22 rifle golf ball shoot. Bring your guns if you have them, but bring yourselves even if you don’t. Certified trainers will be onsite with a limited number of rifles and handguns for the public to experience.

Get yourselves down to Veterans Memorial Park on Sullivan St. in Miami Monday morning, July 4. Come early and take in the graceful sounds of the Centennial band. The mic goes hot at 8 a.m. for the opening ceremonies to begin. Watch the American Legion Riders escort our nation’s flag in a convoy of Harleys and the Globe JROTC color guard present it for the singing of the National Anthem.  Local talent Luis Rodriguez will do the honors this year of performing the anthem. Stay tuned as the Legion Riders exit for a very special treat this year with Rose Baca’s Patriotic Preschoolers, who with precious young voices will perform “God Bless America” and recite the Pledge of Allegiance. More fun will follow with the Copper Cities Players performing this year’s historical skit, “The Heritage of American Liberty.”

Ready yourselves after the talent-packed Opening Ceremonies for this year’s Patriotic Parade. Locals and out-of-towners alike will be riding, driving and walking in the parade. There will be classic cars, horses and fire engines. Greet this year’s Grand Marshal, Lance Corporal Ryan Madrid, United States Marine Corps Reserves. Give a wave or a salute as we honor our eldest of local veterans riding with the VFW. Watch with anticipation to hear which float will be the winner of our first annual Patriots Award for best decoration, a $100 cash prize sponsored by Rural Air Heating and Cooling. There is tons of fun waiting for you and family at the Cobre Valley Independence Day Parade. Run over to the Globe-Miami Chamber of Commerce, or stop in at C and Ces Auction on Sullivan St. in Miami to pick up a parade entry form and enter this year’s parade. If out of town, email visitorinfo@globemiamichamber.com.

But we are just getting started. Get over to the American Legion Hall located on South Broad St. in Globe at noon for a free Independence Day luncheon. Hamburgers and hot dogs will be free to the public, and bring a side or dessert dish to share if you wish. Wrap up the night with the Independence Day Tailgate Party beginning at 5 p.m. on the Hilltop lot located on the southwest corner of Hwy. 60, hosted by the Cobre Valley Republican Club, and free to the public. Bring your barbecue grill and refreshments, but no alcohol please. Live DJ Shon Bywater of 92.7 FM will entertain us through the night with all your music favorites. Get yourselves ready for a weekend full of patriotic celebrating with the 2022 Cobre Valley Independence Day Celebration!