6 things to know about this year's Fourth of July wet parade in Pueblo West

Following a three-year hiatus, Pueblo West’s beloved wet parade is set for a splashy return, but there will be some changes this time around.

The Jack Fowler Memorial Fourth of July Wet Parade is set for 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 4. It will pay homage to Pueblo West’s longtime volunteer fire department chief who inadvertently started the tradition in 1993: While riding on a pumper truck, he gave a friendly spray of cooling water to a group of spectators struggling in the sweltering, nearly 100-degree heat. 

The parade has since grown in popularity, so much that it has been dubbed the largest wet parade west of the Mississippi River. The parade was canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19 pandemic concerns and again in 2022 due to drought and water shortages.

Here are six things to know about this year's parade.

The rules of engagement

Spectators should not try to engage in a water fight with others unless they are willing participants. Spectators cannot run into the roadway and must stay on the side of the road.

More parade news:Water restrictions won't rain on Pueblo West wet parade after metro district revives it

The dos and don'ts

Safety concerns, stemming from actions such as the use of frozen water balloons, have come up in recent years, and some paradegoers have reported injuries.

Prohibited items include high-power pressure water sprayers, water balloons and any water vessel that uses a pump to expel water through hoses. Water should not have any additives, such as foams, soaps or chemicals.

Approved items to bring are water pistols, super soakers or any other device that does not require external power, such as spray bottles or buckets of water.

There will be wet and dry sections

There will be two sections of the parade route: the dry portion at the beginning, at Joe Martinez Boulevard and Camrose, where those who wish to remain dry will be allowed to do so, and a wet portion on the parade route. The wet portion will be marked by signs and extends from the big curve on Joe Martinez to the route's end at Civic Center Park.

Event will feature added security

Spectators will notice a much larger and more visible security presence at this year's event, said Anthony Sandstrom, metro district communications and public engagement strategist. With the district's new zero-tolerance policy, bad actors could put an end to the beloved holiday tradition, he said.

Parade entries are wanted

The parade usually draws 30 to 50 entries, and there is still time to sign up for this year's event. Cost is $40. Registration and liability waiver forms are available online at pueblowestmetro.com and should be turned in at the Pueblo West Parks and Recreation office, 340 E. Hahn's Peak Ave., by June 26.

Parade is just one of several things to do in Pueblo West on July 4

The Fourth of July event will feature some costars both new and old. The traditional 5K run and pancake breakfast will happen before the parade. New events following the parade at Civic Center Park will include food trucks, old-fashioned races and contests, a vintage car show and live music. The day's finale will be a fireworks show.

"When I was a kid I remember taking part in tons of events over three days. This year we hope to join two traditions together like the first 25 years of small-town, vintage events joined with the last 30 years of wet parades to make a brand new tradition," Sandstrom said.

More Fourth of July news:Pueblo West set to host Fourth of July fireworks show

Chieftain reporter Tracy Harmon covers business news. She can be reached by email at tharmon@chieftain.com or via Twitter at twitter.com/tracywumps.