July 4th in Northern New Mexico: A Small Town Celebration Celebrating Independence Day is a time-honored tradition, even in the smallest of American towns. We don't watch the biggest and fanciest parade on television on July 4th. We line the streets of our own hometowns and watch our neighbors as we all celebrate the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. On this day we honor the years of hard work, sacrifice and tremendous risks taken by our Founding Fathers to create this document which signaled a new country, a new hope, and a grand experiment in governing. In Northern New Mexico, there are two tiny towns which preserve this tradition in their own unique way. Their hometown Independence Day parades are well-loved, and participated in by nearly as many who watch the festivities. The Village of Arroyo Seco Arroyo Seco, New Mexico, is located seven miles north of Taos. It is home to approximately 1,500 residents. As you are about to enter the village of Arroyo Seco, a road sign announces an upcoming "congested area." And on the 4th of July, a truer statement cannot be made. This usually sleepy village, filled with wonderful little galleries, shops and eateries is transformed on July 4th. It starts early in the day, when lines of cars, pedestrians with dogs, and people on horseback can be seen making their way to Arroyo Seco. To us locals, this is as much a part of the July 4th as the parade itself. And the parade! Colorful floats, banners, unique costumes, more people on horseback, burros pulling carts, and a variety of other animals are as likely to be a part of the parade as the local fire department. The parade starts at noon each year, often with a spray-down of the bystanders by the Hondo-Seco Fire Department truck, prompting giggles, whoops and squeals from the crowd. If you are visiting the area on the fourth, you don't want to miss the parade, but make sure to come early, or you just might meet the traffic leaving on your way into the village! Celebrate the Fourth in Red River Set high in Northern New Mexico's Sangre de Cristo Range of the southern Rocky Mountains, Red River was a booming mining camp in 1895, with strikes of gold, silver, and copper swelling its population to an estimated 3,000. A few years later, the mines went bust and the majority of the camp residents moved on. But the inhabitants of this gem of the Enchanted Circle are a hardy breed, and so Red River began its new identity as a resort town in earnest some 80 years ago. Today, with a full-time population hovering around 500, the residents of Red River see long, cold winters, and more than their share of the "great indoors." This has prompted the good people of this little town to celebrate everything there is to celebrate, and when they're done celebrating, they find more things to celebrate. And in that spirit, an Independence Day parade has marched through the town of Red River for more than 70 years. The parade begins promptly at 10:00 a.m., proceeding westward down Main Street. The parade does the folks of Red River justice, being a creative combination of good old-fashioned, Old West mining town spirit and a kick-up-your-heels good time. It's colorful with a real hometown feel, with kids and dogs participating the same as floats and fire trucks. And when it's over ... it’s not over yet! Red River is a little town that does everything in a BIG way. After the parade, viewers stroll down to Brandenburg Park where there are games at the Community House, live music, delicious food, refreshing beverages, and good old-fashioned family fun! And the evening brings more music and fun, with events such as live music, line dancing, a virtual fireworks display, and a movie at the Community House... and it's all FREE! So if you find yourself in the spectacular Southern Rockies of Northern New Mexico for the 4th of July, be sure to take in the events in Red River! Video of the 4th of July Parade in Arroyo Seco, NM Video of the 4th of July Parade in Red River, NM Back to Taos Unlimited Local Color Back to The Enchanted Circle Home | Food | Lodging | Merchants | Services | Real Estate | Art & Galleries | Entertainment | Recreation Ski Areas | Mind-Body-Spirit | Taos Information | Local Color | Taos Pueblo | High Road to Taos | Taos Plaza | Ranchos de Taos Scenic Beauty | Day Trips | Chili | Special Events | Taos History | Multicultures | Museums | The Enchanted Circle The Wild West | Taos Art Colony | Plants & Wildlife | Counterculture | Turquoise | Architecture | Features | About Us | Get Listed! Taos Unlimited Trading Post | Photo of the Week | Link of the Month | Taos Webcams | Taos Weather | Testimonials | Guestbook Taos A to Z | Movie Locations | Sitemap | Taos Unlimited Blog | Aimee & Jean's Story Blog | Contact Us | Santa Fe Unlimited