The 15th Annual Arizona Celebration of Freedom Presented by AT&T, held Thursday, July 4, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., is the can't-miss Independence Day festival in the state. Here are the Top 10 reasons why you should be in downtown Mesa on the Fourth of July:
1.Yes, we have fireworks! Our spectacular fireworks show begins at 9:30 p.m., right after our Salute to America program at 9:15 p.m.
2.Beat the heat with our outdoor mist-chilled food court. New this year is the Primetime Grill semi-truck with grills, smokers, ovens and everything needed to serve up delicious delights. Don't miss out on this sensational feast on wheels!
3.The Celebration of Freedom is a salute to all things free (including admission) but mostly America! Inside the fabulously air-conditioned Mesa Convention Center will be the Hall of U.S. Flags featuring the banners of all 50 states, the history of U.S. flags and the Fallen Soldiers Memorial. Outside you will find the Patriotic Military Showcase with military vehicles on display.
4.Lasers. That's right! We also have lasers. Get your "Introduction to Lasers" with three shows featuring spectacular laser displays, photos and music inside the air-conditioned Mesa Convention Center.
5.The outdoor displays are "cool" to see. The Great All-American Freedom Farm is back for a second year, offering a great way to see vintage and new tractors and other equipment and learn more about Arizona's farm heritage.
6.BMX bikes are back! The stunt shows are packed with amazing stunts and jumps and topped off with a grand finale that doesn't include fireworks but will have you ooh-ing and aah-ing at the sky.
7.See if the 13 Colonies can break free from British rule during three Revolutionary War reenactments from We Make History. SPOILER ALERT: We win. Yay, America!!
8.But wait, there's more! Beer stands, the Primetime Grill semi-truck, beer stands, games, beer stands and Instagram-worthy photo opps like the military vehicle displays. Also, there will be beer stands.
9.Belly up to the free water bar, hosted by Mesa Water Resources. We want you to stay hydrated, but this bar is BYOB - Bring Your Own Bottle. Refill whenever you need, including at the water fountains inside the Mesa Convention Center.
10.We can't say it enough. You can beat the heat at our outdoor mist-chilled food court, Cool Zones with misting trailers and tents, the Splash Zone with inflatable waterslides and many patriotic displays inside the air-conditioned Mesa Convention Center.
11.Yes, 11. It is that good of an event. The Arizona Celebration of Freedom Presented by AT&T truly celebrates our freedom. And did we also mention it's FREE?
The Arizona Celebration of Freedom Presented by AT&T will be held at the Mesa Amphitheatre and Mesa Convention Center, 263 N. Center St., and along Center Street between First Street and University Drive. For more information, visit azcelebrationoffreedom.com.
The 2024 Arizona Celebration of Freedom Presented by AT&T is sponsored by the City of Mesa; Mesa Convention Center; Mesa Amphitheatre; Sertoma Club; Mesa Recycles; Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport; Willmeng Construction; Prensa Arizona; VCA Animal Hospitals; 95.5 The Mountain; Celerion, Nesbitt, Sundt; Downtown Mesa Association; Mesa Chamber of Commerce; Visit Mesa; Niagara Cares; Delta Hotels; United Food Bank and Renewal by Andersen.