(PUEBLO WEST, Colo.) — Pueblo West’s Wet Parade is being replaced by a new event called “Spray in the Park,” meant to keep the spirit of the community’s traditional 4th of July water revelry at Civic Center Park.
Pueblo West Metropolitan announced that the “Jack Fowler Memorial Celebration” will take place on Independence Day at the park, located at 340 East Hahns Peak Avenue, and will be packed with festivities for the family, including the modified water activities in the afternoon.
The new “Spray in the Park” features the Pueblo West Fire Department using the ladder truck to spray refreshing water mists to cool people off. Water troughs will be stationed throughout the park for attendees who bring water guns to refill and engage in their own water gun fight. Additionally, the splash park will be open with extended hours until 6 p.m.
Water balloons are not allowed, and rules of engagement will be provided to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
According to a public statement published by the Pueblo West Metropolitan District, the Wet Parade, which has been a tradition celebrated on and off since the 1970’s, has been substituted with new activities due to safety concerns.
Recurring safety concerns have been expressed over past Wet Parade events, and following a third-party risk assessment, multiple areas of concern were identified. These included the inability to effectively enforce rules and safety measures with the limited resources and staff available to cover the two miles and nearly 20,000 participants.
Because of this lack of coverage, it has been impossible in the past to ensure crowds do not enter the road while engaging with the parade vehicles, and the potential for pedestrians to be hit was high, especially when visibility was compromised by spraying water.
After reviewing the risk-assessment and considering multiple options, it became clear that there was not enough time or funding to enact the necessary precautions required to ensure a safe Wet Parade event, and so alternative activities were planned to ensure the community could still enjoy a water-themed day full of fun.
In addition to “Spray at the Park,” the day includes multiple exciting activities. The following is the schedule of events:
Pancake breakfast at Fire Station #1, at 51 East Hahns Peak Avenue, from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
“Spray at the Park” beginning at 2 p.m.
Vendors, food trucks, and games from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Free hot dogs provided at 5 p.m., while supplies last
Baby contest from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., those who wish to participate should register here. Winners will be announced at 7:45 p.m.
Fireworks display at dusk will bring a spectacular end to the day
For more information on activities, check out the links listed above, or go check out the Pueblo West Metropolitan District Facebook page at facebook.com/pueblowestmetro.
