(PUEBLO, Colo.) — If you still need some plans to celebrate the Fourth of July, it’s not too late.
CSU Pueblo is hosting an event called “Let Freedom Howl” on the West side of their campus.
Happy Ice Snowballz is a vendor at the event. It was started by two local friends hoping to raise money for college. They created several new flavors for the Fourth of July. One is called the “Firework”, which is named after its Pop Rocks topping.
“They’re really fun. So we’re hoping the kids like that one because we enjoy it, and we’re 18,” said Kenzie Nielson, a Happy Ice Snowballz Employee.
The two also created a frozen drink called the “Sparkler”, complete with edible glitter and a glow stick.
“We get to hang out with family, have some family time and friend time. We kind of expand our menu a little bit and try new things,” said Kelsy Stribling, the Happy Ice Snowballz Part-owner.
“4th of July is one of our favorites for sure. You get to celebrate where we live, we get to appreciate the freedom we have. So I think, honestly, I feel like we should be really grateful, and it’s just a time to celebrate with everybody,” said Nielson.
They’re one of many vendors at the event, which is back for the first time in 17 years after budget issues in 2009.
“We’re making it bigger than ever before. It was a real big hit 17 years ago, and so I’m excited about bringing that event back. Having a really family-filled atmosphere, and that the event is free, and that we’re welcoming people to our wonderful campus,” said Garrison Ortiz, the Vice President of University Operations and Chief Financial Officer at CSU Pueblo.
Of course, the star of the evening is their 20-30 minute fireworks and drone show beginning at 9:15. However, be sure to pack your swimsuit or a change of clothes to check out the slip and slide and pools.
“It’s hot out here, and you can’t be out here all afternoon unless you have water, and so we have a nice water zone. We have a water fight taking place. Some different bounce houses, and so water is a big feature of this event,” said Ortiz.
