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Steamboat Magazine

Celebrate the Fourth of July With Cowboy Roundup Days

06/12/2014 01:13PM ● By Jack Burger
There’s nothing quite like the sight of a behemoth longhorn bull, ambling down the 
center of Lincoln Avenue while its cowboy waves to the exuberant crowd. Nor is there anything like watching Olympic ski jumpers soar off of the jumps at Howelsen Hill in the heat of summer and landing with ease on – well, it’s certainly not snow.  
 
Independence Day in Steamboat Springs celebrates the true spirit of the American West, deeply rooted in our national pride and the individuality that defines the successes of Steamboat’s ranching founders all the way up to our modern day Olympians. 
 
For more than 100 years, Cowboy Roundup Days has brought western heritage to life over the Fourth of July weekend in Steamboat Springs. The traditional festivities include the Lincoln Avenue parade, the Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series including several Fourth of July special events (Ranch Rodeo and First Round Bull Riding) and one of the most dynamic Fourth of July fireworks displays in the state.  
 
Cowboy Roundup Days kicks off on Thursday, July 3 with the Ranch Rodeo. This event will mark an important milestone as the first ever Working Ranch Cowboys Association‐sanctioned Ranch Rodeo in Steamboat Springs, featuring teams of cowboys and cowgirls competing on horseback against the clock to complete ranch and cattle handling tasks.  
  
On Independence Day, a classic pancake breakfast will fuel the crowds before the Cross Country/ Nordic Combined Roller Ski Race and the Steamboat Sprint – a 400 yard dash on Lincoln Avenue ‐ which set the stage for the 10 a.m. Fourth of July Parade. The parade is the largest of the year in Steamboat, so get there early to secure a good spot from which to view the myriad of floats.  
 
After the parade, visit the Pioneer Day Block Party at the Tread of Pioneers Museum featuring a free community concert and famous Routt beer floats.  
 
At 12:30 the Fourth of July Ski Jump Extravaganza ski jumping exhibition begins at Howelsen Hill, which remains the heart of the action as the Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo event of the season kicks off there at 6:30 p.m. Hang onto your spot on the bleachers for the best seat in the house to end a memorable day with the spectacular fireworks display bursting overhead.  
 
Festivities continue Saturday, July 5 with the Mountain Madness half marathon and 10K running race, the Mainstreet Farmers Market and a free summer concert at Howelsen Hill at 6:30 p.m. right next door to the Saturday night edition of the Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series.  
 
No matter where you are in downtown Steamboat for this Fourth of July Weekend, you’ll feel the welcoming comfort of a true small town, where the outdoor lifestyle meets Western heritage in an atmosphere of pride and joy for our country and the freedoms we enjoy. For a full schedule and more information on Cowboy Roundup Days, visit www.SteamboatSummer.com.