By DIANE DENISH
Corner To Corner
diane@dianedenish.com
We are moving into those “lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer … those days of soda and pretzels and beer.” Those lyrics come from an old Nat King Cole song that ends with the wish that summer could always be here.
Summer has always carried that carefree feeling. School is out, temperatures rise, and people head outdoors for baseball games, picnics, concerts in local parks, and pickup basketball games. Some kids attend day camps, some help on the family farm, and others line up for the latest Minions movie. Teenagers look for their first summer jobs, hoping to earn money for movies, gas, and a little independence.
This summer carries added significance. As Route 66 approaches its 100th anniversary, many families and friends are planning road trips to explore some of the highway’s iconic stops, many of them right here in New Mexico. From Gallup to Tucumcari, communities are preparing to celebrate a road that helped define the American West.
Something else important is happening as we approach the Fourth of July. This year marks the 250th anniversary of American independence, and celebrations are complete. As we approach this milestone, we should be careful not to let it become another casualty of our polarized politics.
Recently, President Trump proposed a Great American State Fair as part of a broader initiative called Freedom 250. Some performers who initially agreed to participate reportedly believed the event would be a broad, bipartisan celebration of American history and culture. As questions arose about its purpose and partisanship, many have chosen to withdraw.
But this column is not about President Trump. It is about how we should celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. My answer is simple: the way we always have—by celebrating in our communities.
Across New Mexico and throughout the country, Independence Day traditions are alive and well.
There are local parades and street fairs. Some communities host rodeos, fiestas, chuckwagon dinners, and country music concerts. Where fire conditions permit, fireworks light up the night sky above cities, villages, and rural communities alike.
In my neighborhood, the Fourth begins early. We gather in the morning to say the Pledge of Allegiance, and sometimes a group of enthusiastic—if not perfectly tuned—neighbors sings “God Bless America.” Then comes a neighborhood parade led by an Albuquerque Fire truck, followed by children on decorated bikes and trikes, and even a few creatively decorated adults.
A food truck serves coffee and donuts. Neighbors bring extra treats to share. Children have their faces painted while adults and kids compete in egg tosses, three-legged races, and burlap sack races. The festivities conclude with a piñata party for children of all ages.
Throughout New Mexico, similar traditions unfold. Santa Fe hosts the annual Pancakes on the Plaza. Las Vegas hosts Fiestas and Artesia celebrates with a parade, live music, and even skydivers. Corrales stages its village parade, complete with water guns aimed at local political candidates. Farmington features an electric light parade after fireworks the night before.
Albuquerque closes the day with a spectacular fireworks display at Balloon Fiesta Park. And in tiny Hillsboro, there is all-ages softball game at what we affectionately call Goathead Field. Then, a judging contest for best pie and chile. And always hot dogs on the grill.
This is just a partial list, but rest assured there will be no shortage of Americana this summer as we celebrate 250 years of American independence. The most meaningful celebrations will not take place in Washington, D.C., and they will not revolve around any single political figure.
They will happen in neighborhoods, parks, plazas and village streets where Americans gather to celebrate a shared history—complicated at times, imperfect at times, but remarkable, nonetheless.
The spirit of independence has always belonged to the people. As we mark this historic anniversary, we should make sure this celebration does too.