Gunnison is rolling out the red, white, and blue carpet this summer with its “Small Town, Big Deal” Independence Day Celebration — a two-day extravaganza packed with thrills, music, fireworks, and hometown spirit.

On Thursday, July 3 and Friday, July 4, Gunnison City Park will be the heartbeat of celebration in the Valley, drawing families from across central Utah for a nonstop lineup of entertainment and activities. The Independence Day Committee has once again gone above and beyond to make this the can’t-miss event of the summer.

Thursday, July 3 – Big Air, Big Tunes, and Big Fun

Festivities kick off Thursday at 4 p.m. with a smorgasbord of food vendors and an all-night Laser Tag arena open for just $5 — a great value for hours of active fun. Then, prepare to be blown away by the return of the jaw-dropping FMX Freestyle Motocross Show presented by MOTO with a Message. Riders led by Alan Dixon will perform high-flying aerial stunts at 4, 5, and 6 p.m., combining extreme sports with an inspiring message of perseverance and positivity.

“This show really brings the ‘WOW’ factor,” said organizers. “It’s the kind of entertainment that makes memories.”

At 6 p.m., the ever-popular Community Auction begins — and it’s a crowd favorite for good reason. Attendees can bid on unique items like handmade quilts, custom firearms, high-quality safes, woodworking crafts, and surprises you didn’t even know you needed. Proceeds from the auction and accompanying raffles go toward an exciting ongoing community improvement project: new public restrooms for the park and pickleball courts for residents and visitors alike.

Then at 8:15 p.m., the music starts — and it’s going to be a night to remember.

Star-Studded Concert Under the Stars

The Thursday evening concert opens with rising country-crossover sensation Maddie Wilson, whose blend of heartfelt lyrics and soulful delivery has won fans from YouTube to the big stage. With credits that include sharing stages with Chris Young, Lonestar, and even Imagine Dragons, Maddie is poised to light up the Gunnison stage.

The headliner is none other than Kaleb Austin, the Nashville recording artist and viral country star who has captured hearts across the nation. A native of Murray, Utah, Kaleb’s story of persistence — and a few touching TikToks — led to a breakout hit with “Sound of the South,” and he hasn’t looked back. Now with several chart-toppers under his belt, including “Turn the Night On” and “Sun Goes Down,” Kaleb is bringing his energetic and heartfelt performance to Gunnison — and best of all, it’s completely free to attend.

As the final note fades into the night, look to the skies for the best fireworks show in rural Utah, proudly presented by local hero Fireman Steve Saulter and the Gunnison Valley Fire Department. It’s a dazzling finale that keeps families coming back year after year.

Still not ready to call it a night? The fun continues with a Youth Dance at 10:15 p.m. on the old tennis courts. For just $5, teens ages 12-18 can dance the night away under the stars with friends and music.

Friday, July 4 – Hometown Traditions and All-Day Activities

The celebration keeps rolling Friday morning with a 6 a.m. 5K Run/Walk for early risers. Then at 7 a.m., the American Legion serves up a hearty community breakfast to fuel the fun-filled day ahead.

At 9 a.m., the beloved Main Street Parade rolls out — full of colorful floats, local pride, and smiling faces. Afterward, everything shifts to Gunnison City Park at 10:00 a.m., where the fun multiplies with:

• Games for all ages
• A fantastic Car Show
• Craft Vendors
• A delicious Lions Club Lunch
• And at 11 a.m., the ever-competitive and laughter-filled Bingo games

From noon to 4 p.m., families can cool off with Free Swimming at the Gunnison City Pool, with the exciting Diving for Ducks for Dollars contest kicking off at 1 p.m.

Join the Celebration!

“This celebration is a chance to come home — or feel like you’ve never left,” said the Independence Day Committee. “It’s the best of small-town America: neighbors gathering, kids laughing, music echoing through the park, and fireworks lighting up the sky.”

Whether you grew up in Gunnison or are just discovering its charm, this two-day Independence Day celebration is a slice of Americana you don’t want to miss. For more details and a full schedule of events, visit Gunnison City’s Facebook page and website, or keep an eye on this newspaper for updates.

Mark your calendars and make your plans — because in Gunnison this year, it’s not just Independence Day… it’s a “Small Town, Big Deal!”