Email
Happy 4th of July and 250th Birthday, America
| From | Governor Jared Polis <[email protected]> |
| Subject | Happy 4th of July and 250th Birthday, America |
| Date | July 3, 2026 6:35 PM |
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THE GOVERNOR'S NEWSLETTER
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GOVERNOR'S WEBSITE
[link removed]
PRESS RELEASES
[link removed]
STATE JOB BOARD
[link removed]
COLORADO BILL TRACKER
July 3, 2026
Happy 4th of July and 250th Birthday, America
250 years, a quarter of a millennia. That’s a long time. That’s how old (or young!) our country, the United States of America, is this July 4th. It’s no surprise that we are undergoing a bit of a midlife crisis. The story of our nation is one of progress as the basic promise of life, liberty, and property grew to include more Americans regardless of race, gender, faith, who we love, or who we are. Now, at the highest levels, our republic is being tried and debased. I’m eternally hopeful that whatever doesn’t kill us makes us stronger, and that as we navigate through these testing times we will emerge into a new American resurgence of spirit, prosperity, and peace. The great American experiment has just begun. Happy 4th of July, Friends!
- Jared Polis
Colorado is home to
[link removed]
43 amazing state parks that offer recreational opportunities. Fire conditions are currently impacting Horsethief State Wildlife Area and Loma Boat Launch State Wildlife Area. All other state parks are open and welcoming to visitors for the holiday weekend. Many areas of our state are open for business but Coloradans and visitors are reminded to understand which areas are impacted by fires and what restrictions are in place, and recreate safely.
This year, Colorado is also celebrating 250 years of American independence and 150 years of Colorado statehood. The America 250 - Colorado 150 Commission has launched new ways to explore our state, including the
[link removed]
Colorado Passport Program , which incentivizes exploring Colorado’s attractions, businesses and hidden gems, and
[link removed]
Stories in the Sky , a drone show series that brings nearly 150 awe-inspiring drone shows to communities across the state. Find other events across the state at the
[link removed]
America 250 - Colorado 150 Commission statewide calendar of events .
During the summer months, Colorado draws visitors from around the world to explore the Rocky Mountains, alpine lakes and stunning vistas. In 2024, 95.4 million travelers visited Colorado, contributing $28.5 billion to Colorado’s economy and supporting over 457,000 jobs. The Colorado Tourism Office sponsors and hosts a wide variety of events offered throughout the course of the
[link removed]
Fourth of July Holiday Weekend .
Some events happening across Colorado include:
- Denver:
[link removed]
Free Independence Day Concert with Denver Municipal Band , July 4th - 7:00-8:00 PM MT
- Durango:
[link removed]
Historic Fashion Show and Old Time Poker Game , July 3rd - all day
- Winter Park:
[link removed]
4th of July Celebration , July 4th - 6:00-10:00 PM MT
- Pagosa Springs:
[link removed]
2026 Park 2 Park Artisan and Food Market , July 2nd - July 5th - all dayOther ideas for fun, creative events for your family and friends that don't include fire:
Red, White & Blue Iron Chef
Teams must use one red ingredient, one white ingredient, one blue/purple ingredient, and one
[link removed]
Colorado Proud ingredient like Olathe Sweet Corn, Palisade Peaches, Colorado Beef, or Pueblo Green Chile.
Glow-in-the-Dark Field Day or bike parade
After sunset: glow bracelets, LED frisbees, glow capture the flag, glow bocce, glow ring toss. Kids get the spectacle without sparks.
Neighborhood Parade
Decorate bikes, scooters, wagons, strollers, wheelchairs, or golf carts. Categories: most patriotic, best Colorado theme, best use of streamers.
America: The Talent Show
Each person or team gets 3 minutes. Songs, magic tricks, dramatic readings, pet tricks, dad jokes, any fun talent.
World Cup Watch Parties
Bring together friends and family to watch one of two games played on the 4th of July between Canada and Morocco and Paraguay and France.
4th of July Chalk Art Competition
Use chalk to create sidewalk art to celebrate America’s 250th, and Colorado’s 150th birthdays.
Make Red White & Blue Slime
All you need is some glue, liquid starch, and food coloring to make some star spangled slime.
Additional family friendly and fire-free activities could include:
-
Host a Neighborhood Obstacle Course or Scavenger Hunt
-
Play Capture the Flag
-
Visit Golden, Colorado’s Original State Capitol
-
Ride the
[link removed]
Mighty Argo Cable Car
-
Attend the famous
[link removed]
Greeley Stampede For more information on safe recreation, travel and preventing wildfires visit the
[link removed]
Colorado Tourism Office page .
Update on Fires in Colorado
It is more important than ever that we all do our part to stop fires before they start, use our water resources responsibly, and help protect our communities. Colorado is strong and if we work together we can prevent and protect our land and people we care about.
Colorado is using every resource we have fighting the fires burning in our state, including working with our local and federal partners to deploy the crews, trucks, and air assets available. We are all working together in the Colorado way, and it’s going to help us be successful. Our state is here to support every Coloradan impacted by these fires, whether that’s through evacuation, shelter, or recovery resources. Thank you to all of our firefighters and emergency responders for working tirelessly to protect our communities and keep Coloradans safe.
I verbally declared a disaster emergency in response to the Snyder Fire in Mesa County and authorized the National Guard to support efforts to recover the three firefighters who gave their lives in response to the Knowles Fire. I was devastated to hear that three brave firefighters Emily Barker, Nick Hutcherson, and Sydney Watson made the ultimate sacrifice to protect us. I and every Coloradan are deeply grateful for their bravery and service and my thoughts are with their families, friends and fellow crew members.
I also issued verbal disaster declarations for the Aspen Acres Fire in Custer and Pueblo Counties, for the Willow Fire in Lake County, and for the Gold Mountain Fire in Ouray County. Lt. Governor Primavera issued a verbal disaster declaration for the Big Sheep Fire in Huerfano County. I have authorized the use of the National Guard for all of these fires if needed.
PRESS RELEASESJuly 2, 2026:
[link removed]
Visit to Aspen Acres Fire Incident Command Post in Pueblo County
[link removed]
CDOT Crews Rebuild Vital CO 165 Bridge Destroyed in the Aspen Acres Fire
July 1, 2026:
[link removed]
Air Quality Health Update
[link removed]
Announcing Federal Fire Management Assistance Grant for Gold Mountain Fire in Ouray County
June 29, 2026:
[link removed]
Visit to Snyder Fire Incident Command Post in Mesa County
RESOURCESAnyone in the vicinity of a wildfire should follow orders from local authorities first and foremost. The latest information on links to local authorities can be found at
[link removed]
DHSEM.Colorado.gov . To be prepared to evacuate if necessary, folks should prepare a
[link removed]
go kit with recommended items . All Coloradans are encouraged to sign up for county emergency alerts at
[link removed]-
[link removed] .
Additional resources for Coloradans affected by wildfires:
-
[link removed]
AirBnB Free Emergency Housing : Airbnb.org is working with Mile High United Way to provide free, emergency housing for people who have been displaced by the Aspen Acres Fire, Ferris and Doe Canyon Fires, Gold Mountain Fire, Snyder Fire, and Willow Fire.
-
[link removed]
American Red Cross Find Open Shelters and Disaster Relief Services : If an emergency has forced you to evacuate your home, or disrupted your access to essential services, the Red Cross may be able to help.
-
[link removed]
Colorado Disaster Recovery Navigation Tool : Provides resources for disaster survivors and guidance on what to do in the days and months beyond a fire.
-
[link removed]
Western Colorado Community Foundation (WCCF) has set up an Emergency Response and Recovery Fund along with links to organizations supporting fire response efforts.
DONATE
[link removed]
United Way Southern Colorado : In response to the growing threat and impact of wildfires across Southern Colorado, United Way of Southern Colorado has established the Southern Colorado Wildfire Relief Fund to provide support for individuals, families, and communities affected by wildfires throughout the region.
You may also mail a contribution to: United Way of Southern Colorado P.O. Box 11566, Pueblo, CO 81001. Please note "Wildfire Relief Fund" in the memo line of mailed checks and, if desired, specify the community you wish to support.
Requested relief supplies may be dropped off Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at United Way of Southern Colorado at 510 W. 3rd Street, Pueblo, Colorado 81003. Item list will be updated as information becomes available:
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
WCCF Emergency Response and Recovery Fund : Donations to this fund support wildfire response and recovery efforts.
JOB OPENINGS
[link removed]
Chief Legal Counsel
PREVIOUS NEWSLETTERS
JUNE 2026
[link removed]
Bill Signing Tour
MAY 2026
[link removed]
A Healthier Colorado for All
[link removed]
End of Session
APRIL 2026
[link removed]
Celebrating the Governor's Art Show
[link removed]
Coloradans Choose Name of Front RangePassenger Train
Stay Updated with Governor Polis!
[link removed]
[link removed]
Facebook
[link removed]
[link removed]
Twitter
[link removed]
[link removed]
Instagram
Governor Polis|
[link removed]
colorado.gov/governor
[link removed]
Governor's Office Accessibility Statement
This email was sent by: Colorado Governor's Office Proper
200 E Colfax Ave Denver, CO, 80203, USA
[link removed]
Update Profile
[link removed]
Update Profile
[link removed]
here.
THE GOVERNOR'S NEWSLETTER
[link removed]
GOVERNOR'S WEBSITE
[link removed]
PRESS RELEASES
[link removed]
STATE JOB BOARD
[link removed]
COLORADO BILL TRACKER
July 3, 2026
Happy 4th of July and 250th Birthday, America
250 years, a quarter of a millennia. That’s a long time. That’s how old (or young!) our country, the United States of America, is this July 4th. It’s no surprise that we are undergoing a bit of a midlife crisis. The story of our nation is one of progress as the basic promise of life, liberty, and property grew to include more Americans regardless of race, gender, faith, who we love, or who we are. Now, at the highest levels, our republic is being tried and debased. I’m eternally hopeful that whatever doesn’t kill us makes us stronger, and that as we navigate through these testing times we will emerge into a new American resurgence of spirit, prosperity, and peace. The great American experiment has just begun. Happy 4th of July, Friends!
- Jared Polis
Colorado is home to
[link removed]
43 amazing state parks that offer recreational opportunities. Fire conditions are currently impacting Horsethief State Wildlife Area and Loma Boat Launch State Wildlife Area. All other state parks are open and welcoming to visitors for the holiday weekend. Many areas of our state are open for business but Coloradans and visitors are reminded to understand which areas are impacted by fires and what restrictions are in place, and recreate safely.
This year, Colorado is also celebrating 250 years of American independence and 150 years of Colorado statehood. The America 250 - Colorado 150 Commission has launched new ways to explore our state, including the
[link removed]
Colorado Passport Program , which incentivizes exploring Colorado’s attractions, businesses and hidden gems, and
[link removed]
Stories in the Sky , a drone show series that brings nearly 150 awe-inspiring drone shows to communities across the state. Find other events across the state at the
[link removed]
America 250 - Colorado 150 Commission statewide calendar of events .
During the summer months, Colorado draws visitors from around the world to explore the Rocky Mountains, alpine lakes and stunning vistas. In 2024, 95.4 million travelers visited Colorado, contributing $28.5 billion to Colorado’s economy and supporting over 457,000 jobs. The Colorado Tourism Office sponsors and hosts a wide variety of events offered throughout the course of the
[link removed]
Fourth of July Holiday Weekend .
Some events happening across Colorado include:
- Denver:
[link removed]
Free Independence Day Concert with Denver Municipal Band , July 4th - 7:00-8:00 PM MT
- Durango:
[link removed]
Historic Fashion Show and Old Time Poker Game , July 3rd - all day
- Winter Park:
[link removed]
4th of July Celebration , July 4th - 6:00-10:00 PM MT
- Pagosa Springs:
[link removed]
2026 Park 2 Park Artisan and Food Market , July 2nd - July 5th - all dayOther ideas for fun, creative events for your family and friends that don't include fire:
Red, White & Blue Iron Chef
Teams must use one red ingredient, one white ingredient, one blue/purple ingredient, and one
[link removed]
Colorado Proud ingredient like Olathe Sweet Corn, Palisade Peaches, Colorado Beef, or Pueblo Green Chile.
Glow-in-the-Dark Field Day or bike parade
After sunset: glow bracelets, LED frisbees, glow capture the flag, glow bocce, glow ring toss. Kids get the spectacle without sparks.
Neighborhood Parade
Decorate bikes, scooters, wagons, strollers, wheelchairs, or golf carts. Categories: most patriotic, best Colorado theme, best use of streamers.
America: The Talent Show
Each person or team gets 3 minutes. Songs, magic tricks, dramatic readings, pet tricks, dad jokes, any fun talent.
World Cup Watch Parties
Bring together friends and family to watch one of two games played on the 4th of July between Canada and Morocco and Paraguay and France.
4th of July Chalk Art Competition
Use chalk to create sidewalk art to celebrate America’s 250th, and Colorado’s 150th birthdays.
Make Red White & Blue Slime
All you need is some glue, liquid starch, and food coloring to make some star spangled slime.
Additional family friendly and fire-free activities could include:
-
Host a Neighborhood Obstacle Course or Scavenger Hunt
-
Play Capture the Flag
-
Visit Golden, Colorado’s Original State Capitol
-
Ride the
[link removed]
Mighty Argo Cable Car
-
Attend the famous
[link removed]
Greeley Stampede For more information on safe recreation, travel and preventing wildfires visit the
[link removed]
Colorado Tourism Office page .
Update on Fires in Colorado
It is more important than ever that we all do our part to stop fires before they start, use our water resources responsibly, and help protect our communities. Colorado is strong and if we work together we can prevent and protect our land and people we care about.
Colorado is using every resource we have fighting the fires burning in our state, including working with our local and federal partners to deploy the crews, trucks, and air assets available. We are all working together in the Colorado way, and it’s going to help us be successful. Our state is here to support every Coloradan impacted by these fires, whether that’s through evacuation, shelter, or recovery resources. Thank you to all of our firefighters and emergency responders for working tirelessly to protect our communities and keep Coloradans safe.
I verbally declared a disaster emergency in response to the Snyder Fire in Mesa County and authorized the National Guard to support efforts to recover the three firefighters who gave their lives in response to the Knowles Fire. I was devastated to hear that three brave firefighters Emily Barker, Nick Hutcherson, and Sydney Watson made the ultimate sacrifice to protect us. I and every Coloradan are deeply grateful for their bravery and service and my thoughts are with their families, friends and fellow crew members.
I also issued verbal disaster declarations for the Aspen Acres Fire in Custer and Pueblo Counties, for the Willow Fire in Lake County, and for the Gold Mountain Fire in Ouray County. Lt. Governor Primavera issued a verbal disaster declaration for the Big Sheep Fire in Huerfano County. I have authorized the use of the National Guard for all of these fires if needed.
PRESS RELEASESJuly 2, 2026:
[link removed]
Visit to Aspen Acres Fire Incident Command Post in Pueblo County
[link removed]
CDOT Crews Rebuild Vital CO 165 Bridge Destroyed in the Aspen Acres Fire
July 1, 2026:
[link removed]
Air Quality Health Update
[link removed]
Announcing Federal Fire Management Assistance Grant for Gold Mountain Fire in Ouray County
June 29, 2026:
[link removed]
Visit to Snyder Fire Incident Command Post in Mesa County
RESOURCESAnyone in the vicinity of a wildfire should follow orders from local authorities first and foremost. The latest information on links to local authorities can be found at
[link removed]
DHSEM.Colorado.gov . To be prepared to evacuate if necessary, folks should prepare a
[link removed]
go kit with recommended items . All Coloradans are encouraged to sign up for county emergency alerts at
[link removed]-
[link removed] .
Additional resources for Coloradans affected by wildfires:
-
[link removed]
AirBnB Free Emergency Housing : Airbnb.org is working with Mile High United Way to provide free, emergency housing for people who have been displaced by the Aspen Acres Fire, Ferris and Doe Canyon Fires, Gold Mountain Fire, Snyder Fire, and Willow Fire.
-
[link removed]
American Red Cross Find Open Shelters and Disaster Relief Services : If an emergency has forced you to evacuate your home, or disrupted your access to essential services, the Red Cross may be able to help.
-
[link removed]
Colorado Disaster Recovery Navigation Tool : Provides resources for disaster survivors and guidance on what to do in the days and months beyond a fire.
-
[link removed]
Western Colorado Community Foundation (WCCF) has set up an Emergency Response and Recovery Fund along with links to organizations supporting fire response efforts.
DONATE
[link removed]
United Way Southern Colorado : In response to the growing threat and impact of wildfires across Southern Colorado, United Way of Southern Colorado has established the Southern Colorado Wildfire Relief Fund to provide support for individuals, families, and communities affected by wildfires throughout the region.
You may also mail a contribution to: United Way of Southern Colorado P.O. Box 11566, Pueblo, CO 81001. Please note "Wildfire Relief Fund" in the memo line of mailed checks and, if desired, specify the community you wish to support.
Requested relief supplies may be dropped off Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at United Way of Southern Colorado at 510 W. 3rd Street, Pueblo, Colorado 81003. Item list will be updated as information becomes available:
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
WCCF Emergency Response and Recovery Fund : Donations to this fund support wildfire response and recovery efforts.
JOB OPENINGS
[link removed]
Chief Legal Counsel
PREVIOUS NEWSLETTERS
JUNE 2026
[link removed]
Bill Signing Tour
MAY 2026
[link removed]
A Healthier Colorado for All
[link removed]
End of Session
APRIL 2026
[link removed]
Celebrating the Governor's Art Show
[link removed]
Coloradans Choose Name of Front RangePassenger Train
Stay Updated with Governor Polis!
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
Governor Polis|
[link removed]
colorado.gov/governor
[link removed]
Governor's Office Accessibility Statement
This email was sent by: Colorado Governor's Office Proper
200 E Colfax Ave Denver, CO, 80203, USA
[link removed]
Update Profile
[link removed]
Update Profile
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