In many ways the 4th of July feels like the official kick-off to summer, so it seems fitting to make it a big celebration. With summer temperatures here in full force, why not make it a weekend-long event with friends and family? With BBQs the games are endless: bean bag races, water balloon fights, cornhole, and much more. With plenty of family fun around the community there is more than enough to keep you busy over the holiday weekend.

Don’t miss the Star Spangled Splash at Boulder Reservoir if you want to stay cool this weekend. With carnival rides, games and treats, not to mention the free hydro bikes, paddleboards, and water slide you will have plenty of fun celebrating our independence! Did we mention that there is also a beer garden here? And it’s only $4 to get in for adults (youth are FREE)! The fun lasts all weekend so be sure to check it out!

4th of July Events Around Boulder County:

Saturday, July 2nd, 2016

• Star Spangled Splash at Boulder Reservoir – 10am – 4pm
• Star Spangled Celebration at Color Me Mine – 10am – 8pm

Sunday, July 3rd, 2016

• Star Spangled Splash at Boulder Reservoir – 10am – 4pm
• Star Spangled Celebration at Color Me Mine – 10am – 8pm

Monday, July 4th, 2016

• Star Spangled Splash 5k and 10k (Boulder Reservoir) – 8:00am
• Star Spangled Splash at Boulder Reservoir – 10am – 4pm
• 4th of July Celebration at Waneka Lake in Lafayette – 4pm – 10pm
• 4th of July Fireworks & Celebration at Coal Creek Golf Course – 6pm – 10pm
• Bandshell Boogie! Summer Dance Series at Central Park in Boulder – 7pm – 9pm
• 4th of July Fireworks Display at Boulder County Fairgrounds – 9:30pm
• Fireworks at Folsom Field – 8:00pm

4th of July Apple Crumble Recipe

2 cups oats
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1 cup, unsalted butter
1 cup all-purpose flour
3 pounds of ripe, red apples
2-3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1-2 Tbsp cinnamon

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix oats, 1 cup of the brown sugar and flour until well combined. Add in butter (fingers work best!) and mix until the mixture is moist and clumping. In a separate bowl combine apples, lemon juice, cinnamon and remaining brown sugar. Pour into large, greased pie pan. Sprinkle all of the topping over the top, and bake for about 50 minutes, or until topping is golden and crisp. We like to serve it warm with a large scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

** to make vegan, simply use a vegan butter substitute.
** to make gluten free, make sure your all-purpose flour and your oats are gluten free.