Williams Fourth of July festivities an all day affair

People can enjoy food, music and a laser light show at the first Williams Hometown Fourth of July Celebration.

The event will take place on July 4 starting at about noon in the Williams and Forest Service Visitor Center parking lot, 200 Railroad Ave. Admission is free.

"What our goal is with this is to remember, respect and celebrate our nation's freedom and independence," said organizer Carol Glassburn. "We have a strong and generous community that makes this celebration possible."

The American Legion and the Williams Volunteer Fire Department will put on a barbecue at about 11 a.m. in the Visitor Center parking lot. The Legion will also play host to a horseshoe tournament at 11 a.m. at the Legion.

From about noon to 6:30 p.m., attendees can enjoy live entertainment, including the Dancing Divas, Southwest Skye Pipes and Drums, Williams Folklorico Dancers, Debbie Campbell, Greg Mendonca, Sherrell Kennelly, Kerry-Lynn Moede, Dennis Nelson and John Carpino.

After the stage performances, line dancing will take place until the laser show starts at about 8:30 p.m. on the stage. Epic Laser Company will put on the show.

Hamburgers, hot dogs, corn on the cob, watermelon, cotton candy, snow cones, and red, white and blue berry pies will be for sale.

Organizers also hope to offer a Kid Zone with face painting, a beanbag toss, rubber band shoot, ladder ball, balloon toss, pie eating, hula hoops, limbo, fortune telling and ice cream.

Organizers hope to make the Hometown Fourth of July Celebration an annual event.

"Bring your family and friends for an exciting and enjoyable day," Glassburn said.

More information is available from Glassburn at (928) 635-4503.

Other Fourth of July events

The Williams-Grand Canyon Chamber of Commerce will put on a parade at 11 a.m. on Route 66. This year's theme is "Family Fun on the Fourth."

Community United Methodist Church will put on its 40th annual ice cream social at 1 p.m. The church is at the corner of Second Street and Sherman Avenue. Church members will also serve hamburgers, hot dogs and chili, rain or shine.