Castle Rock and Parker Fireworks Move to Veterans Day
Douglas County towns rescheduled their displays to honor service members following summer fire bans.
By Diego Mendoza ·
Castle Rock and Parker will fire their 4th of July displays on Veterans Day this year. Both towns are launching at 7 p.m. Wednesday after summer fire bans forced the original summer shows to be canceled. The new date turns a standard summer celebration into a tribute to military service members.
Castle Rock Fire Chief Norris Croom said the change allows the towns to celebrate two milestones. This year marks the 250th birthday of the United States and the 150th birthday of Colorado. Croom noted that improved weather conditions made the rescheduled show possible. He admitted the team is taking a small risk on the weather, but he believes it is a good opportunity to proceed.
Croom explained that choosing Veterans Day was an intentional decision to recognize the people who allow communities to celebrate. He acknowledged that some community members have raised concerns about how loud fireworks affect veterans with PTSD. He said the town understands those challenges but believes celebrating the anniversaries and the veterans is the right move.
In Parker, community event manager Brook Spain said planning for the alternative date began early in the year. The town is also preparing to celebrate Parker’s 45th birthday. Spain said honoring veterans with the fireworks on their dedicated holiday seemed like a fitting way to mark the occasion.
Local veterans expressed support for the new schedule. Brian Gunther is a U.S. Army veteran and a member of VFW Post 12230. He served as an infantry soldier and deployed to Afghanistan. Gunther said he is excited to see the rescheduled display. He believes the town made a wise decision to align the event with Veterans Day.
Gunther noted that his VFW post started in March 2024 and is still establishing itself in Castle Rock. He pointed to a future veterans gathering space called Heroes Hall as an important need. He said there is currently no dedicated space for veteran organizations to meet and build camaraderie. Heroes Hall is intended to create that necessary community hub.
David Seal is a member of VFW Post 4266 in Parker. He served during the Vietnam era, entering service in 1967. Seal said the initial postponement was the right call given the fire bans. He noted that his generation often received a difficult welcome home. He said there are about 2,500 veterans living in Parker and more than 20,000 in Douglas County.
BJ Reese is a member of American Legion Post 1187 in Castle Rock. He followed his father into military service. Reese said he is glad the towns are honoring past, present, and future veterans. He noted that fireworks can be challenging for him personally due to PTSD, but he encourages people to support the event whether they attend or not. Castle Rock’s show will launch from Miller’s Landing off Plum Creek Parkway. Parker’s display will be held at Salisbury Regional Park.
