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What does Fourth of July on a Wednesday mean for crowds in Steamboat?

Amie Cook, 8, rides her bike during the Fourth of July parade in downtown Steamboat Springs.
Joel Reichenberger

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS — Fourth of July historically marks the busiest time of the summer in Steamboat Springs but having it on a Wednesday this year will help spread out the crowds.

During the holiday period in 2017, it felt particularly busy in Steamboat.

That was due to a few things, according to Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association public relations manager Maren McCutchan.

Last year, work was still being done on the gondola, and summer activities concentrated the crowds downtown.

McCutchan said construction projects created further congestion.

Also last year, Fourth of July fell on a Tuesday, and the Steamboat Chamber’s popular Balloon Rodeo and Art in the Park were the following weekend.

That’s not the case this year. Balloon Rodeo and Art in the Park will be held July 14 and 15.

“It just made town feel a lot busier, so we hope this will alleviate some of the busyness and congestion felt by locals last year,” McCutchan said. “Everything is just a little more spread out and not as compact into one week.”

With Fourth of July falling on a Wednesday, McCutchan said many visitors are coming for either this weekend, next weekend or they will spend all of next week checking out the community.

The Steamboat Chamber uses research to give them some idea of what visitation will be like.

McCutchan said July as a whole is trending ahead of July 2017.

Even though Fourth of July falls in the middle of the week this year, McCutchan said it will still be very busy next week in Steamboat.

McCutchan encouraged everyone to do some research and check out the full range of events available.

A full events lineup is printed in today’s Explore section and will also be published in Sunday’s Steamboat Pilot & Today.

“And the laser show should be amazing,” McCutchan said. “We’re excited.”

To reach Matt Stensland, call 970-871-4247, email mstensland@SteamboatToday.com or follow him on Twitter @SBTStensland.


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