Visit Sedona and celebrate the 4th of July in style with El Portal boutique hotel. There are picnics and events around town for visitors and locals alike.

On Saturday, July 2nd there’s Tlaquepaque’s Sizzlin’ Summer Bash.  Pie-eating contests with terrific prizes for kids of all ages and adults,face painting, potato sack races, foot-tapping Dixieland jazz and blues, and star-spangled crafts for kids, scrumptious BBQ, and even a gleaming red local fire truck. It’s Tlaquepaque’s 4th of July, Sizzlin’ Summer Bash celebration, Saturday, July 2nd from 11 am to 5 pm. Admission is FREE. Cat Black Band, Band ’56 and Red Rock Acapella perform. Fabulous Independence Day Sales from 20% to 50% off at selected Tlaquepaque shops. Call 928-282-4838 to register for the pie-eating contest, proceeds go to Toys For Tots.

Sedona doesn’t have fireworks, but just down the road in Cottonwood they have their Independence Day Fireworks Extravaganza. Activities start at 4:00 pm on the 4th, and include a watermelon eating contest, water slides and giant inflatable rides. Free food is provided courtesy of Fry’s Food and prepared by Hog Wild BBQ Restaurant & Verde/Clarkdale Kiwanis. Northern Arizona’s finest fireworks and activities will begin at 7:45 pm with music, presentations and a patriotic salute by the VFW Color Guard. At 8:45pm grab a blanket or lawn chair and settle in for 35 minutes of lights, booms and ahhs as we celebrate our nation’s independence. Admission is free, parking is $1 with proceeds going toits a local nonprofit youth organization. The event will be held at the Cottonwood Kids Park on 12th street next to the Verde Valley fairgrounds.

For 4th of July fun visit Sedona! For information and reservations call El Portal, pet friendly Sedona hotel, 1-800-313-0017.