If you are new to the Denver / Boulder area or just looking for a fun attraction, you certainly won't want to miss one of the most highly anticipated events of the summer of 2009. You can find some amazing fireworks displays across the metro area. Some of you might enjoy a small scale display that could be offered in your local neighborhood. If so, contact your local chamber of commerce for more details. For those of you who enjoy the big full-blown production, this list of fireworks shows is for you. In the details for each event, the show times, location, and cost has been listed, so you can be prepared for all of the activities. These are not listed these from best to worst...they are all good.

#1 Aurora - This display is located at the Aurora Municipal Center at the intersection of Chambers and Alameda Avenue. The patriotic fireworks display is out in the open, so it can be viewed easily if you stay within a couple of miles from the center of the lawn. Specifically, it can be viewed from south of Sixth Avenue and West of Potomac Street. You can also see the show from just north of Jewell Avenue on the southside of the lawn. The fireworks are set to begin just after dark at about 9:30pm on Saturday, July 4th. The show includes a 25 minute professional display with live entertainment sponsored by the Aurora Symphony Orchestra. The admission is Free. For additional information, call 303-739-7000.

#2 Denver Part One- This fireworks extravaganza is located at City Park in the heart of Denver itself. It is situated at the intersection of Colorado Boulevard and York Street. This fireworks show is hosted on Friday, July 3rd so as to eliminate the competition with some of the other displays. It's actually a good thing when some of the shows are hosted on separate days, so you can view more than one. The Colorado Symphony Orchestra will entertain during this event. The activities begin at 7pm with the fireworks show commencing just after dark. The cost is Free, so don't miss out on this great opportunity.

#3 DenverPart Two- Probably one of the biggest and most widely publicized fireworks displays is located at Coors Field, home of the Rockies. The fireworks show will begin on Saturday, July 4th just after the conclusion of the Colorado Rockies versus the Arizona Diamondbacks baseball game. Two great activities all packaged into one evening! The baseball game begins at 6:10pm and the cost is $25 - $75 per ticket. This event is so popular that tickets often sell out in advance, so make sure to plan ahead for this one. For ticket sales and information, call 303-830-TIXS.

#4 Boulder - This fireworks display is located at the Folsom Field at the University of Colorado just a 20-30 minute drive from Denver. The activities commence on Saturday, July 4th at 7pm when the gates to the stadium open. The fireworks display begins at dark around 9:30pm. Much of the event includes sing-along songs in a festive environment that is suitable for the whole family. There is a live choreographed musical presentation that accompanies the fireworks. Admission is Free.

#5 Arvada - The Independence Day activites involve a two day celebration at the Lutz Complex just off of Kipling on 58th Avenue. On Friday, July 3rd, the Boulder Philharmonic Musicians will present a patriotic classical concert for all to enjoy. The activities on Friday will include a classic car show, great food, and family entertainment. The following day on July 4th around 9pm, the city will host a fireworks show. The show will be set to a musical simulcast on KOOL 105 with live and recorded rock music. Admission to the event is Free.

Hopefully these details will be useful to you as you plan for the 4th of July, 2009 in the Denver metro area.