By Shannon Lukens.
The Fourth of July Parade in Steamboat Springs is back on Lincoln Avenue this year. It had been moved to Yampa Street for a couple of years because of problems on I-70 in Glenwood Canyon, when all traffic had to be re-routed, eventually through downtown Steamboat Springs. But now, city officials have decided the 120th Annual Cowboys Roundup Days Fourth of July Parade should return to Lincoln Avenue. The detour plan from the city is below. And if there is another closure along I-70 on the 4th, the parade could have to still be held on Yampa Street.
The Fourth of July is on a Tuesday this year.
We will be there. Steamboat Radio’s Brian Harvey will be announcing the parade with Steamboat Pro Rodeo announcer John Shipley. News Director Shannon Lukens will be taking lots of happy pictures.
Press release from the City of Steamboat Springs; June 23, 2023.
Fourth of July Parade Will Roll Down Lincoln Ave/US40
Glenwood Canyon I-70 Closure Could Still Trigger Last-Minute Move
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO-June 23, 2023-The 120th Annual Cowboys Roundup Days’ Fourth of July Parade will return Lincoln Avenue/US40 this year when floats roll down main street on Tuesday, July 4, 2023.
“While we don’t have a signed contract at this time, the traffic control vendor has committed to the mandatory requirements necessary to move the event back to Lincoln,” said Gary Suiter. “Public Safety remains a top priority and we appreciate everyone’s patience as all parties worked through the process to ensure a safe event.”
The traffic plan will use a circular configuration that sees US40 eastbound traffic diverted onto Yampa Street and US40 westbound traffic onto Oak Street. The city is working with a traffic control company to run the detour including signage, barriers, and flaggers at key intersections.
During the closure, temporary bus stops for westbound Steamboat Springs Transit (SST) routes will be on Oak at 5th, 7th, & 9th. Eastbound SST routes will use the same cross streets but with temporary stops on Yampa St. Buses will return to normal operations when Lincoln Avenue reopens.
On Tuesday morning, July 4, westbound traffic will turn right on 5th St, then left onto Oak St before continuing down to 11th St and US40. In addition, for easier semi-truck travel, there will be no parking on the north side of Oak St between 5th to 6th Streets, 10th to 11th Streets and west side of 11th to the alley.
Eastbound traffic will turn right at 11th St, then left onto Yampa St. Traffic will travel the six-blocks down Yampa to 5th St before returning to Lincoln. No parking is available on the south side of Yampa between 10th to 11th as well as the west side of 11th between the alley and Yampa. Individuals looking to access neighborhoods north of downtown should utilize 3rd, 4th, and 12th Streets.
Residential side streets approaching Oak between 5th and 11th will not be permitted to turn left on Oak but will need to follow the circular route. The city is asking lodging shuttles to use the bank parking lot at 3rd & Oak for drop off and pick up during the closure. Public parking at the high school is also an option. The 5th Street Bridge will be closed to northbound traffic during the parade. All traffic accessing Howelsen Hill, the Ice Arena or Brooklyn neighborhood should use River Road on July Fourth.
The Fourth of July in Steamboat Springs is more than a celebration of national pride; it’s an opportunity to honor the Yampa Valley’s rich western heritage with fun for all. Events like the Ski Jumping Extravaganza, hometown parade, and the largest Pro Rodeo event of the summer, have visitors proclaiming independence at this 120-year-old event.
-WeServeTheCity