There are certain moments that become part of a community's identity.

For many of us in North Routt, one of those moments has always been gathering with family, friends, and neighbors on the mountain side, along the shoreline, or on the lake on the Fourth of July. We watched the sky light up over Steamboat Lake, with Hahns Peak standing in the background, and felt the boom of the fireworks in our chest. It was a simple but powerful reminder that we live in a free and independent country, and that the freedoms we enjoy today were earned through sacrifice, perseverance, and the shared values that have shaped our nation.

The fireworks were never just about fireworks.

They were about community.

They were about tradition.

They were about honoring the generations who came before us and creating memories for the generations that will follow.

For decades, the Steamboat Lake Fourth of July fireworks display has brought together residents of Clark, Hahns Peak, Steamboat Springs, surrounding ranches, and visitors from across Northwest Colorado. Unlike many communities that have moved away from traditional fireworks displays, North Routt maintained a unique celebration over the water, where reflections danced across the lake beneath Hahns Peak and families gathered together to celebrate our nation's independence.

Steamboat's Fourth of July celebration has been tied to the heritage of the Yampa Valley for well over a century. The modern celebration traces its roots to 1927, while local Independence Day traditions date back to 1876. For nearly 150 years, these celebrations have reflected not only patriotism, but also the values, culture, and western heritage of this region.

As our nation approaches its 250th anniversary, many residents believe this is a time to celebrate and preserve traditions that unite us rather than lose them.

We also recognize and appreciate the efforts of the North Routt Fire Protection District, emergency responders, law enforcement personnel, Colorado Parks and Wildlife staff, volunteers, and pyrotechnic professionals who have helped make this event possible throughout the years.

Longtime residents remember that throughout the 1980s and 1990s, firefighters and emergency personnel worked diligently to ensure the event was conducted safely through fire watch operations, emergency medical coverage, traffic management, coordination with law enforcement and state park staff, and wildfire prevention efforts. The use of a launch site surrounded by water has long been one of the methods used to reduce fire risk while preserving this cherished tradition.

This conversation is not about dismissing safety concerns. Public safety must always remain the highest priority.

However, many members of our community are disappointed by what appears to have been a lack of meaningful community discussion before decisions regarding the future of this event were made.

This is particularly concerning given that this event has been entirely community funded, with more than 70 percent of the necessary funding already been raised. It is also difficult for many residents to understand why an individual who has dedicated approximately fifteen years to organizing, fundraising, coordinating logistics, working with pyrotechnic crews, and helping oversee nearly every aspect of the event was not included in discussions regarding its future.

At the very least, the people who have invested their time, effort, and resources into making this tradition possible deserve an opportunity to be heard.

The strength of a community is not measured by whether everyone agrees. It is measured by whether people are given a voice.

Our nation was founded on the principle that government derives its authority from the consent of the governed. Public officials serve an important role, but that role exists in service to the people. The most effective decisions are often those made through transparency, collaboration, and meaningful public participation.

"We the People" are more than words written in a founding document. They represent the belief that communities should have a voice in decisions that affect their traditions, their culture, and their future.

This statement is not intended to criticize any individual. It is a call for communication. It is a request for transparency. It is an invitation for collaboration.

Let us move forward in a positive manner.

Let us have an open conversation about public safety, wildfire mitigation, event management, and community expectations.

Let us bring together the people who have organized this event, the agencies responsible for public safety, and the residents who have supported it for generations.

And let us remember that preserving tradition and protecting public safety do not have to be opposing goals.

North Routt has always been at its best when neighbors work together. We believe that same spirit can guide this discussion and help ensure that future decisions reflect both the responsibility of public officials and the voices of the community they serve.

As we prepare to celebrate 250 years of American independence, let us honor the values that brought us here: freedom, civic participation, respect for one another, and a shared commitment to community.

Respectfully,

Concerned Residents, Families, Business Owners, Visitors, and Supporters of the Steamboat Lake Fourth of July Tradition