Local News

News Release: Town of Tusayan’s FREE Drone Light Show and July 4th Celebration WELCOMES SMOKEY BEAR TO SERVE AS GRAND MARSHAL

July 1, 2022

The Town of Tusayan is proud to announce that Smokey Bear will serve as Grand Marshal at this Year’s July 4th Celebration and Parade. 

“Nothing speaks to Tusayan Traditions like Smokey Bear” said Mayor Clarinda Vail “He reminds us that if we want to keep our beautiful forests around us, we must prevent the damage created by wildfires.”

Smokey will lead the Parade Festivities along highway 64 starting at 4:30pm.  The parade and bike decorating contest will be followed by a FREE drone light and laser show. 

The drones will bring the same awe and spectacular to the Grand Canyon as fireworks, without the risk of fire and chemical pollution in one of the nation’s most beloved national parks.

This year the Town is adding additional drones, lasers, and increasing the runtime, to ensure that the overall experience is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for Tusayan guests.

The celebration starts long before dark with local band Exit 64 performing next to guest artist Michael Grimm (America’s Got Talent Winner) starting at 5:30pm. Food, Beer, and a kid zone will all be available (at additional cost). The events will be held off highway 64 at the IMAX. For the first time, Native American Dancers will also perform.

Other entertainment throughout the day includes a bike decorating competition for kids starting at 3:30 and a parade themed “Tusayan Traditions” at 4:30pm. Spectators can watch from anywhere along Highway 64.

The Town of Tusayan sits at the Gateway to the Grand Canyon National Park.  An estimated six million visitors travel from around the world each year to visit this natural wonder of the world.  Smokey Bear has appeared with thousands of children throughout his illustrious career, leaving them with a powerful understanding of what they can do to prevent wildfires. Most importantly, campfires must be dead out – cold to the touch – before you walk away and fireworks are always prohibited on National Forest lands. Even today nearly nine out of ten wildfires nationwide are caused by humans. Smokey Bear says, “Remember, only you can prevent wildfires.” For more information on Smokey visit www.smokeybear.com.