The 4th of July is here again, signaling the traditional start of the Monsoon season in the San Simon valley, the emergence of the
Tarantulas to mate, and time to celebrate Independence day. The
Town of Rodeo traditionally has lots of festivities on the 4th starting with softball in the morning, the parade at 6:00 PM followed by a community dinner, cake auction, fireworks, and a dance. Arriving about 5:30 PM I found a spot to park and walked into town. Folks were parked along highway 80, some cooking out and many enjoying refreshments while awaiting the start of the parade.
There was a slight intermittent drizzle signaling the arrival of the monsoon season, but it did not dampen the spectators enthusiasm and the parade came off without a hitch. Afterwards Highway 80 was reopened to traffic and everyone headed over to the community center for dinner, float prizes, the cake auction, and dance. Another wonderful event in
Rodeo, New Mexico's most western town.
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| The start of the parade in Rodeo |
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| Mounted riders |
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| Welcome to Rodeo New Mexico |
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| Chiricahua Desert Museum's giant rattlesnake |
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| Local bagpipe player |
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| the local 4H club |
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| Welcome to the land of OZ |
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| Celebrating the designation of Jaguar habitat in the Peloncillo mountains |
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| A WWII themed float |
