Video and photo gallery: Clarkdale and Cottonwood celebrate 4th of July in style

It was perfect weather on Monday when Clarkdale held its Annual Old Fashioned Fourth of July celebration at Clarkdale Park. The day began with Raising of the Colors by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, followed by a pancake breakfast hosted by the Clarkdale Police and Fire Departments. The Children's Parade made its way down Main Street at around 9 a.m. after beginning at the Jerome-Clarkdale School. There were any number of activities to take part in during the remainder of the morning, including: free fire engine rides with the Clarkdale Fire District, carnival games hosted by the Jerome-Clarkdale School, an Ice Cream Social sponsored by the Clark Memorial Library and music performed by the Cottonwood Community Band. Clarkdale's 4th of July celebration only continues to get bigger and better with each passing year.

The Children's Park was the spot for this year's Cottonwood 4th of July celebration, sponsored by the Cottonwood Parks and Recreation Department. Kids and adults took to the park lawn to celebrate Independence Day with water games, free hotdogs and well-contested watermelon eating competitions - among other activities. Clarkdale Kiwanis served up free burgers and dogs, cooked by Hog Wild with provisions donated by Fry's Food and Drug. Mingus students helped out, manning the water activities and concessions. For those who stayed on into the evening, a spectacular fireworks display was the highlight of the traditional 4th of July festivities.