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Sunny Lesiak, right, watched an early fireworks display with son Dillon, 10, at TEP on Thursday.
Dean Knuth / Arizona Daily Star
DID YOU KNOW
Tucson was 101 years old, the USA a year younger, when saloonkeeper George Hand summed up the day that had just passed: July 4, 1876:
"The day broke with the firing of guns, including a 12-pounder cannon from the post. The band from the post played, and a Mexican band also. They all went to Levin's Park.
"It was the finest celebration I ever saw in this town. I kept sober all day."
Source: Bonnie Henry, in a 2000 Star column
The forecast
It probably won't rain on your parade today, but the chance of an afternoon or evening washout in Tucson doubled Thursday after weather forecasters noted an increase in monsoon moisture in the lower levels of the atmosphere.
National Weather Service forecasters upped the chance of Independence Day thunderstorms in the Tucson area from 10 percent to 20 percent and put that higher possibility in for each afternoon and evening of the three-day weekend.
In the mountains, and in areas east and south of Tucson, the chance each day is closer to 30 percent, said Greg Mollere, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Tucson.

Tucson Region

Guide to area fireworks, celebrations

Tucson, Arizona | Published: 07.04.2008
Here is a roundup of some Tucson- area events to celebrate the Fourth of July:
Fireworks
July Fourth Celebration at TCC
Live music, food vendors, car show and viewing of the "A" Mountain fireworks.
• Where: Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave.
• When: Celebration starts at 6 p.m. today; fireworks around 9.
• Cost: $5 parking fee.
• More info: 791-4101.
Independence Day Celebration in Oro Valley
Presented by the Greater Oro Valley Arts Council and Oro Valley, the event includes music, food and drink, face-painting, carnival games and a fireworks display originating from the Hilton El Conquistador Resort.
• Where: Riverfront Park, 551 W. Lambert Lane.
• When: Starts at 4:30 p.m. today.
• Cost: A non-perishable food donation for the Catalina Food Bank.
• Shuttle: $1 donation per rider. Runs from about 4 p.m. through 10:30 p.m. from the Mercado Del Rio Center (quarter-mile west of North Oracle Road on Pusch View Lane) and the Fry's/Ace Hardware parking lot (northeast corner of Lambert Lane and La Cañada Drive).
• More info: govac.org.
Marana Star-Spangled Spectacular
Includes military display, music, watermelon-eating contest, kids activities, such as jumping castles, and fireworks show.
• Where: Ora Mae Harn Park, 13250 N. Lon Adams Road.
• When: 6-11 p.m. Friday.
• Cost: Parking is $5 per vehicle.
• More info: www.marana.com.
Old Tucson Studios Celebrates Freedom
Western-theme family activities, stunt shows, water games, classic rock by Trainwreck and fireworks.
• Where: Old Tucson Studios, 201 S. Kinney Road.
• When: The park opens at 10 a.m. Saturday. Trainwreck performs from 7 to 9:30 p.m. and the fireworks start about 9:30.
• Cost: $16.95; $10.95 ages 4-11. After 4 p.m.: $10; $5 for kids. Free for military personnel with military ID.
• More info: 883-0100.
Parades
Fourth of July Celebration at Rancho Sahuarita Lake Amphitheatre
The day includes parade, concert, food vendors, face-painting, inflatable jousting ring and an air-conditioned trailer filled with video games.
• Where: 15466 S. Rancho Sahuarita Blvd., Sahuarita.
• When: 7 a.m. parade registration today; 7:30 a.m. parade; 8 a.m.-1 p.m. celebration.
• Cost: Free.
• More info: 207-7730.
Music
'Let Freedom Sing' Fourth of July Concert
More than 200 singers, instrumentalists and other cast members celebrate America's independence. Show is a partnership between Arts Express and the city of Tucson.
• Where: Tucson Music Hall, 260 S. Church Ave.
• When: 4 p.m. today.
• Cost: $12; discounts available. Children 10 and under are free. Get tickets at Gospel Supplies, 6032 N. Oracle Road, or 5611 E. Speedway, and online at www.arts-express.org.
• More info: 319-0400.
Freedompalooza Fourth of July Party
A barbecue featuring entertainment on indoor and outdoor stages. You can watch the Downtown fireworks and hear music by Wolves Are Coming, Wolfman and the Nards, Deadtones, Last Call Brawlers, Tracy Shedd, Al Perry, Mission Creeps, The Jons and Midriff Crisis.
• Where: Club Congress, 311 E. Congress St. 21 and older.
• When: 6 p.m. today.
• Cost: $5 (food is extra).
• More info: 622-8848.
J Bar Restaurant's Fourth of July celebration
Dinner and music with Tucson's bluegrass/Western swing outfit The Titan Valley Warheads. The patio offers a nice view of the cityscape and fireworks.
• Where: 3770 E. Sunrise Drive at the Westin La Paloma Resort and Spa.
• When: Buffet dinner at 5 p.m. today.
• Cost: Dinner is $35 adults; $17.50 age 12 and younger.
• More info: 615-6100 for reservations.
Local bands Chango Malo, The Swim and American Android celebrate the Fourth
• Where: Plush, 340 E. Sixth St.
• When: 9:30 p.m. tonight.
• Cost: $5.
• More info: plushtucson.com.
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