SE Valley Times

The 15th Annual Arizona Celebration of Freedom Presented by AT&T (ACOF) is set to offer an evening of free entertainment on Thursday, July 4, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Mesa Convention Center and Mesa Amphitheatre campus, located at 263 N. Center St., and along Center Street between First Street and University Drive.

Despite high temperatures, attendees can stay cool with Cool Zones featuring giant fans and misters. Various activities, displays, and events will be held inside the Mesa Convention Center.

Entertainment will be provided on two outdoor stages: Mesa Amphitheatre and Stage America. The Salute to America program at 9:15 p.m. on Stage America will be followed by the Fireworks Extravaganza at approximately 9:30 p.m., accompanied by patriotic music. Attendees are advised not to bring pets due to loud noises from the fireworks.

This year’s event introduces several new attractions. The Great All-American Car Show will feature a new twist operated by Infamous Mopar AZ, a nonprofit organization supporting service members, veterans, and their families through automotive therapy. More information about Infamous Mopar AZ is available on its website.

For the first time, ACOF will include a flyover by four F3-25 jets from Luke Air Force Base between 6 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. Additionally, the Primetime Grill semi-truck will offer barbecue, burgers, and other food options.

Returning this year is the Great All-American Freedom Farm showcasing vintage and new tractors as well as other equipment that highlights Arizona’s farm heritage. Among the exhibits is a 1923 John Deere Model D tractor.

Another notable attraction is the Let Freedom Ring Laser Light Show inside the Mesa Convention Center with three shows scheduled at 7 p.m., 8 p.m., and 9 p.m., featuring laser displays accompanied by photos and patriotic music.

The Patriotic Superhero Stunt Show features professional BMX stunt riders performing stunts near the All-American Food Court with performances scheduled at 6:30 p.m., 7:20 p.m., and 8:10 p.m.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their own water bottles for refilling at stations provided by City of Mesa Water Resources outside Mesa Amphitheatre.

Other features include an outdoor mist-chilled All-American Food Court offering various treats under cool mist conditions; beer gardens; a Splash Zone with inflatable waterslides for children; Historic Flags of the U.S.; Revolutionary War reenactments; performances by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Arizona Band; Fallen Soldier Memorial honoring Arizona heroes; a naturalization ceremony for new citizens; Patriotic Military Showcase; America’s Arts and Culture Showcase; Tailgate Zone with games for all ages; Yankee Doodle Kids’ Zone offering carnival-style games for children; as well as specials from downtown Mesa businesses listed on Downtown Mesa Association's website.

Parking throughout downtown Mesa is free with designated ADA parking areas available for vehicles displaying appropriate permits or tags. Several streets around the event site will be closed or restricted from July 3 at 5 p.m. until July 5 at 5 a.m., with traffic detours in place via nearby routes including First Street, Country Club Drive, University Drive, and Mesa Drive.

Public transit options include Valley Metro light rail services operating on Sunday schedules with enhanced service starting at 5 p.m.; buses also running on Sunday schedules without RAPID or Express services available that day. Information about public transit services can be found on valleymetro.org or by calling (602)253-5000.

Further details about items permitted at ACOF can be found on azcelebrationoffreedom.com.

Sponsors of ACOF include City of Mesa; Mesa Convention Center; Mesa Amphitheatre; Sertoma Club; Mesa Recycles; Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport; Willmeng Construction; Prensa Arizona; VCA Animal Hospitals; radio station "95.5 The Mountain"; Celerion Nesbitt Sundt Downtown Mesa Association ;Mesa Chamber of Commerce ;Visit mesa Niagara Cares Delta Hotels United Food Bank Renewal By Andersen

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