This year’s Fourth of July celebration denotes a major anniversary in America’s independence that started in 1776. Focusing on the semiquincentennial – observing 250 years of our country’s freedom – Bisbee’s events will have a special significance this year.
The annual town events will take place on Saturday, July 4, with the coaster races kicking off the momentous day. Originally held on Thanksgiving, they have been a tradition in Bisbee since 1914. Starting at the top of West Boulevard and running down Tombstone Canyon, the races end in the city center at the post office on Main Street.
Since 1993 (after a 13-year hiatus to revamp the event and make it safer), the young drivers of soap box derby-type cars – originally called pushmobiles – go through two pre-qualifying races in Warren, as well as a mandatory practice/trial run that takes place in Old Bisbee on the actual route.