Imagine joining your family and friends for a spectacular Fourth of July weekend in the very heart of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Experience that old-fashioned, small-town Fourth of July celebration, complete with a variety of family-friendly activities including parades and amazing firework shows, at the 5,000 acre YMCA of the Rockies' Snow Mountain Ranch in Winter Park, Colo. 

Then, drift into a peaceful sleep in one of the YMCA of the Rockies' cabins and lodge rooms, many of which are still available for the July 4th weekend. Snow Mountain Ranch has 50 cabins and 170 lodge rooms. Lodging at Snow Mountain Ranch during Fourth of July weekend starts at $109 per night in a lodge room that can sleep up to six adults, and includes two adult breakfasts per day.

Snow Mountain also offers a Stay Two Nights Get The Third Night Free deal good through Sept. 30, 2009. You also can create your own adventure when you stay at Snow Mountain Ranch. Receive a $2 off coupon for horseback rides plus an activity punch card for each night  booked. The punch card is good for two free program activities per day.  Choose a High Ropes course, archery lesson, fly tying lesson, High Zipline ride or full day mountain bike rental.

Start the Fourth off with the Biggest Small Town Parade in Colorado. More than 100 entries make their way down the main street of Granby as children and adults alike applaud their arrival.

Whether you run, walk or mosey along, join the fun during The Rendezvous Run for Independence, a 5-mile run/walk to raise money for the Scott Hughes Foundation, which provides camp scholarships to the YMCA of the Rockies for children with kidney disease.

Kick off the High Country Stampede Rodeo series from 7 - 9 p.m. at the John Work Arena in Fraser. The Junior Rodeo starts at 4 p.m., with the rodeo performance kicking off at 7 p.m. 

The Fraser Valley Fourth of July Celebration is a free community event that draws more than 4,000 Grand County residents and guests throughout the course of the day. The Fraser Sports Complex bustles with family fun, including sporting games, face painting, plinko, balloon art, tie-dyeing, bean-bag tosses, and many other traditional carnival games, a community picnic and live music by The Informants. A spectacular fireworks display, starting at dusk, is the perfect finale to the festivities.

Snow Mountain Ranch is located between the Winter Park Ski Resort and the town of Grand Lake, just 80 miles west of Denver.

More information. Or call 800-777-9622.