Bringing our communities together through joy, tradition, and shared celebration across Hildale, Colorado City, and Centennial Park.
Short Creek Festivities exists to bring our communities together through joy, tradition, and shared celebration. We are a resident-led committee committed to restoring unity, rebuilding trust, and creating meaningful events that strengthen the bonds between families, friends, and neighbors across Hildale, Colorado City, and Centennial Park.
We dream of a thriving, connected Short Creek where generations come together in celebration—where our children feel safe, our elders feel honored, and every person feels like they belong. Through seasonal festivities, community traditions, and collaborative planning, we envision a future where joy is common, culture is shared, and our towns are known for how deeply we care for one another.
Who We Serve & Where We Came From
Our mission: Short Creek Festivities exists to bring our communities together through joy, tradition, and shared celebration—creating events where residents of the Short Creek Valley come together as equals and exchange ideas as friends.
Short Creek Festivities is led by lifelong residents of Hildale, Utah; Colorado City, Arizona; and Centennial Park, Arizona. We are determined to rebuild our communities and see them thrive economically and socially through gatherings that welcome everyone.
In the spring of 2015, George and Miriam Jessop, along with Harvey Dockstader and Villia Holm, founded Short Creek Festivities and organized a July 4th celebration after 13 years without community-wide festivities. Attendance was expected to reach 250–500 people—a strong turnout given how many residents had left the area. Invitations shared through Facebook soon drew thousands of responses. On the day of the event, an estimated 5,000 people came. The healing that took place that day changed our community. It rekindled old friendships and built new relationships among people who had long been separated.
Since that first celebration, many who had left the community—some who said they would never return—have come back to reclaim their homes. Year after year, our Independence Day gatherings have grown in size and meaning. Even when circumstances limited what we could offer, our community showed up for one another.
We built a movement.
We built a family.
We built a future.
Today, Short Creek Festivities is recognized by the IRS as a nonprofit public charity (EIN: 82-0700914). Through donations and sponsorships, we work to keep our celebrations accessible, safe, and welcoming for every family who wants to be part of them.
2026
🧨 Fireworks Loading… We're still lighting the fuse on our 2026 4th of July plans! Check back soon for 2026 Fourth of July details.
Hosted by Hildale City, UT & Colorado City, AZ
This beloved tradition brings us together to celebrate hometown pride with creativity, color, and community spirit. Whether you’re a business, school group, club, sports team, church, friend group, or family… we want YOU in the parade!
Contact parade director at scfestivities@gmail.com.
Parade applications are handled through Hildale City. Please review the Parade Regulations PDF before applying—all applicants must read it.
This parade isn’t just for businesses or formal organizations. We want to see everyone, from students and families to musicians, athletes, and clubs. Walk, ride a bike, decorate your car, build a float, dance, roll, or just wave! If it brings you joy, it belongs here.
And no, being in the parade doesn’t mean you’ll miss it. You’ll see everyone during lineup and if you’ve never participated before, trust us: you don’t know until you know…!
To join the parade, your entry must follow city regulations, which require participation in the official theme:
“Honoring the Past. Inspiring the Future.”
We encourage you to interpret that however it speaks to you. Show us your family traditions, your faith, your neighborhood pride, your story. Since it’s Independence Day, patriotic themes and American pride are encouraged. Don’t worry about perfection—heartfelt matters more than polished!
Parade applications are handled through Hildale City. Please review the Parade Regulations PDF before applying—all applicants are required to read it.
Questions? Contact parade director at scfestivities@gmail.com.
Support our community
There’s nothing quite like coming together under the fireworks, music, community, and magic of our Independence Day celebration.
Join us in creating a memorable experience for families across our communities.
We are excited to announce this year’s Short Creek Fourth of July Celebration:
“Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future”
As We Commemorate America’s 250 Celebration
This event continues to grow each year, drawing families and visitors from across the country. We are inviting local businesses and community partners to help make the celebration possible through sponsorship.
Sponsoring this event is more than visibility. It’s an opportunity to be part of something meaningful for our community. Your support helps create lasting memories for families while also showcasing your business in a positive, high-visibility setting.
Several sponsorship levels are available, including an exclusive title sponsor opportunity for those looking to make a major impact.
This event is one of the only large-scale gatherings in our area that is completely free to attend. No one is turned away. No family has to sit on the sidelines because of money.
Because of the support we receive, we are able to serve over 4,000 free breakfasts, provide free watermelon and coffee, and keep lunch at cost so families can participate regardless of their situation. When possible, some families quietly receive free meals as well.
Sponsorship funds also support the unseen but critical parts of the event including:
These efforts allow the event to run smoothly and safely for everyone attending.
Most importantly, this celebration creates a place where the entire community can gather together. Kids play, families reconnect, and people who may feel isolated find a place where they belong.
Each tier includes recognition and benefits for our 4th of July celebration.
Note: Sponsors contributing $2,500 or more receive a parade entry fee waiver.
Founder Sponsor 1 of 5
For Sponsorship Questions,
Please Email us at SCfestivities@gmail.com
4th of July Celebration
Join us as a vendor at the Short Creek 4th of July celebration. Fill out the application and review booth options and fees below.
This application form does not finalize your participation as a vendor.
To finalize details for your booth location, you must first email SCfestivities@gmail.com with the following in addition to filling out the 2026 application:
Food Vendors: Please ensure you receive the proper documentation required by the Mohave County Health Inspector: Mohave County Health Department
Vendor Fees are Due NO LATER THAN June 30th 2026:
Payments can be made in a variety of ways: Cash App, Venmo, or Square
4th of July Celebration
Are you a Creeker that’s Got Talent?!
Audition to perform on our entertainment stage this 4th of July!
Contact the Entertainment Coordinator, LeAnna, at 435-467-7464.
Help fund the celebration
Our Goal Is $72,000.00… Every Bit Counts!
