Fourth of July activities, fireworks planned in Apache Junction

Apache Junction’s annual Fourth of July celebration is Thursday, July 4 at Superstition Shadows Park.

Kicking off the events will be the annual Fourth of July Volleyball Tournament held at Superstition Shadows Aquatic Center, 1091 W. Southern Ave.

Registration for the free tournament begins at 7:15 a.m. Space is limited to the first eight teams — with up to 10 players per team — that register. The tournament begins at 8 a.m. Spectators must pay pool admission to swim with no fee to watch tournament. Admission is waived for tournament participants, according to a release.

The aquatic center will be open July 4 for open swim from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; daily admission rates apply — $2 for children 17 and under, $3 for adults.

Evening events are at Superstition Shadows Park, also at 1091 W. Southern Ave. Gates for the event open at 6 p.m.. (Independent Newsmedia, Arianna …

Evening events are at Superstition Shadows Park, also at 1091 W. Southern Ave. Gates for the event open at 6 p.m. This is a free event, open to the public; a small fee for food and game booths may apply. Game booths, hosted by local vendors and nonprofit organizations, and activities for kids will take place starting at 6 p.m. Some of the activities include water games, bicycle, wagon and tricycle float contest (judging at 6:30 p.m.), inflatables, free watermelon (while supplies last) and live entertainment. “Outside The Line” will be providing live entertainment on the Event Stage from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and will kick off the fireworks extravaganza at 8:30 p.m., weather permitting.

Parking is limited, so please come early. There will be traffic restrictions. Please plan for delays. The Fourth of July festivities are all located on city and school property and no consumer fireworks, alcohol, smoking, glass containers, pets or weapons will be allowed at the event or adjacent parking/viewing areas. Bags and coolers brought into the facility will be checked. Place items in clear bags to make the check-in process faster. Food and drinks will be available to purchase on-site.

If you have a request for accommodation, contact the Apache Junction Parks and Recreation Department prior to the event. Only service animals will be permitted at the facility.

Apache Junction Parks and Recreation would like to thank the event sponsors: Republic Services, Arizona Water Co., Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, Willdan Group Inc. and Planet Fitness as well as the event supporters: Apache Junction Unified School District, Apache Junction Little League, Superstition Fire and Medical District, and Apache Junction Police. Without their assistance, this event would not be possible, the release states.

For information including maps for parking, go to the Parks and Recreation Department website at www.apachejunctionaz.gov/700/4th-of-July .