For many Goldenites, the best way to celebrate Independence Day is with live music, food and fun activities in Lions Park.
The Golden Lions Club kept the tradition alive at its 53rd annual 4th of July Festival, where thousands of people turned out to celebrate the holiday.
This year’s event kicked off with a yoga session — a new feature this year — and then the main festivities started at 11 a.m.
The City of Golden sponsored the Junior Jubilee again this year, with inflatable obstacle courses, mazes and bounce houses, along with face-painting and balloon artist stations.
Three bands played throughout the afternoon and into the evening, and American Legion Post 21 hosted a food stand in addition to local companies’ food trucks and beer tents.
Returning attendees said they love coming every year because they like spending a day outside near Clear Creek. They also enjoy the traditions, the free children’s activities and the live music. Several newcomers felt likewise, describing how they enjoyed it so much they were planning to return next year.
Click through additional photos from this year’s 4th of July Festival:
Luca, 2, plays with his toy golf set during Golden’s 4th of July Festival at Lions Park. Credit: Corinne Westeman 
Dan Ross throws a disc with his son and grandson during Golden’s 4th of July Festival at Lions Park. Credit: Corinne Westeman 
Michelle Nicholson, a volunteer with American Legion Post 21, sells food for the organization’s fundraiser at Golden’s 4th of July Festival at Lions Park. Credit: Corinne Westeman 
Hundreds of people gather to celebrate Independence Day at Golden’s 4th of July Festival at Lions Park. Credit: Corinne Westeman 
As Jeff Goodwin and the Front Range Cowboys warm up, Goodwin’s family members watch from front-row seats during Golden’s 4th of July Festival at Lions Park. Credit: Corinne Westeman 
The crowd stands for the national anthem as one attendee, at center, sings along during Golden’s 4th of July Festival at Lions Park. Credit: Corinne Westeman 
A face-painting artist works during Golden’s 4th of July Festival at Lions Park. Credit: Corinne Westeman 
Kimberly Bruno and her 4-year-old Maeve share food during Golden’s 4th of July Festival at Lions Park. Credit: Corinne Westeman 
A member of Jeff Goodwin and the Front Range Cowboys performs during Golden’s 4th of July Festival at Lions Park. Credit: Corinne Westeman 
As seen in the reflection, people stand in line at the HipPOPs food truck to buy its handcrafted gelato bars during Golden’s 4th of July Festival at Lions Park. Credit: Corinne Westeman 
Kendra and Zak Zimmer wear red-white-and-blue attire during Golden’s 4th of July Festival at Lions Park. Credit: Corinne Westeman 
Siblings JoJo, 8, and Alex, 4, dance during Golden’s 4th of July Festival at Lions Park. Credit: Corinne Westeman