(Lander, WY) – As 4th of July approaches, the Lander Police Department, Lander Volunteer Fire Department, and City of Lander would like to remind the community of important safety measures and regulations. This holiday is one of the busiest times of the year for our town, with Lander’s population doubling in size. We urge everyone to drive slowly, remain patient, and show respect toward each other, event organizers, and first responders.
Parade and Race Road Closures and Detours
To accommodate the 1-Mile Run and the Lander Pioneer Days Parade, Main Street will be closed between First Street and Amoretti Street starting at 9 AM. Detour signs will direct traffic along Amoretti Street, but please anticipate some delays.
Northbound and southbound crossovers will remain open at Second, Seventh, and Ninth Streets until the parade begins at 10 AM. These crossovers will temporarily close during the parade and reopen shortly after. The Fifth Street crossover will close at 9 AM to support the kids’ portion of the Challenge for Charities race.
We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we ensure a safe and enjoyable parade for all!
Fireworks in Lander
Fireworks are a hallmark of Independence Day, and we invite everyone to enjoy them responsibly. Fireworks are permitted from 10 AM to midnight within city limits, except in the following areas:
-On Main Street
-One block north and south of Main Street during the parade
-On city-owned properties, including the rodeo grounds, airport parking lot, City Park, Lander Golf Course, Mount Hope Cemetery, and all parks
-East of the Fremont County Detention Center between Amoretti and Poor Farm Road -On school district parking lots or properties
Let’s honor this tradition by cleaning up fireworks debris to keep our community beautiful.
Fireworks Viewing at Mount Hope Cemetery
For a beautiful fireworks viewing experience, Mount Hope Cemetery will remain open until midnight. To protect this space, please avoid parking on the grass or near sprinklers (marked with orange cones), and remember that fireworks cannot be launched from the cemetery.
A Safe Parade for Everyone
To ensure the safety of parade participants and spectators, water balloons and fireworks are not allowed on or near Main Street during the parade. These precautions also help protect the horses and animals that are part of the festivities. Consider leaving your dog at home to avoid stress and ensure a smooth parade experience. If you bring your dog, it must be under your control at all times to ensure the safety and comfort of everyone attending. Bikes and scooters, unless they are part of a parade float, are not allowed on the route to maintain a safe environment for everyone.
Parking on Main Street
Main Street will be clear of vehicles starting at 2 AM on July 4th to prepare for the parade and Challenge for Charities races. Please move vehicles from these areas to avoid towing.
There will also be no parking on the 100 block of North First Street beginning the evening of July 3rd through the end of the parade. Vehicles parked in this area will be towed at the owner’s expense.
Open Container
The City of Lander allows open containers within city limits from 9 AM to 11:59 PM on July 4th as per Resolution 1360. Please drink responsibly.
Fire Safety Tips from the Lander Volunteer Fire Department
Celebrate safely this 4th of July by following these fire safety tips:
-Always have water or a fire extinguisher nearby.
-Light fireworks away from crowds, dry grass or flammable materials.
-Fully submerge used fireworks in water before discarding them.
-Supervise children and prioritize safety.
-Never hold fireworks in your hands – always place fireworks on a stable surface before lighting and allow them to cool completely before disposing.
If you see a fire or have an emergency, please call 911 immediately and provide the location and details.
Parade Chairs
Chairs may be placed on Main Street sidewalks at the owner’s risk.
-When setting up chairs, please leave space for pedestrian traffic and access to ADA platforms. -If you’re placing chairs on private property, be sure to get the property owner’s permission first. Property owners may remove chairs without consent.
-To help with race timing, chairs cannot be placed on the south side of the 200 block of Main Street (between 2nd Street and the Carwash) until after 9:45 AM.
Pets
The Lander Police Department will not pick up stray dogs running at large on July 4th unless they pose a threat or require quarantine. Emergency kennels are available at Lander Pet Connection. To ensure your pets are safe and comfortable during the celebrations: -Make sure collars have updated ID tags.
-Secure pets in a safe location away from noise.
-Have a recent photo of your pet on hand, just in case.
Let’s all celebrate this Independence Day safely! Thank you for your cooperation and have fun!