It seems we're not alone in Western Colorado. Several Colorado towns have canceled their 4th of July Fireworks. Here's a list of communities where you will NOT be seeing fireworks this year.

Please note - just because fireworks have been canceled it does not necessarily imply all festivities and celebrations have been called off. Many communities are hosting parties in lieu of fireworks. Steamboat and Glenwood Springs are both going with laser shows. Aspen will present a drone light show.

According to The Denver Channel, the weather isn't necessarily to blame for the cancellations. Town of Breckenridge spokesperson Haley Littleton says, "It's just dry. Really dry, low humidity, high fire danger."

Here's the rundown of communities canceling their 4th of July fireworks:

  • Aspen
  • Breckenridge
  • Buena Vista
  • Cañon City
  • Castle Rock
  • Durango
  • Frisco
  • Fruita
  • Georgetown
  • Glenwood Springs
  • Idaho Springs
  • Kiowa
  • Manitou Springs
  • Ouray
  • Pagosa Springs
  • Silverton
  • Steamboat Springs
  • Telluride
  • Woodland Park

Could this represent a new trend when it comes to 4th of July celebrations? Let's face it, technology has changed drastically in the last few years. Laser light shows are common, and they don't explode or set things on fire. Is it possible these recent changes might signify a permanent change in the way we celebrate Independence Day?

Every year during our pilgrimage to Las Vegas, my friend and I stop off at the fireworks mega-outlet store between Las Vegas and Mesquite. I've never purchased fireworks in my life. My buddy, on the other hand, buys the mortar shell family pack. I've seen him drop $400 on supplies for his annual 4th of July neighborhood gala.

Times might just be changing. I'm not entirely sure I'm going to miss fireworks. My grandpa took me to the Fruita fireworks every year back in the 70's and 80's. This was long before the days of fireworks being choreographed to music. At the time we thought it was cool. Over the years, shows became far more elaborate. Nowadays, we have laser shows.

Let's remember the nature of the celebration. On July 4th we celebrate our independence (enter flashback scene of Bill Pullman from the movie "Independence Day). How about spending time with family?

More From 99.9 KEKB - Grand Junction's Favorite Country