This year’s “Party in the Park” will include a variety of events for the whole family to celebrate America’s Independence Day. Lovington will be hosting these events at Chapparal Park on July 4. While some events won’t be possible yet because social distancing and the challenges presented by the ongoing pandemic, there is still a full schedule of events for the day, culminating in the fireworks show at night.

People are encouraged to come enjoy the activities at the park and can bring their own picnic blankets, folding chairs and food. For more information on the event, contact the Lovington Chamber at 575-396-5311. Here is the day’s schedule of Fourth of July events below:

7:30 AM – Registration for Events

For early events such as the Fishing Derby and 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament, registration will open at 7:30.

8:00 AM – Flag Raising Ceremony

Boy Scouts of America will be honoring our community by joining the Flag Raising Ceremony at the park at 8:00 AM. BSA Troop 300, BSA Troop 301 and Cub Scout Pack 89 will be assisting with the hoisting of our nation’s colors.

8:00 AM to 11:30 AM – Fishing Derby

A Fishing Derby will be held in the morning at the Chaparral Lake. There will be three age groups: 3 to 7, 8 to 11 and 12 to 18. Prizes will be given out based on the weight of caught fish. Fishing gear will not be provided at the event and participants will need to bring their own gear. Fish must be caught on a hook and line. No nets. No rebel hooks.

Registration opens at 7:30 AM.

More information and signup/catch sheets are provided here (PDF).

8:00 AM to 8:00 PM – 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament

There will be six age divisions for the basketball tournament: 10 and under, 11 to 12, 13 to 14, 15 to 16, 17 to 18 and 19 and older. Registration is $50 per team and there are four players to a team.

Trophies, tshirts and other prizes will be awarded.

Each team will need to have a coach who is a parent/guardian of one of the underage players.

For more information, contact Mike at 575-263-4918. You can register for the tournament using this form.

1:00 PM to 7:00 PM – Street Fair

Several vendors will be setting up in the park for the street fair along the main drive. Come check out the goodies and great food available from local businesses. Vendors will begin setting up in the early afternoon and be around until the evening so people can stop by throughout the day as they’re enjoying activities in the park.

Some of the vendors will include Taco’N Madres, The Two Amigas, El Kaga Palo and Ashleigh’s Style.

Goodie bags will be given out to children beginning at 1:00 PM, courtesy of WM of New Mexico. Supplies are limited and will be first come, first serve.

4:00 PM to 6:00 PM – Kids’ Activities

A variety of kids’ activities will be held in the late afternoon and early evening for children under 12. These events will include a Bike Parade, a Hula Hoop contest, a Sack Race and a 3-Legged Race.

For the bike parade, children should bring their own bike and adorn it with celebratory décor such as ribbons and balloons to show off their patriotic spirit.

Parents of children looking to participate can call the Lovington Chamber for more information at 575-396-5311.

6:00 PM – Great American Lizard Race

Lovington’s iconic lizard race will continue this year at Chaparral Park. The event is scheduled to kick off at 6:00 PM. Attendance is free.

9:00 PM – Fireworks Show

The main event will be the fireworks show which is scheduled to kick off at 9:00 PM. Most Lovington residents should have a great view from their own homes as the city lights up the night sky. However, there are many places around town, including at Chaparral Park, where you can get a front-row seat.