Tucsonans decked out in red, white and blue attire will gather at "A" Mountain tomorrow night to help America celebrate its 220th birthday.

In years past, thousands have attended the half-hour fireworks show, put on by the Tucson Convention Center.

Clarence Boykins, assistant director of the TCC, said this year's show starts at 9 p.m.

Brush fires, which break out on the 600-foot peak due to the fireworks, are traditional.

Tucson Fire Department's Public Information Officer Randy Ogden said about six fires broke out last year.

Ogden said two water trucks, two portable tanks and about 18,000 gallons of water will be ready at "A" Mountain this year. Two fire engines and two paramedic units will also be ready.

Officials will wet down the mountain before the show, and the fireworks display will be moved towards the center of the mountain.

This is the first year these particular precautions will be taken.

"The fire chief still reserves the right to cancel the show if he thinks there's an eminent hazard," said Ogden.

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A day of free events, beginning at 7 a.m., is scheduled at the TCC, 260 S. Church Ave.

Events include the third annual Tour for Tucson's Children Bike Race, an all you can eat pancake breakfast, various sports tournaments, children's activities and attractions.

Parking is free.

The TCC will be the final destination for Tucson's first Fourth of July Parade, beginning at 8 a.m. at Armory Park, 220 S. Fifth Ave.

The parade travels north on Sixth Avenue to Broadway Boulevard, continues west to Stone Avenue, then turns south into the TCC parking lot.

Parade participants include veteran groups, antique cars and floats.

Clarence Boykins, TCC's assistant director, said no bleachers will be available.

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The association famous for coordinating Tucson's semiannual street fairs presents the first "Fourth on Fourth" Block Party tomorrow from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Live entertainment, children's activities, soda, food and beer will be part of the party held on Seventh Street just west of Fourth Avenue.

Estella Searcy, office manager at the Fourth Avenue Merchants Association, said the party, and possibly parking, will be free. Parking will be available on the corner of East Seventh Street and North Fifth Avenue.

Most of the avenue's stores will be open.

Bleachers, chairs and tables will be available for partygoers to watch the "A" Mountain fireworks show.

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Even though Betsy Ross isn't sewing anymore, that is not deterring a local organization from holding its annual Fourth of July Betsy Ross party.

WomanKraft, a nonprofit arts organization started in 1974 to recognize women artists, will sponsor the event, said Linn Lane, administrative director.

The organization's yellow Victorian building, called "The Castle," 388 S. Stone Ave., opens at about 7:30 p.m. tomorrow and closes when the "A" Mountain fireworks show ends.

Lane said the celebration is "pretty informal," and is "just a good place to watch the fireworks."

This year, WomanKraft is holding a contest to see who can correctly guess when "A" Mountain will catch fire. The prize is a free night in "The Castle's" suite.

Admission is $3 per person and includes unlimited drinks and snacks. Parking is free.

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Wildcat Web Link: Fourth of July Site

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