Foothills 4th to start early at Rawhide

Ahwatukee Foothills residents can get a jumpstart on their Fourth of July celebration.

The Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce, along with Rawhide at Wild Horse Pass, Wal-Mart and Freeway Chevrolet, are putting on the Red, White and Boom, a Star Spangled Shootout! at Rawhide, 5700 W. North Loop Road on the Gila River Reservation.

The Rawhide gates open at 5:30 p.m. for various attractions in the "town." Fireworks start at 9:15.

The celebration will include a Best-Dressed Cowboy Contest where adults and children can put on their Western wares to compete for prizes, Rawhide marketing manager Brianna Peterson said.

Visitors can also ride a mechanical bull, take a train ride, watch a card shark and listen to music performed by The Shovelheads, Way Out West, Jeff Harrison and a mariachi band, Peterson said.

Participants can also watch regular shows in the theaters and take advantage of special prices on margaritas and food.

An American flag fireworks display will be produced, as well as aerial fireworks, Peterson said.

Family passes cost $65 for up to six people and include town activities and aerial fireworks seating. A town pass costs $18 per person and includes town activities and fireworks seating. A fireworks-only ticket costs $5 per adult and $3 for children. Kids ages 5 and younger can attend the fireworks for free.

Tickets can be purchased at the Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce, 10235 S. 51st St.; Foothills Ace Hardware, 1335 E. Chandler Blvd.; Ahwatukee Community Swim & Tennis Center, 4700 E. Warner Road, and Ahwatukee Foothills Family YMCA, 1030 E. Liberty Lane. Or visit www.ahwatukeechamber.com.