Everyone’s favorite little furry pre-spring friend, Punxsutawney Phil, predicted an early spring this Groundhog Day, and it seems we were graced with springtime temperatures far past their expiration date. For those of you (and I am sure there are not many) that have been diligently anticipating that summertime heat, fear not because it would appear summer is finally here in the Phoenix area, and just in time for America’s birthday!
Independence Day can be an exciting time in the Valley, and there is no shortage of events to help you celebrate, from fireworks to cookouts, zoo animals, and concerts. Click here for a more complete list of Fourth of July fun! Phoenix is known for having incredible hiking spots—but this Independence Day, the City of Phoenix is taking no chances, and giving in to no superstitions (even those steeped in tradition involving a meteorologist groundhog) when it comes to weather and fire risks. Parks and Rec will be closing all of the desert trails beginning at 3 p.m. on the Fourth. Who honestly wants to be hiking in the desert at 3:00 p.m. in the Arizona summer is beyond me but nevertheless! For all you avid hikers and naturalists out there who are not keen on eating your body’s weight in hot dogs, check here for information on which trails are affected. Everyone should also make sure to educate yourselves on the “fire ban” that has been in place since May 1, 2019.
Fires and excessive heat (although it is ONLY supposed to reach 108 degrees) are not the only things to worry about while traveling about the greater Valley this Fourth. Fox 10 reported that according to a new study, Phoenix makes the list of deadliest cities to drive during the holiday (coming in at number 7 out of the top 10). AAA says nearly 49 million people are planning to hit the road nationwide—that is up 4.1 percent from last Fourth of July week. With more people on the road, there are bound to be more accidents, and last year, 43 people lost their lives on Arizona Highways during this time, of which nearly half involved alcohol and impaired driving.
This Fourth of July, believe no superstitious groundhogs and take no chances when it comes to drinking and driving. Know your limits, organize a ride-share with a sober driver, and ALWAYS know your rights!
Happy Fourth of July from our firm to you!
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Things to Do for Fourth of July in Phoenix, VisitPhoenix, https://www.visitphoenix.com/blog/post/fourth-july-phoenix/
Phoenix Named One of the Deadliest Cities to Drive in During Fourth of July, Fox 10 (2019), http://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/arizona-news/phoenix-named-one-of-the-deadliest-cities-to-drive-in-during-fourth-of-july
Sam Ruland, Groundhog Day 2019 Schedule, York Daily Record (2019), https://www.ydr.com/story/news/2019/01/17/groundhog-day-2019-time-date-and-live-stream-information-will-punxsutawney-phil-see-shadow/2591391002/