Independence Day is Almost Here!

The 4th of July has landed on a Friday this year, giving us a four day week and a weekend packed with good weather, good food, and good company. It’s shaping up to be an excellent bank holiday, and we at The Lodge at Red River Ranch have the perfect recommendation on how to maximize your Independence Day. 

Just a five minute drive down the road from us is the locally famous Torrey Apple Days, a hometown festival tradition dedicated to the celebration of American Independence. The event runs from July 4th – July 5th, with activities starting in the evening on the 4th and running all day on the 5th. 

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Friday, July 4th, 2025

No one wants to cook on vacation. If you stop by the Torrey Pavillion, you can help yourself to a free dinner. Starting at 5 pm, and provided by the Torrey Town Council, it’s a great way to rub elbows with the locals while you plate up. 

Call it a night or pop into the local church to see an hour long patriotic program with the American Legion. 

Once it gets dark, you can attend the Star Party by Torrey Dark Skies. In a world of increasing light pollution, it’s becoming harder and harder to appreciate the night skies and clearly view the constellations. In and around Torrey Utah, we’re lucky to have limited light pollution and the ability to see some incredible stars. This is what Torrey Dark Skies is all about, giving you the opportunity to see the planets and Milky Way in full splendor. Catch them in the Town Park.

Next, get some good sleep, because the real fun begins Saturday. 

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Saturday, July 5th, 2025

The day kicks off with a 7am 5K. Considering how hot it can get in July, you’ll be glad of the early start. The entry fee of $35 covers the cost of organizing the race, and includes your own Apple Days t-shirt. Meet at the Town Hall to suit up and stretch. It’s a friendly race with friendly people, and the reward is an endorphin boost and lunges full of beautiful fresh air. 

You can refuel at the local church breakfast fundraiser, which is available from 6:30 to 9 am, and offers all the characteristics of a hearty American breakfast. Pancakes, bacon, sausage, eggs—all the classics. Your money goes towards funding the church youth group’s camping and educational extracurriculars, so rest assured it’s going straight to supporting the community. 

By 10am we’ve reached the most celebrated part of Torrey Apple Days (and our personal favorite): the parade. Crowds fill both sides of Main Street, with people claiming their spots with blankets and camping chairs. No seats are provided, and it’s first come first served, so you might want to plan ahead and get there early. 

The parade has everything a parade should have. Cheerleader routines, classic cars, fire engines, cowboys, horses, floats, sports teams, beauty pageant winners, and the mayor, just to list a few. And of course, lots and lots and lots of candy. Bring a basket (or a pillowcase) to collect all the goodies. 

The parade lasts about an hour, but the fun continues. Local venders set up shop in Town Park selling everything from handmade jewellery to quilts, photography to wood carvings. Food trucks are also in operation, with tons of tasty 4th of July themed treats. Apple pie anyone? There is also a carnival for the little ones, with games, activities, and bouncy houses just for them.

For those who enjoy a good competition, be sure to check out the Pie Eating Contest. It starts at 12pm, and always draws a large crowd. If you’re feeling particularly ambitious, you can enter it yourself. The winner walks away with $100 and enough pie to keep anyone satisfied for the rest of the year. 

If that seems like a good prize, we can do even better. Make you way to the canal on Main Street for the Apple Derby. You can pick up your apple from the Chuckwagon store, also located on main. If you’ve never done an derby before, don’t worry, it’s very simple. The fastest apple down the canal wins! 

The prizes include a TV, youth bikes, a yeti cooler, gift certificates, and much more. It’s largely the luck of the draw, but you never know, you apple could come out in front. The derby starts at 3 pm, but you’ll want to have picked up your apple and have checked in before that. 

From this point in the day it will be very hot, so we recommend a break. A shower, or a nap even, to escape the heat of the day will be just what the doctor ordered. Our rooms at Red River Ranch have plenty of AC and soft towels, and since it’s only a quick drive away from Torrey Apple Days, it’s the ideal location for a regroup. 

For a relaxing evening, 7 am is Bingo at the Torrey Pavillion. For something a bit more lively, wander down to the The Big Apple for live music and dancing. Hosted by Borderline, you’re sure to experience the full gambit of small town charm and friendliness, as well as great music. Beginning at 8:30, it’s angled more towards teens and adults than little ones, and continues to 11 pm. 

But no 4th of July celebration would be complete without fireworks. In full patriotic spirit, the final event of the evening will be a full fireworks display, the perfect ending to a perfect day. 

And there you have it. Your own guide to Torrey Apple Days, and a chance to celebrate the 4th in true American fashion. Pick and chose your activities, or do them all. Either way it’s going to be a fantastic weekend. Happy 4th of July!