More than 20,000 people are part of Pueblo West’s water war

Most people like to celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks, but others like to do it with a splash.

More than 20,000 people attended the annual Pueblo West Dry-Wet Parade Saturday.

“The largest water fest we heard west of the Mississippi River,” Pueblo West Fire Chief Brian Caserta said.

People were drenching, moistening and soaking emergency crews, floats and other spectators.

“It’s just everybody against everybody. You load up, you get them wet and they come get you,” participant Dan Sullivan said.

The origin of the event started on a hot day more than 30 years ago.

Caserta said former Fire Chief Jack Fowler wanted to cool people down during the parade by spraying water on them.

“It’s a truly a living memorial. This is a wonderful tradition that Chief Jack Fowler started and it has just grown. I know he would be proud that the tradition has continued,” he said.

The event did include a dry section at the beginning of the parade which included honoring active military and the veterans.