Fourth of July celebrations are one of America’s favorite pastimes that honor our nation’s history and independence. Each year, friends and family mark the occasion in their own ways, but a common activity is fireworks.

In Santa Fe, the Kiwanis Club puts on a fireworks display for the entire city to experience without having to pay the costs of doing it yourself or the risk of setting anything on fire. The event draws crowds of all ages who watch from afar as the night sky gets painted with color.

However, the magic wouldn’t be possible without the support of fireworks experts such as Santa Fe native Nicolas Flores. He’s in charge of firing off the display.

Flores joins the latest podcast episode of “Conversations Different,” to discuss with host Inez Russell Gomez, what it takes to execute a successful Fourth of July fireworks show.

The two delve into how Flores became certified to handle such explosives aside from his day job of being a massage therapist. He explains the process for getting the fireworks ready for launch and how they even have certain names.

Flores also speaks on the change in venue this year, from Santa Fe Place mall to Gen. Franklin E. Miles Park, and what those logistics will entail for the festivities.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Santa Fe’s Railyard Park, located a short distance from downtown and the Plaza, is a familiar fixture for longtime residents and frequent visitors alike.

Founded through a public-private partnership in 2010, the park’s urban design in an old industrial train lot became a prominent project for the city of Santa Fe at the time because it preserved prime real estate for the public’s use. Without preservation, developers could’ve reinvented the property, affecting nearby neighborhoods for years to come.

On the latest podcast episode of “Conversations Different,” host Inez Russell Gomez is joined by Railyard Park Conservancy Executive Director Izzy Barr. The two discuss the nonprofit’s role in stewarding Railyard Park and the park’s impact on Santa Fe.

Barr speaks on some of the conservancy's offerings, from horticulture care that teaches gardening to the greenspaces where people can enjoy nature and the outdoors. She also reflects on the nonprofit’s partnerships with other local organizations and how those relationships have made the park the welcoming space it is today.

Learn more by visiting railyardpark.org.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

International Folk Art Market returns July 9–12 at Railyard Park, bringing artisans from around the world to Santa Fe to showcase multicultural works.

The annual market has long served as a venue for folk artists to sell their products and for community members to experience cultures from outside the United States. According to IFAM’s mission, the market is about valuing humanity, traditions and artists who are working hard toward social change in their home countries.

To preview this year’s event, IFAM Executive Director Stacey Edgar and board chair Helena Ribe join host Inez Russell Gomez on the latest podcast episode of “Conversations Different.” They discuss how preparations are going, reflect on past markets and share what they are most looking forward to this year.

Edgar also addresses public concerns about tariffs and visas affecting vendor participation, explaining her organization's efforts to keep the market on track.

For more information and tickets, visit folkartmarket.org

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.