Fourth of July in NW, Southern, Eastern and Central Oregon
Published 06/18/2014
(Portland, Oregon) – Much is happening all over the state for Fourth of July, from tons of displays on the Oregon coast to Portland, eastern Oregon, southern Oregon, the Gorge and central Oregon. Here is just a sampler.
Ashland. The theme for this year’s event is “This Land is Our Land.” The celebration is more than 100 years old. Festivities begin early with a run, followed by a parade, activities, food and afternoon entertainment at the Band shell in Lithia Park. Fireworks at dusk. http://www.ashlandchamber.com
Baker City. It's the 4th of July Weekend at the Sumpter Valley Railroad. Special activities, including a flea market. (541) 894-2268.
Bend, Oregon. Numerous events happen in the central Oregon town.
Spark Your Heart 5k Walk/Run at 8 am. Riverbend Park. 4th of July Pet Parade through downtown Bend, starting at 10 a.m.
Culinary Secrets of Central Oregon Tour. This takes place at several locations around Bend, Oregon. Trail along with The Well Traveled Fork as they show some of the area's most unique food, wine and spirit establishments and learn their secrets. 10:30 am.
Old Fashioned July 4th Festival. Various family activities at Drake Park, on Mirror Pond.
Enormous fireworks at Pilot Butte State Park, one of Oregon's largest and most legendary displays.
Cascade Locks, in the Columbia Gorge. Thousands gather in the Marine Park to picnic and enjoy gargantuan fireworks in Cascade Locks. Launched from the end of Thunder Island at dark, it's a well-known show that glimmers over the Columbia River and echoes between the mountains of the Gorge. cascadelocks.net/fourthofjuly.php
Central Point. Red White and BOOM! at Jackson County Fairgrounds. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. No outside food, drink or alcohol is permitted. Gates open at 6 p.m. and the program begins at 7 p.m.
Dundee, Oregon Wine Country. Independence Day means Red, White and Rosé at Erath Winery, near Dundee, Oregon. They will be pouring summer favorites serving locally-made Carlton Farm meats. The event is $15 and includes wine flight, food and take-home logo glass. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Erath Winery. 9409 NE Worden Hill Road, Dundee, Oregon. http://erath.com/
Forest Grove. On the outskirts of Washington County's wine country, you have a huge fireworks display at dusk. At 7 pm enjoy live music by local singer/songwriter Josh Smith, followed by fireworks on the field (9:30pm). Admission is free; suggested donation of $5 per person to help fund this and future fireworks shows. Tom McCall Upper Elementary School in Forest Grove. 503-357-3006.
Haines, Oregon. The tiny town in eastern Oregon has the classic American 4th of July festival with cowboy breakfast, parade, fireworks and more. http://www.hainesstampede.com/
Hillsboro. The Hillsboro Rotary Club puts on a parade – a tradition going back to 1926. Begins at 10 a.m. Fireworks at dusk. 503-348-5729.
Portland: Massive fireworks erupt over Portland from a barge on the Willamette. Downtown and the east river bank will be packed, but great viewing can be still had fairly close to all the action. Even so, they are large enough to be seen from many bars, parks and gathering places throughout SE and NE Portland. It's not impossible to find a place to park nearby, but it will take some searching.
On top of Mount Tabor is another popular spot to watch them fire off.
Portland: Independence Day Fireworks Cruises. This Independence Day, hit the waves for a relaxing dinner cruise followed by the annual downtown Portland fireworks display viewed from the best possible location: on the river just a couple hundred yards from the fireworks barges.
The price is $99 per passenger, which includes dinner, entertainment, coffee, tea, and service gratuity. Portland Spirit: Boarding at 7 pm at Salmon Street Springs in Portland. Cruising 7:30 pm – 10 pm aboard the Portland Spirit, returning and remaining dockside until 10:30 pm for fireworks viewing. http://www.portlandspirit.com/fireworks.php
St. Paul. 79th Annual 4th of July Rodeo. Nearly 1,000 competitor cowboys battle it out in one of Oregon's biggest attractions and festivals. It runs July 1 – 5. www.stpaulrodeo.com/
Willamina Fourth: Willamina will hold its annual Old-fashioned Fourth of July Celebration starting with a barbecue and concert in Lamson Park on July 3. July 4 festivities include a 5K race and walk, pancake breakfast, traditional logging show, arm wrestling competition, 6 p.m. parade, fireworks at dusk, vendor booths and other activities. To participate or for more information, call Mary Jane at 503-876-8799.
See Oregon Coast Fourth of July celebrations here. See Oregon Wine Country lodging.
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