The 4th of July is right around the corner and much is happening around town. Here is all you need to know about the festivities in Lane County this year.
Florence
The self-proclaimed “Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration” returns to Florence this year, with a full-day lineup of festive fun. Starting off the day at 10 am, sit back and enjoy the Pedal with Pride bike parade or hop on your own wheels to take part in the fun. You can also take part in the Porch Parade (which runs from July 2 to July 4) by decorating your porch, yard or front window to show off your community spirit. Either way, don’t forget to register ahead of time, for the Porch Parade online by June 30 at noon or in-person that morning for the bike parade at Bay Street in Old Town.
The excitement continues into the afternoon, with watermelon and pie eating contests at the Port of Siuslaw by Bridgeport Market beginning at 2 pm. Only the first 36 people in each age category (5-10 years, 11-15 years and 16+) will make it to the final competition, so be sure to get registered as it begins at 10:30 am. if you’re looking to join, or simply cheer everyone on!
DJ Al Rojas and the band FM DAZE will usher in an evening of dancing starting at 6 pm, along with drawings for prizes throughout the free four-hour show. Finally, the music is followed by the explosive fireworks show at the Port of Siuslaw starting at 10 pm accompanied by patriotic music via Coast Radio. Head to florencechamber.com to find out more.
Creswell
Grab a tasty energy boost and start out Independence Day right in Downtown Creswell with a pancake breakfast, followed by the iconic holiday parade at 11 a.m. and a military flyover at 11:30 am. Be sure to bring some chairs and bags for the kiddos to collect candy as well!
As the parade presses on, the all-day festival at Holt Park commences from 10 am to 4 pm, jam packed with vendors, food and live music to usher in the holiday spirit. Finally, the evening concludes with a traditional fireworks show beginning at dusk. For more details, head to creswellchamber.com.
Springfield
Springfield Utility Board is ready for another year of holiday fun with an evening of lively celebration through its Light of Liberty event (shown in that beautiful image at the top of the page). Starting at 4 pm, gear up for plenty of live music, food vendors, activities for children, and more at Island Park. This year, the Main Stage will host legendary R&B vocal group The Spinners, along with more music presented by Olem Alves & Inner Limits and Gypsy Moon.
The kids’ area will also feature live music, 40 linear feet of reptiles, a petting zoo, drive-a-robot expo, face painting, and plenty more. Be sure to bring blankets and chairs to fully maximize the leisure! To top it off, be ready for a stellar fireworks show synchronized to music beginning at 10 p.m. Tickets are available for $8 in advance online, $5 in advance at Jerry’s or SUB, and $10 (cash only) at the gate. Kids under 5 get in free. Learn more at the Springfield Utility Board website.
Harrisburg
The longstanding Harrisburg Independence Day celebration is one rooted in tradition, with plenty of festivities to help celebrate the city’s patriotism, history, and community. The day kicks off with the Harrisburg Firecracker 5K and Kids Fun Run, beginning at 9 am and 10 am respectively. Registration has closed, but you can still cheer on the runners from the sidelines. The Harrisburg 4th of July Parade follows soon after at 11 am, going from 7th and Smith Streets onto 3rd Street, LaSelle Street, 9th Street, and ending at Harrisburg High School.
The afternoon will feature vendors and live music from local staples like Outlaw Shine, complete with a line dance lesson, followed by a performance by Cornerstone and the Walters, a presentation of colors, The Pledge of Allegiance, and the National Anthem. The acclaimed fireworks show concludes the evening, and as a donation-based event, the more money raised, the larger the show!
There will also be two flag raising ceremonies on the Fourth, at the museum at 8 am and another at the Riverfront Gazebo at 10 am. If you’re looking to get the fun started early, you can take part in the Pet & Costume Parade on July 3, suitable for pets and people of all ages. Check in begins at 10:30 am on School Street between 1st and 2nd, with judging to begin at 10:45 am and the parade to commence at 11 am.Learn more at the Harrisburg city website and the event’s official Facebook page.
Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill offers its own day full of 4th of July fun. Hosted at the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, their annual 4th of July Celebration offers free food, lawn games, inflatable water slides, and a fantastic fireworks display. This event is open to everyone! Join in for the community BBQ at 4pm. Bring your lawn chairs and picnic blankets and sit up close to the action. Visit the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church website to learn more.
Cottage Grove
Racing enthusiasts, get ready to start your engines for this one-of-a-kind Independence Day celebration in Cottage Grove! Kick off the festivities with excitement through the Freedom Cup final at the Cottage Grove Speedway, capped off with a massive fireworks display at the night’s close. As the speedway notes, “Nothing says America like a night out at the races capped off with a huge fireworks show!”
Pits open at 2 pm, gates at 4 pm, with hot laps beginning at 5:30 pm and races starting at 6:30 pm. Kids general admission (ages 6-12) tickets are $6 each, adult general admission tickets are $20 each, and seniors (ages 62+) are $15 each. Snag tickets at the event page on the Cottage Grove Speedway website.
Eugene
Eugene Pro Rodeo
The Eugene Pro Rodeo is on for the 4th of July weekend! Watch cowboys and cowgirls compete in Roughstock, bareback riding, Saddle Bronc Riding, bull riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, and roping events. There will be rodeo clowns, carnival food, and beer. On July 4, the rodeo concludes with the largest fireworks show in Lane County.
If you can’t make it on the holiday itself, you can also stop in for any of the rodeo’s other events for the week: the Tough Enough to Wear Pink event on July 3, Family Night on July 5, or Military & First Responders Night on July 6. Check out eugeneprorodeo.com for more info.
Butte to Butte
An annual tradition featuring thousands of runners in Eugene, the Rexius OTC Butte to Butte event returns this Independence Day! Race Day includes a 10K Run (8 a.m. start), 5K Run/Walk (7:30 a.m. start), and 4 Mile Mayor’s Fitness Walk (8:30 am start).
Courses take runners and walkers through the historic streets of Eugene, Oregon. Enjoy a unique road race, rooted in tradition, with a fun finish line location and festival expo at 5th Street Public Market. The market will be open from 7 am to 6 pm, featuring live music in the courtyard from 9 to 11 am. Check out buttetobutte.com for details.
Eugene Emeralds Freedom Fireworks Extravaganza
In Eugene, baseball and fireworks are one of the most prominent 4th of July traditions. The Eugene Emeralds Minor League Baseball team hosts the “Red, White, and Boom!” theme day, playing an exciting game of ball in the Tri-City followed by their stellar Freedom Fireworks Extravaganza. Learn more at the Eugene Emeralds website.
Flag Day Display
A unique Flag Day display will be presented at Eugene’s Alton Baker Park for free public viewing. 24 flags, each with an explanation of its historical significance, will be encircling the parks’ Duck Pond – allowing for a leisurely self-guided tour. Bring yourself and others to learn about our country’s history while also enjoying a beautiful sight. This family-friendly event is brought to you by local historian and retired teacher, Ray Brown. Learn more on the Eugene, Cascades & Coast website.
