Fireworks, parades, fun runs and other festivities will take place throughout the Willamette Valley to celebrate a notable Fourth of July this year, marking 250 years since the Declaration of Independence was signed.
In Keizer, the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes’ annual Patriotic Tribute Weekend will include a memorial honoring 6,500 people killed serving in the armed forces on Friday, July 3.
Festivities will be held from July 3-5 at Roto-Rooter Park, with fireworks after the evening baseball games on Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4. Doors open for the games at 4:30 p.m., and veterans can enter free with up to four family members by emailing [email protected].
There will be a virtual reality opportunity allowing people to “sign” the Declaration of Independence themselves, a “Weapons Wagon” teaching about different weapons and tributes to veterans and active-duty military members held throughout the weekend. A kid zone with face painting and a llama will be present on Sunday.
In Salem, people can enjoy fireworks, live music, a carnival and more at the Oregon State Fairgrounds. Festivities will run from 4 p.m. until 11 p.m. on Saturday, July 4. Fireworks will be free to view, but parking will cost $10.
Musicians will include Escape, a Journey tribute band, and Take a Little Ride, a Jason Aldean tribute band.
Celebrations throughout the valley:
St. Paul: The annual St. Paul Rodeo offers a carnival, vendors and rodeo events from Tuesday, June 30, through Saturday, July 4. The slack begins at 9 a.m. Tuesady, June 30 and Wednesday, July 1, and at 3 p.m. July 2-3. Fireworks follow evening rodeo performances each night. More information can be found on the rodeo website.
Stayton: The fun run will kick off at 9 a.m., with registration beginning at 7:30 a.m. at the Stayton Community Center on Saturday, July 4. A parade, themed for the 250 year anniversary, will begin at noon. The route begins along Regis Street.
Woodburn: Celebrations will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 4, including food, live music, games and fireworks beginning at 10 p.m. It will be held at Centennial Park.
Molalla: Molalla Buckeroo rodeo takes place July 1-4 at 815 Shirley Street, complete with fireworks and live music. Festivities also include a parade on Saturday, July 4, and a fun run. More information can be found on the city of Molalla’s website.
Mt. Angel: A parade will begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 4, running from the JFK High School, 890 E. Marquam St. to City Hall at 5 N. Garfield St. A firework show will be held at 8 p.m. at the school fields.
Silverton: The Oregon Garden’s annual fireworks takes place Friday, July 3. The garden opens at 9 a.m., and festivities include food trucks and live music. Fireworks at 10 p.m. More information and tickets can be found on the Oregon Garden’s website.
Monmouth: The city’s July 4th Festival runs July 3-4, featuring carnival games, a theater performance and live music. On Saturday, July 4, celebrations include a classic car show, mini marathon, parade and children’s parade and more live music. Details can be found on the city of Monmouth’s website.
