Old-fashoined July 4, with games and grand fireworks show in Florence, will be a blast
The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce, proving again that Florence is the family-friendly “Oregon’s Coastal Playground,” has announced this year’s Independence Day celebrations—from a 10:00 a.m. bike parade to pie- and watermelon-eating contests to live music to the fireworks at 10:00 p.m. The events will take over Historic Old Town.
The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce, the City of Florence, and the Port of Siuslaw have come together again to produce Florence’s annual 4th of July fireworks display. The Porch Parade runs from July 2 to July 4, the bike parade proceeds down Bay Street on July 4, and the annual pie- and watermelon-eating contests, music, and other fun fill the afternoon in Historic Old Town Florence.
FIREWORKS:
The fireworks will be shot over the Siuslaw River from the east end of the Port of Siuslaw Campground in Historic Old Town beginning at about 10:00 p.m. on Friday, July 4. The location provides a multitude of great vantage points for spectators with the colorful 30-minute program reflecting off the river. Private fireworks are not allowed.
But there is much more to celebrating America’s 249th birthday in Florence than the excellent fireworks show…
Florence Habitat for Humanity and the City of Florence are joining together again to host additional fun for locals and visitors alike. Everyone is invited to participate or cheer on their friends and neighbors in three great memory-making events—the porch parade, the bike parade, and pie- and watermelon-eating contests.
THREE-DAY PORCH PARADE:
Locals are invited to unleash their creativity and show their patriotic pride by decorating their front porch, front window, yard, or any area of their home or business visible from the street. Registration is free and is open now through July 1 at 3:00 p.m. at FlorenceHabitat.org. The first 50 homes/businesses to register will have a Porch Parade sign placed in their front yard. Maps showing all registered homes and businesses will be available on the Habitat website or at ReStore on July 2. Voting for the best displays will open July 2 and run through July 4 at 4:00 p.m.
BAY STREET BIKE PARADE:
Start the day on the 4th of July by decorating a bike, trike, wagon, scooter, or just about anything that moves and show your patriotic spirit during the 4th of July Bike Parade. Additional decorations will be on hand to help make your entry red, white, and blue.
Registration and staging for the bike parade will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Hemlock between Rhododendron Drive and First Street. The parade will begin at 10:00 a.m. Early registration forms are available at Florence Habitat ReStore and City Hall. If you don’t want to ride in the parade, bring your lawn chairs to cheer on the parade as it makes its way down Bay Street.
PIE- & WATERMELON-EATING CONTESTS:
You will not want to miss the Pie- and Watermelon-Eating Contest. This is a public favorite each year. Contestants from 5 to 105 can compete to see who can finish their piece first. The contest will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, July 4, at the east end of the waterfront boardwalk near Bridgeport Market.
Sign-up begins at 10:30 at the competition site. Contestants under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. The cost is free to compete, but space is limited to the first 35 in each category. Competitions will be held for youth 5-10 years, teens 11-15 years, and adults 16 and older, with trophies for the winners. This year also includes a cookie bake sale as a fundraiser for Florence Habitat. Register for the pie/watermelon eating contests and then enjoy some yummy cookies while supporting Florence Habitat for Humanity.
MUSIC AT THE PORT:
For the fifth year in a row, festivities include live and recorded music to entertain attendees outdoors on the Three Rivers Casino Resort Stage, highlighted by music by host DJ Al Rojas and featuring the band FM DAZE. Rojas says there will be drawings for prizes throughout the free four-hour show. The music begins in Old Town at 6:00 p.m., and Rojas will provide patriotic music to accompany the fireworks display.
FIREWORKS:
One of the coast’s biggest, brightest, and longest-lasting fireworks shows begins at dusk (approximately 10:00 p.m.). The show will be launched over (and reflected off of) the Siuslaw River from the east end of the Port of Siuslaw property, giving viewers throughout Old Town, along the bridge, and in other locations a thrilling show and a fantastic photo op.
“The Port, the City, and the Chamber will work again with the experts at Western Display Fireworks to make this happen,” said Chamber president/CEO Bettina Hannigan. “Big thanks go to the Port for their generosity in providing the launch location again. This year the City of Florence, the Port of Siuslaw, and the Florence Area Chamber are jointly funding the big event. We look forward to celebrating our nation’s freedom and encourage everyone in Florence to find safe and fun ways to celebrate Independence Day this year, and then to look to the skies that evening for the beautiful display we have planned.”
INVITATION:
“We invite folks from around the state to make it a day—and a weekend—to remember. Come shop, eat, stay, play, and celebrate here in Oregon’s Coastal Playground,” she added.
Businesses, civic clubs, or individuals interested in making any size contribution to demonstrate their appreciation and offset the cost of the event are asked to contact Hannigan at 541-997-3128 or mail/drop off a check at the Chamber’s Visitors Center, 290 Highway 101.
For more information on the events, or how to join or support the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce, visit FlorenceFun.com.
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