Editor’s note: This story was updated to include a new map of the parade route, reflecting a change in the starting location from 9th Street to 8th Street as currently published on the Chamber website.
CRESWELL – The self-proclaimed “place to be for the Fourth of July” appears to be proving its merit as Creswell gears up to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary, an all-day affair featuring live music, food, a parade, a rodeo, and a spectacular fireworks display – this year, with new backdrops.
The Creswell Chamber of Commerce will host its Independence Day festivities, kicking off with a public pancake breakfast, organized by New Hope Baptist Church, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Holt Park. The breakfast is free, though organizers suggest a $5 donation. Food trucks and vendors will operate in the park from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Hang around Holt Park, and you’ll hear a blend of Americana, country, folk, blues, and Hawaiian tunes from Richie G & Ma Beat from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m., wrapping up just before the parade. You’ll know it’s time when you hear and see the Air Force flyover, signaling the start of the parade – this year on a new route.
But before we get to the parade details – the Air Force’s plane isn’t the only one taking flight.
The Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 31 will host a Young Eagles Flight event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Hobby Field Airport, 83501 Melton Road. The event offers free introductory flights for children and teenagers ages 8 to 17, and a parent or guardian must be present to sign a liability release form. Online registration opens at 9 a.m. July 1 and closes at 6 p.m. July 3. Registration is available at events.eaachapters.org/event-details/JT3486B4G.
Back on the ground, the updated parade route is shown in blue, with alternative vehicle routes outlined in orange. The parade starts at 11 a.m.
Rock N Rewind will rock the park with classic rock and blues favorites from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., and if you mosey over to the Creswell Grange at 274 W. Oregon Ave., starting at 9 a.m., you’ll find a craft and vintage sale with vendors stationed indoors and on the lawn. A snack bar will sell hot dogs, chips, and sodas, and Dakota Harris, who has an affinity for Elvis Presley songs, will perform live.
If you’re feeling a little rowdy, the Creswell Post Acute Freedom Festival Hell on Hooves rodeo event kicks off at 3 p.m. in the field right next to Emerald Valley Dental. Read Ron Hartman’s story this week for more details on that event hosted and organized by Wild West Events Inc.
Back at Harry Holt Park, Coupe De Ville, “the Cadillac of variety dance bands,” will perform from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., getting you in the groove for the fireworks show.
The fireworks display, formerly shot off at Creswell High, will debut at dusk from South Mill Street, with the best public viewing areas along South Highway 99 and behind TJ’s Restaurant.
With high fire danger and drought conditions in mind, Michelle Melvin, community engagement specialist, wants to assure the public that the celebration will be as “safe as it is spectacular.”
“As we prepare to celebrate Independence Day together, we also recognize the challenges presented by this year’s elevated fire danger. The safety of our community, our first responders, and the beautiful landscape that surrounds us remains our highest priority,” Melvin stated.
She said the Chamber has been working with the Lane County Fire Marshal to “ensure this year’s event meets enhanced safety standards and incorporates every reasonable precaution,” from launch protective zones to specially designed fireworks.
“Fireworks will be launched exclusively from a blacktop surface to reduce the risk of ignition, and we have selected fireworks specifically designed to produce significantly less fallout, minimizing debris and lowering fire risk,” Melvin said. “The protected safety zone around the launch area has been increased to provide an even greater buffer, and fire personnel and emergency responders will be stationed throughout the event and prepared to respond immediately if needed.”
Melvin said the Chamber continues to work with the Lane County Fire Marshal’s Office leading up to and throughout the event.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to continue this tradition while demonstrating that celebration and responsibility can go hand in hand. Together, let’s enjoy a memorable evening while honoring the people, preparation, and precautions that make it possible,” she said.
