Brynn Robinson, 3, of Cottage Grove, celebrates July 4 in Holt Park in 2019. CHRONICLE ARCHIVES
Creswell City Manager Michelle Amberg has a clear message for residents and regional fans of Creswell’s popular Fourth of July Celebration: “Yes!”
To be more specific, City leaders are working with community volunteers to plan an array of activities and contests around the holiday.
“It’s about small-town pride, and we celebrate Americana,” she said. “If people are wondering about whether Creswell is celebrating July 4th, the answer is yes,” Amberg said enthusiastically.
The idea is to maximize safety while encouraging family fun throughout the neighborhoods. She noted that “car cruises” are becoming a popular way to safely socialize at a distance, and the early planning stages involve activities where people can spend time driving in their cars and sharing community experiences.
While still in the early planning stages, she mentioned several ideas:
— Contests for best-decorated house, cutest pet and sidewalk chalk art. Neighbors could drive around and check out how others were celebrating at home.
— She’s hopeful the business community will get involved with gift cards and decorated storefronts.
— A Kona Ice truck will be driving through neighborhoods, handing out free ice cones
— The traditional flyover by jets
— Light displays are planned for Holt Park, City Hall and the library.
“We still have to follow all of the rules, and 25 people is a pretty big gathering for one house,” Amberg said. “Let’s have a safe and sane Fourth. It’s already bad conditions for fire season.”
She speculated that “even if we had the traditional fireworks, it would have been impacted by the fire conditions.”
Lastly, Amberg encouraged residents with celebratory ideas to contact the City with those suggestions.
