Fourth of July events booming
Saturday, July 4 | 12:27 a.m.
BY MATT WASTRADOWSKI
COLUMBIAN STAFF WRITER
There might not be a fireworks display near Fort Vancouver this evening, but fireworks figure prominently into several events in Clark County and the region. (Files/The Columbian)
Fireworks won't be lighting up over Fort Vancouver this evening, but that doesn't mean the skies will go completely dark for Clark County revelers. Fireworks are a part of several area celebrations. Here is a list of where to see fireworks displays:
1. Variety of activities offered in Yacolt
The Yacolt Fourth of July Rendezvous celebrates Independence Day with a parade, vendors, couch races, antique cars on display, games and lawn mower races.
The full day of activities ends with a fireworks display at dusk.
When: The parade is at 10 a.m.; vendors are open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; couch races are at 11:30 a.m.; antique cars are on display at noon; games are from 12:30-1:30 p.m.; live music is from 1:30-2:30, 3-4, 4:30-5:30 and 7-9:30 p.m.; lawn mower races are from 2-5 p.m.
; $8 for seniors 62 and older, military members with identification and children 7-12; free for children 6 and younger.¿ Four-day packages are available for $38-$76; $30 for seniors 62 and older, military members with identification and children 7-12; free for children 6 and younger. Telephone: 360-896-6654. On the Web: vancouverrodeo.com.; $2 for children 3-11; free for children 2 and younger. Telephone: 360-686-3537. On the Web: pomeroyfarm.org Where: North Clark Little League complex, 202 W. Christy St., Yacolt.
Admission: Free.
Telephone: 360-686-3922.
2. Washougal park home to celebration
An afternoon and evening of family-friendly activities and live music winds down with a fireworks display in Washougal this evening.
When: Family activities are from 4-7 p.m.; food vendors will sell food from 4-9 p.m.; live music is from 4-10 p.m.; the fireworks display is at 10 p.m.
; $8 for seniors 62 and older, military members with identification and children 7-12; free for children 6 and younger.¿Ä©Four-day packages are available for $38-$76; $30 for seniors 62 and older, military members with identification and children 7-12; free for children 6 and younger.Telephone: 360-896-6654.On the Web: vancouverrodeo.com.; $2 for children 3-11; free for children 2 and younger.Telephone: 360-686-3537.On the Web: pomeroyfarm.orgWhere: Captain William Clark Park at Cottonwood Beach, South 32nd and Index streets, Washougal.
Admission: Free.
Telephone: 360-606-4849.
; $8 for seniors 62 and older, military members with identification and children 7-12; free for children 6 and younger.Four-day packages are available for $38-$76; $30 for seniors 62 and older, military members with identification and children 7-12; free for children 6 and younger.Telephone: 360-896-6654.On the Web: vancouverrodeo.com.; $2 for children 3-11; free for children 2 and younger.Telephone: 360-686-3537.On the Web: pomeroyfarm.orgOn the Web: downtownwashougal.org.
3. Activities abound in the Gorge
The Fair in the Gorge celebration includes family activities, a watermelon-eating contest, a horseshoe pitch, food, entertainment and a fireworks display.
When: A tournament of family activities will take place 3-6 p.m.
Live music will be offered from 6-10 p.m.
The fireworks will begin about 10 p.m.
Where: Rock Creek Park and Skamania County Fairgrounds, 650 Rock Creek Drive, Stevenson.
Admission: Free.
Telephone: 800-989-9178.
4. Singing the blues in Portland
The four-day Waterfront Blues Festival continues with performances from local, regional and national blues musicians on the banks of the Willamette River.
This evening's performances include a fireworks display.
Today's performers include the Ben Rice Blues Band, Too Slim and the Taildraggers, and Rick Estrin and the Nightcats.
Artists taking the stage Sunday include Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, Patrick Lamb and the Mississippi Horns, and Ryan Shaw.
When: Noon to 1 a.m. today and Sunday.
There is a fireworks display from 10-10:30 tonight.
Where: Tom McCall Waterfront Park, along Naito Parkway, between Southwest Harrison Street and Northwest Glisan Street, in Portland.
Admission: Suggested donation of $10 and two cans of food. Advance tickets, multi-day passes and tickets to the blues cruises are available through Tickets Oregon, ticketsoregon.com.
Telephone: 503-973-3378.
On the Web: waterfrontbluesfest.com.
5. Amusement park hosts celebration
Oaks Amusement Park opens at 10 a.m. today, and the festivities continue all day. Visitors can purchase ride bracelets, play games on the park's midway and skate in the roller rink.
Live entertainment will be offered throughout the day.
A fireworks display caps off the day at 9:55 p.m.
When: 10 a.m. to midnight today. Rides open at noon.
Where: Oaks Amusement Park, 7805 S.E. Oaks Park Way, Portland.
Admission: $4, $2.50 for children 15 and younger. Rides, games and roller skating cost extra.
Telephone: 503-233-5777.
On the Web: oakspark.com.
6. Saddle up to the St. Paul Rodeo
The St. Paul Rodeo features a variety of events including barrel racing, saddle bronc riding, team roping, bareback riding, steer wrestling, bull riding and tie-down roping.
A fireworks display follows each evening's events.
When: The carnival is open 11 a.m. to midnight today; the Western Art Showcase opens at 11 a.m. today; and rodeo events are at 1:30 p.m. today. A fireworks display will follow the events.
Where: 20025 Fourth St. N.E., St. Paul, Ore.
Admission: $14-$18 for the rodeo; $10-$14 for the Pro Bull Riders event.
Telephone: 800-237-5920.
On the Web: stpaulrodeo.com.
If fireworks aren’t your thing or you’re looking for fun daytime activities, the region offers all-American events throughout the Independence Day weekend. Here is a list.
Clark County
* Children’s Parade
The Felida neighborhood tradition also includes exhibits, games and two presentations on the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Activities include antique fire engine rides, face painting, button making, free food and displays.
When: The parade is at 11:15 a.m. today and returns to Felida Park at 11:35 a.m., when the activities begin; presentations about Lewis and Clark are at 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Where: Felida Community Park, Northwest 122nd Street west of Northwest 36th Avenue, Vancouver.
Admission: Free.
Telephone: 360-573-4030.
*Historic Log House Tours
Guided tours explore nearly 100 years of Pomeroy family history. The five upstairs bedrooms are furnished with heirlooms from the 1920s through the 1960s.
When: Tours from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 1-4 p.m. Sundays through Aug. 30.
Where: Pomeroy Living History Farm, 20902 N.E. Lucia Falls Road, Yacolt.
Admission: $3.
Telephone: 360-686-3537.
On the Web: pomeroyfarm.org.
*Historic Steam Logging Demonstration
The Pomeroy Living History Farm offers a steam logging operation. A working steam donkey, as well as several antique saws and trucks, will be on display.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and 1-5 p.m. Sunday.
Where: Pomeroy Living History Farm, 20902 N.E. Lucia Falls Road, Yacolt.
Admission: $6, $4 for children 3-11, free for children 2 and younger.
Telephone: 360-686-3537.
On the Web: pomeroyfarm.org.
*Mount Tum Tum Native American Encampment
The event celebrates all aspects of American Indian culture, including dance, the arts and legends. It includes dancing, arts and crafts, vendors and the music of American Indian flutists. Aztec dancing at noon and 6 p.m. today. A salmon dinner will be served 5-7 tonight for a fee.
When: 10 a.m. today and Sunday.
Where: Amboy Territorial Park, 21400 N.E. 399th St., Amboy.
Admission: Free.
Telephone: 360-247-5235.
*Ridgefield Fourth of July Celebration
The day-long festival includes a parade, carnival, car show, dance and live entertainment.
Events: Pancake breakfast, hosted by the Clark County Fire & Rescue Firefighters’ Association, 7-10 a.m. at Ridgefield Community Center, 210 N. Main Ave., Ridgefield. $5; $3 for children 11 and younger. Call 360-719-9215.
Parade, from North Fourth Avenue and Northwest Division Street to Eighth and Pioneer streets, Ridgefield, 11 a.m.
Kids’ Day events, noon to 6 p.m. at Davis Park, North Main Avenue and Mill Street, Ridgefield. The event includes face painting and entertainment. Inflatable attractions will be at Overlook Park, Pioneer Street and North Main Avenue, Ridgefield.
A dance will be 6-10 p.m. at Northwest Simons Street and North Third Avenue, Ridgefield.
A full line-up of events is available online.
When: Today.
Where: Throughout Ridgefield.
Admission: Most events free; $5 wristbands include all activities for Kids’ Day.
On the Web: ridgefield4th.com.
*Vancouver Rodeo
Hundreds of cowboys and cowgirls will compete in eight events, including bull-riding, bareback riding and barrel racing.
Dances take place afterward.
When: 5 p.m. today. Free pony rides will be offered 4-5 p.m.
Where: Clark County Saddle Club, 10505 N.E. 117th Ave., Vancouver.
Admission: $10-$20; $8 for seniors 62 and older, military members with identification and children 7-12; free for children 6 and younger.
Telephone: 360-896-6654.
On the Web: vancouverrodeo.com.
by Karen Crusty : 7/4/09 10:17am - Report Abuse
It is a shame that a very long tradition has gone the way of the Doh-Doh bird.....but then with the local street fireworks of the last few years the idea of having explosives over water is such a stupid idea...let's set our neighbors roofs on fire instead...personally I can't leave the my yard where I have stood for the last 10 years with my hose,just incase I am one of the lucky neighbors.