4th of July Weekend

The Covid-19 pandemic and high fire danger continue to put a crimp in some traditional 4th of July celebrations, but there are many interesting and fun activities for you and your family to enjoy over the holiday.

Due to fire concerns and budget constraints, Albany will not be holding a fireworks display this holiday.

Two events that are open to the general public are the Fabulous, Fantastic, All-American, Everyone-Can-Join Fourth of July Parade in Corvallis and Fireworks Night. Parade participants are asked to assemble July 4th at 9:30 a.m. on Eighth Street Between Monroe and Madison Avenues. The event kicks off at 10 a.m. with the Star-Spangled Banner, sung by a community member. Dress up or come as you are. It takes about a half hour to walk.

Saturday, July 3, 7:15 p.m., the Oregon State Credit Union presents Fireworks Night at  Goss Stadium at Coleman Field, 430 Southwest Langton Place, Corvallis, OR 97331.

Some of our small neighboring communities are holding Independence Day celebrations but they are asking to keep them local this year. Please respect their wishes and honor our country in a respectful way. We look forward to celebrating together in the future in a big way.

Harrisburg still honors our nation’s birthday today much the way it was done a hundred years ago. They are making this celebration with fireworks even more local this year, due to restrictions. Go here for more information.

Lebanon is also hosting fireworks and community members are encouraged to enjoy the fireworks from the safety of their homes. No parking or gathering will be allowed at Cheadle Lake Park, on the trails throughout Cheadle Lake, or the surrounding areas. Go here for more information.

Here are some other ideas for you and your family to consider:

Photo by Christine Withers

Picnic – Grab some favorite to-go fare or make that chicken and potato salad yourself. Then fill the cooler and head out to your favorite spot. Bring your favorite game and make an afternoon of it. Maybe drive out to one of Linn County’s majestic Covered Bridges and find a nice location. Larwood Bridge is next to Roaring River Park where you can cool off in Crabtree Creek, or head up to McDowell Creek Park just northeast of Lebanon and enjoy the waterfalls.

Fishing – Albany has three good lakes to explore, and area rivers and streams are just waiting for you to try your luck. Click here here for more information.

Paddle Boats – The Waverly Lake Paddle Boats are a great way to enjoy a sunny day on the water and get a little exercise at the same time. Schmooze with Albany’s unofficial ambassador, Waverly Duck, or just get in a few laps for fun. Go here for more information

Cool! Pool – The Cool! Pool is open! But reserve your spot soon as only 50 people per time slot are allowed. To register and set reservations, go here.

Hiking and Biking – Albany has several miles of walking and biking paths. Come to the AVA for a map or go online here to plot your course.

Personal fireworks and safety

At the center of all 4th of July celebrations is the use of personal fireworks, and this year will be no different. But because of heightened concerns over fire danger people are asked to take great care when using them. And, please, use legal fireworks only. Oregon law prohibits the possession, use, or sale of any firework that flies more than six feet into the air, explodes, or travels more than 12 feet horizontally on the ground.  Bottle rockets, Roman candles and firecrackers are illegal in Oregon.

For a list of safety tips from the Albany Fire Department, click here.

Camping safety

If you plan to go camping or get out for the day on state or federal lands, please leave the fireworks at home. The use of fireworks is prohibited in national parks and forests, on Bureau of Land Management lands, U.S. Fish and Wildlife properties, state beaches, in state parks and in state campgrounds.

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