4th of July Celebration
From early morning to long past sunset, Ashland's Fourth of July celebration is a full day of fun, sun, music, art, food, and the year's most amazing light show. And if you still have energy after all of that, dancing! In fact, the hardest part about the day is pacing yourself. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your Fourth.
Special Update:
Please Note that it has been requested that individuals do not claim their parade viewing location until 6am on July 4th . Please see downtown signs for additional details.
Also note that the Annual 4th of July Run begins at 7:45 for the Six Mile Race and 7:50 for the two mile race.
- Our appologies for any inconvience that has been created.
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Celebrate the Fourth-Ashland Style
From early morning to long past sunset, Ashland�s Fourth of July celebration is a full day of fun, sun, music, art, food, and the year�s most amazing light show. And if you still have energy after all of that�dancing! In fact, the hardest part about the day is pacing yourself. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your Fourth.
Reserving Your Parade Spot
You can stake you claim to the prime parade-watching spot by placing your blanket and lawn chairs down along Main Street or Siskiyou Boulevard starting July 4th at 6am.
Please refer to posted signs for specific instructions.
(Some people use duct tape to hold their blankets down and draw their boundaries.) The parade route begins at Triangle Park on Siskiyou Boulevard and ends at Water Street, downtown across from the Plaza. If you want to be in earshot of the P.A. announcer, set up near the bleachers on Main at Pioneer Street. (A block and a half away in either direction should put you out of earshot.)
Things to Remember
� Bottled Water: The hot sun combined with all of the walking will tire you out quickly, so stay hydrated. Water fountains are located on the Plaza and on the corner of 3rd and Main Street.
� Comfortable shoes or sandals: By the end of the day, you�ll have walked at least a couple of miles.
� Sunscreen
� Ball cap or a visor: Primarily to keep the sun out of your eyes, but also, a bright-colored cap will help keep you in eye-shot of the ones you came with.
� Home Base: Pick a pre-determined spot to meet up if your group gets separated. Walkie-talkies or cell phones are also a good idea.
Where to Park for the Parade
Unless you head into town before 8:00 a.m., finding parking can be difficult. Main Street is closed off and the banks and neighborhoods fill up quickly, so a late start can mean a missed parade. Leave early, carpool, and respect the designated parking spots in the neighborhoods. Your best bet, however, is to walk to downtown if you�re close enough. For the most fun: bike in and get there before the parade starts. How many other days of the year can you ride your bike down the middle of Siskiyou Boulevard?
Commission a Local Masterpiece
As you stroll thru the artisans and vendor markets, keep in mind that many of these local merchants are avail�able to do commissioned work. You may find that beautiful fountain, photograph, or clothing item that you have been looking for.
Good �til the Last Bite
Here is a true insider�s tip: As you�re leaving Lithia Park in the afternoon, stroll thru the food pavilions and pick up some discounted end of-the-day treats. It helps out the vendors and also gives you a great deal for a late-night snack or tomorrow�s lunch.
The Best Places to Watch the Fireworks
� Garfield Park: Located on East Main between California and ___ Street, this is one of the main viewing spots. It�s a lively atmosphere; you�re close to the fireworks; and the field is big enough for everyone to have plenty of room to spread their blankets out (and dodge the occasional wayward bottle rocket). The one drawback to Garfield Park is that there is very little designated parking, and the traffic jam afterward can last up to half an hour. Just like with the parade, walk or bike there if that�s an option.
� Less Crowded Alternatives: Ashland Middle School and Walker Elementary are also close to the show, but are somewhat easier to get in and out of. There�s a back entrance to Ashland Middle School off of East Main about 1/8 mile past Walker Ave. Plenty of parking and two big soccer fields are available to spread out on.
� On the Outskirts: There are also some great viewing spots above town if you want the unique perspective of looking down on a fireworks display. Each blast echoes off of the surrounding mountains and reverberates across the valley. And in addition to the main show, there are dozens of smaller fireworks displays around town.
Special Note: Leave your dog at home for the fireworks, securely kept inside the house for the entire event. The loud noises can spook them, and many try to run away. In Fourth of Julys past, dozens of lost and dazed dogs have been picked up by animal control in the days following the fireworks.
And then after the fireworks, if you're up for it, downtown will still be feeling the festive atmosphere of Independence Day.
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