8 Classic Celebrations for July 4th

Red berries, white wine and blue skies, summer and the July 4th spirit are definitely alive and well in the Eugene, Cascades & Coast region. There’s no better place to spend America’s birthday than right here. Here are our top picks for things to do for the Independence Day holiday.
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1. Float the McKenzie River
All week, McKenzie River - Cool off in the beautiful clear waters of the McKenzie River. From white water rafting to easy floats, enjoy the natural beauty of the Cascades. Paddle kayaks or take a jet boat tour too! On July 1, enjoy festivities at the Tokatee Golf Club Celebration.
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A. Helfrich Outfitter Rafting McKenzie River
Photo: Lillian Howard2. Eugene Pro Rodeo & Fireworks
July 1 - 4, Oregon Horse Center, Eugene - The Eugene Pro Rodeo promises amazing feats of daring and skill. Themed nights, vendors and food. The largest fireworks show in Lane County on July 4. Yeehaw!
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Eugene Pro Rodeo Bull
Photo: Jeff Green3. Eugene Emerald’s Baseball Game & Fireworks
July 3, PK Park, Eugene - Celebrate Independence Day with Sluggo and his crew. Fantastic fireworks follow the Eugene Emeralds v. the Everett AquaSox showdown. The first 3,000 baseball fans receive a free glow stick. What is more American than a baseball game and a hot dog?
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Eugene Emeralds Sluggo at PK Park
Photo: Eugene Emeralds4. Creswell Parade & Fireworks
July 4, Creswell - Small towns always seem to put on the best parades. This is definitely the case with the Creswell July 4th Celebration. It’s one of the biggest parades in the state, full of heart, spirit and fun. And starting with a pancake breakfast, the fun stretches out the whole day with festivities all around town.
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Patriotic families line the parade route in Creswell
Photo: Eugene, Cascades & Coast
5. Aquafina Oregon Track Club Butte to Butte Race
July 4, Eugene - A Eugene tradition — running! The Oregon Track Club hosts a spectacular run between our two largest peaks. Be part of the Aquafina Oregon Track Club Butte to Butte, an event beloved by TrackTown USA. The 10K road race starts at the base of Spencer Butte in South Eugene, winds through the streets of downtown Eugene and ends at the base of Skinner Butte. 10K too far? Sign up for the 5K run or 4.5 mile walk.
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Aquafina Butte to Butte race
Photo: Taj Morgan
6. "Light of Liberty" Celebration & Fireworks
July 4, Island Park, Springfield - Springfield's "Light of Liberty" event is all about family entertainment with live musical entertainment, jugglers, food and fun in the park. It all concludes with a fabulous fireworks show to the heart of Springfield. Come early, as this is popular event.
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Coloring at Island Park, Springfield
Photo: David Putzier
7. Cottage Grove Speedway & Fireworks
July 4, Cottage Grove - Watch the dirt fly as drivers from across the region go all out at the Cottage Grove Speedway. At the end of this romping good time enjoy a booming fireworks show. You ready to roar?
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Cottage Grove Speedway
Photo: Eugene, Cascades & Coast8. Historic Old Town Florence Fireworks
July 4, Oregon Coast - Watch traditional fireworks over the Siuslaw River, launched from a barge at the east end of town. Enjoy the festivities of a historic waterfront town with kites, taffy and clam chowder. The day starts with a patriotic bicycle parade down Bay Street at 10 a.m. and even includes a watermelon and pie contesting at 2 p.m.!
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Historic Old Town Florence boardwalk
Photo: Eugene, Cascades & Coast

Author: Taj Barnhart Morgan
Taj Barnhart Morgan is the Director of Content Strategy for Travel Lane County. A journalism graduate from the University of Oregon, Taj has two decades of special event management and hospitality marketing experience in San Diego, CA and Maui, HI. Passionate about mothering, and back to her Oregon roots, she is discovering the Eugene, Cascades & Coast region all over again through the eyes of her daughter.