So… How to celebrate the Big One – America’s 250th?
Fourth of July events in Linn County range from a serious reading of the Declaration of Independence, the document that got us started down this road, to more traditional celebrations of the nighttime extravaganza variety.
Here is a list of some of those events:
Declaration of Independence Reading
Members of the public of all ages are invited to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday with a
reading of the Declaration of Independence at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, July 3, on the north steps of the Linn County Courthouse, 300 SW 4th Ave., Albany.
The event, “We Hold These Truths: A Public Reading of our Founding Document,” is sponsored by the Mid-Willamette Valley Alliance of Braver Angels, a nationwide group dedicated to political depolarization.
The reading is expected to take about 30 minutes.
A similar event will be held at 10 a.m. the same day on the steps of the Corvallis City Hall.
A free public discussion about the Declaration of Independence is planned for 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 9, at the Fireside Room at Linn-Benton Community College in Albany.
A Walk to Remember
Sweet Home American Legion Post 133 will hold a Two and a Half Miles for Two and a Half Centuries from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 4, at 109 W. Holley Road.
The walk “to celebrate America’s 250 years of independence, service and freedom” will honor the nation’s past veterans, support today’s veterans and “help build a stronger future.”
Registration is $25 per participant and includes a commemorative event T-shirt, as supplies last, and an all-American lunch.
Veterans who join the American Legion will receive free registration.
Register early at www.sweethomechamber.com/events/eventcalendar and click on the event
For more information, contact Donna Poirier at (541) 401-2513.
Fireworks and Concert in Lebanon
The Freedom Festival at Cheadle Lake Park in Lebanon on the evening of July 4 will feature a “high-energy” live concert and community gathering at the park.
Gates open at 4 p.m., with fireworks scheduled at 10 p.m.
Admission is free; parking is $10 per vehicle (cash and Venmo are accepted).
Live music will be provided by Tom Mask from 5 to 6:30 p.m., followed by Taken By The Sky, a Fleetwood Mac tribute band, from 7:30 to 10 p.m.
Food and drinks will be available from Corn Dog Company of Salem, Conversion Brewing, Donut Queen, Kona Ice, Pono Bowl, Tacos La Familia and Ugly Dough Pizza.
Bring blankets, lawn chairs, etc.
A portion of proceeds will benefit the Alzheimer’s Association, supporting research, awareness and families impacted by Alzheimer’s.
On a related note, Santiam Excursion Trains has a Star Spangled Banner holiday train ride that will provide a scenic, crowd-free view of the fireworks show.
July 4 Fireworks Return in SH
Sweet Home will hold its Icebox Celebration fireworks show Saturday night, July 4, at Radiator Supply House’s grounds, 1460 47th Ave.
Admission is free. Parking is by donation, with proceeds going to the Sweet Home High School cheer team.
Gates open at 8 p.m. with the fireworks starting at 10 p.m. No early entries.