2022 Independence Day Celebrations

June 18, 2022 — The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce, the City of Florence and the Port of Siuslaw have come together to produce Florence’s annual 4th of July fireworks display.

The fireworks will be shot over the Siuslaw River from the east end of the Port of Siuslaw Campground in Historic Old Town beginning around 10 p.m. on Monday, July 4. The location provides a multitude of great vantage points for spectators with the colorful 30-minute program reflecting off the river.

This year, Florence Habitat for Humanity is working with the city to organize a communitywide Porch Parade from June 27 to July 4, and a Bicycle Parade down Bay Street on July 4, along with the annual pie and watermelon eating contests, music and other fun during the day in Historic Old Town Florence. 

“The port, the city, and the chamber will work again with the experts at Western Display Fireworks, to make this happen,” said Chamber President/CEO Bettina Hannigan. “Big thanks go to the port for their generosity in providing the launch location again.”

This year, the City of Florence, the Port of Siuslaw and the Florence Area Chamber are jointly funding the big event for a total of more than $24,000.

“We look forward to celebrating our nation’s independence and encourage everyone in Florence to find safe and fun ways to celebrate Independence Day this year, and to look to the skies that evening for the beautiful display we have planned,” Hannigan said.

Businesses, civic clubs, or individuals interested in making any size contribution to demonstrate their appreciation and offset the cost of the event are asked to contact Hannigan at 541-997-3128 or mail/drop off a check at the Chamber’s Visitors Center, 290 Highway 101.

“For the Porch Parade, businesses and residents are encouraged to decorate their porch, yard, or front window to show their patriotic community spirit,” said Mitzi Hathaway, Florence Area Chamber director of tourism development.

To participate, people can register their home or business online at www.florencehabitat.org.

Registration is free and is open now through July 1 at 3 p.m. The first 50 homes/businesses to register will have a Porch Parade sign placed in their front yard. 

“Let’s paint this town red, white and blue,” said Habitat Executive Director Janell Morgan. “You will want to participate or cheer on your friends and neighbors in our great events.”

Voting will open on July 2 and run through July 4 at 4 p.m. Maps showing all registered homes and business will be available on the Habitat website or at Restore on July 2.

For the Bike Parade, “We hope to see a ton of participation for this family-fun event,” Hathaway said. “Decorate your bike, scooter, wagon or yourself, and bring your family and friends down to the parade in Old Town.”

Additional decorations will be on hand to help to make each mode of transportation red, white and blue.

Registration and staging for the parade will begin at 9 a.m. on Hemlock between Rhododendron Drive and First Street. The parade will begin at 10 a.m. 

Registration forms are available at Florence Habitat ReStore and City Hall.

“If you don’t want to ride in the parade, bring your lawn chairs to cheer on the parade and it makes its way down Bay Street,” Morgan said.

The annual pie and watermelon eating contests, coordinated by Florence Habitat for Humanity, will take place in the grassy area of the Port of Siuslaw Parking lot at the east end of Bay Street.

“You will not want to miss the Pie and Watermelon Eating Contest,” Morgan added. “This is a favorite event each year!”

Registration is at noon and the competition begins at 2 p.m. Each category is limited to the first 36 people to register in each category — ages 5 to 10 years, 11 to 15 years, and 16+.

Trophies will be awarded to the winners.

Music and entertainment by DJ Al Rojas starts at the Port of Siuslaw Boardwalk at 8 p.m. July 4. Patriotic music will accompany the fireworks show.

For more information, visit florencechamber.com.