The Gorge celebrates the Fourth of July

Personal fireworks banned by City of Hood River

"Concerns for fire danger are heightened during upcoming July Fourth holiday celebrations," said a City of Hood River press release. "As a result, the City of Hood River has declared an emergency ban on the use of personal fireworks effective immediately due to weather and nearby wildfire conditions." 

The current wildfire in Underwood, combined with recent hot temperatures, dry conditions and natural high winds in the area make this year particularly risky for the public and challenging for emergency responders, said the press release.

“The fire risk is too high in these extreme conditions and more dry, hot weather is forecast,” said Hood River Mayor Paul Blackburn. “It’s critical to exercise caution and put safety first rather than add more strain on our public safety system during this busy period for Hood River Fire & EMS.” 

Hood River is following several nearby cities, including White Salmon and Cascade Locks, in declaring emergencies and banning personal use of fireworks.  

City Ordinance 2047 specifically prohibits the discharge of fireworks after July 15 until Nov. 15; personal fireworks use will not be allowed again within the City of Hood River until Nov. 16. After that time, personal fireworks use will be allowed until July 15, 2024, unless a fire emergency or burn ban is declared by the City of Hood River Fire Chief. City Ordinance 2047 traditionally prohibits the sale and use of fireworks annually from July 8 through Nov. 15 because of increased fire risk during the traditional fire season, said the press release.

Oregon State Law allows local government to prohibit or exercise limitations on fireworks sales and use.

Canceled: HR Fourth of July fireworks

The Lion's Club of Hood River has canceled the Fourth of July Fireworks show that was to be held at the waterfront. A Facebook post from Visit Hood River first reported the news.

According to the post, a lead pyrotechnic said, "This is a community event, and it will not feel the same to celebrate while such a large part of our community is actively undergoing loss. Our thoughts and focus should remain on this wildfire." 

The City of Hood River confirmed the report. 

Canceled:  DIY fireworks at the Port of Klickitat

"The Port of Klickitat has made the difficult decision to cancel the Do-it-Yourself Fireworks event at the Bingen Point this year due to the active fire in the region," announced the port in a press release July 3. "The port, in consultation with local fire departments, has determined there is insufficient coverage to provide a safe environment at the port for the event as planned.

"The port cannot host this event without the assistance and cooperation of the cities of Bingen and White Salmon, the Klickitat County Sheriff’s Office, Fire District 13, and many other volunteers. Thank you for keeping our communities safe. We encourage our local Washington communities to use caution and be considerate of local firefighters as they protect our neighborhoods," said the press release.

White Salmon declares emergency ban of fireworks

The Mayor of White Salmon has issued an order imposing an emergency ban on the use of fireworks within White Salmon city limits for Tuesday, July 4.

For the more information, please visit the New Release on the city website: https://www.white-salmon.net/fire/page/white-salmon-declares-emergency-ban-fireworks-july-4-2023 

Order to Ban Fireworks in the City of White Salmon - July 4, 2023

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The Fourth of July is on a Tuesday this year, and there are plenty of family-friendly activities planned around the Gorge, from concerts to parades to fireworks shows. Check the schedule below to see what’s happening near you.

White Salmon

Community Partners is organizing the annual White Salmon July 4 parade that will make its way through town along Jewett Boulevard, beginning at 11 a.m. — an hour earlier this year to beat the heat. The parade welcomes participants of all ages, backgrounds and interests. From local organizations and businesses to community groups and schools, the parade invites everyone to join in the festivities.

The parade will feature a veteran color guard, homemade floats, equestrian teams, musicians, antique cars and, of course, a grand marshal. Those wishing to be an entrant in the parade must apply by June 30 to be included. As usual, the parade will start by the ballfields at the east end of town.

“Community Partners wants to take this opportunity to express gratitude and appreciation for the men and women who have dedicated themselves to preserving the nation’s liberties,” said a press release.

Note: The usual band concert at Rheingarten Park has been canceled this year due to scheduling conflicts.

For more information, visit communitypartnersbws.org.

Parade route closures

The White Salmon Fourth of July Parade will take place on 11 a.m. to approximately 11:45 a.m. on State Route 141. Highway 141 will be closed to through traffic during this time. Motorists, use caution in this area. In the event of an emergency situation, the parade will be stopped and will resume when emergency vehicles have been allowed to pass.

Also, O’Keefe Street to Park Street off Tohomish Street will be one way eastbound due to parade check-in. Grandview will be closed at Park Street until the parade has left the area.

Bingen

The Port of Klickitat invites local Washington communities to safely discharge fireworks from 8-11 p.m. at Bingen Point July 4.

New this year, the Bingen Fire Department will sell hotdogs beginning at 7 p.m.

The City of Bingen Municipal Code 8.16.020 prohibits fireworks within city limits. It is possible to legally purchase certain fireworks on federal or tribal lands which are in violation of Washington law (RCW 70.77) and will be confiscated at the event.

For the enjoyment and safety of all:

Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Use of fireworks is strictly limited to the hours of 8-11 p.m. on July 4 in the designated area.

No pets, alcohol, drugs or weapons allowed. Illegal fireworks are prohibited and will be confiscated.

“The port could not host this event without the assistance and cooperation of the cities of Bingen and White Salmon, the Klickitat County Sheriff’s Office, Fire District 13, and many other volunteers,” said a press release. “Thank you for your part in making this event a success.”

For links to more information on the event, legal and illegal fireworks in Washington, and state law regarding the use of fireworks, visit www.portofklickitat.com.

Skamania County

North Bonneville hosts a patriotic parade at 11 a.m. For more information, visit facebook.com/northbonneville.

Mill A will host its own parade beginning at 11 a.m. on Jessup.

Carson hosts an ice cream social from 2-4 p.m. "Enjoy socializing with friends and neighbors over a scoop or two of ice cream beginning at 2 p.m. in the fields next to the Skamania County PUD in Carson," said a press release. More information at www.facebook.com/WindRiverBA.

Traditional Fourth of July fireworks and live music will start at dusk at the Skamania County Fairgrounds in Stevenson. For more information, call 509-427-3980 or email parks@co.skamania.wa.us.

The port’s annual firework celebration is back at Marine Park. This family-friendly event includes various vendors selling food and treats. Those interested in becoming a vendor should contact Event Coordinator Jeanetta at jjblue@portofcascadelocks.org or 541-374-2405.

Fireworks will begin at 10 p.m. Those wishing to contribute to the event should call 541-374-2401, or by sending donation to Port of Cascade Locks, c/o Fireworks, PO Box 307, Cascade Locks, OR 97014.

Hood River

The annual Fourth of July parade starts at 10 a.m. The Hood River Lions Club is handling registration this year — simply line up on Eliot Drive as early as 8 a.m. Cost is $10 per vehicle and $15 for a group or business. Those with parade questions can email Ralph Kupersmith, rkupe@gorge.net.

The parade starts along Pacific Avenue and 12th Street and ends at the Hood River Aquatic Center on May Street.

Hood River Valley Parks and Rec is hosting Fourth of July field games from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (directly after the parade) at Hood River Middle School for kids ages 6-14. A $15 registration fee pays for two hours of games and prizes.

The annual Hood River fireworks show takes place at 10 p.m. at the Event Site. It is 100% community funded and monetary donations directly impact the size of the show, said a press release. Also, remember that depending where you park, there may be fees involved.

For more information (or to make a donation towards the fireworks show), visit hoodriverfireworks.com.

The Dalles

A whole slate of activities is planned, starting with the 7 a.m. Rocket Run beginning at Bargeway Pub; at 8 a.m., the community breakfast starts and at 9 a.m., yoga on the grass — all at Bargeway.

The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce will present the annual Hometown USA Fourth of July Parade beginning at 10 a.m. at Sixth and Webber and ending on Second Street by The Dalles Chamber.

Gorge Winds Concert Band is hosting an old-fashioned Independence Day concert at 11:30 a.m. at City Park, 707 Union St. “Bring your blanket, your chair, your friends, your picnic basket and join us on the lawn,” said a press release. For more information, visit gorgewindsband.org.

At noon, the second annual Fourth of July Block Party begins at Second and Monroe and the St. Mary’s corn hole tournament at Smoke Wring BBQ, 801 E. Second St. at 1 p.m.

The annual Fort Dalles fireworks display begins at 10 p.m. “on the Columbia River” in cooperation with the City of The Dalles, said in a press release.