Where to celebrate the Fourth of July in Lane County

Charles Gearing, Salem Statesman Journal
·4 min read

In Eugene and Lane County, there's no shortage of opportunities for Fourth of July family fun. From rodeos and baseball games to firework shows and fun runs, the options are almost endless.

Here's a quick round-up of some of the area's family-friendly freedom-themed shindigs.

Eugene

Eugene Emeralds Fireworks Extravaganza: There are few better ways to celebrate Independence Day than heading to the ballpark to take in America's Pastime. The Eugene Emeralds, the Willamette Valley's High-A Minor League ball club, plans to celebrate with a Firework Extravaganza after its showdown with Northwest League rival Tri-City Dust Devils on July 4. You can check the schedule, track the stats, and buy tickets on the team's website.

Eugene Pro Rodeo: The Eugene Pro Rodeo returns with a bang this year, and you can catch the action from July 1-4. The rodeo, located off Prairie Road between Eugene and Junction City, kicks off with its annual Tough Enough to Wear Pink event July 1, and then Family Night, Patriot Night and American Celebration the following three days. Tickets, directions and a schedule can be found on the rodeo website.

The Rexius OTC Butte to Butte: Channel the track town legacy as you celebrate America this year with one of Eugene's most beloved annual races. The 10K run, which starts at Spencer's Butte Middle School and ends at the foot of Skinner's Butte in 5th Street Market, is the perfect activity to get outside and enjoy the beautiful Oregon summer weather on our nation's birthday. Butte to Butte also sponsors a 5K run and walk and a four-mile walk, making this a great activity for many ages and fitness levels. You can register, find a schedule and more information at buttetobutte.com.

Aviah Woods,12, carries the American flag atop her horse Annie during the opening night of the 2022 Eugene Pro Rodeo.
Aviah Woods,12, carries the American flag atop her horse Annie during the opening night of the 2022 Eugene Pro Rodeo.

Springfield

2023 Light of Liberty Celebration: Springfield's favorite Fourth of July festival returns this year with live music, food and fireworks at scenic Island Park. Gates open at 4 p.m., with a docket of live acts and family fun leading up to the firework finale at 10 p.m. Tickets, frequently asked questions and other information about the event can be found on the subutil.com website.

Cottage Grove

2023 Cottage Grove Freedom Cup: Located at the Cottage Grove Speedway, the Freedom Cup celebrates America's birthday with events on the historic quarter-mile clay racetrack. A three-day schedule loaded with high-speed, side-by-side action and a firework finale on the Fourth makes for a great family-friendly holiday pastime. Find tickets, information and more at CottageGroveSpeedway.com.

Creswell

Creswell Fourth of July Celebration: If you're looking for a classic 4th of July experience surrounded by family, friends and a tight-knit valley community, the Creswell Fourth of July Celebration might be the place for you. Held at Holt Park in downtown Creswell, the event kicks off early with a pancake breakfast before a parade, military flyover, family fun and fireworks to round out the holiday. For more information, head to the Creswell Chamber of Commerce Website.

With a VFW escort, Boy Scouts carry the flags at the 2022 Creswell 4th of July Celebration Parade.
With a VFW escort, Boy Scouts carry the flags at the 2022 Creswell 4th of July Celebration Parade.

Florence

Florence Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Fireworks: Lane County's largest coastal oasis is set to host its annual fireworks celebration in historic old town Florence. Partnering with Habitat for Humanity, there will be a bike parade to start off the festivities at 10 a.m. on July 4th, followed by watermelon and pie eating contests in the grassy area at Port Siuslaw. In the evening, visitors get fireworks over the scenic Siuslaw River. More information can be found on the EugeneCascadesCoast.org website.

Whether you're looking for a good old-fashioned Independence Day experience with parades and fireworks, wanting a workout, or hoping to catch a glimpse at some western cowboy culture, Lane County has you covered this Fourth of July.

Officials want to remind everyone of the hazards that come with illegal fireworks. Any firework that flies into the air, explodes, or behaves in an unpredictable manner is unsafe and illegal. Use of these fireworks is a violation of Oregon State Statute 480.120 and can be charged as a Class B misdemeanor.

Eugene and Lane County also have additional fireworks restrictions.

Charles Gearing can be reached at cgearing@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Where to celebrate the Fourth of July in Lane County