The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce will present Florence’s annual Independence Day celebration on Wednesday, July 4, with food, fun, and a fabulous fireworks display.
Banner Bank is this year’s “Big Bang” sponsor thanks to a $5000 contribution that will underwrite the fireworks display, maintain last year’s 50 percent increase in the size of the display, and cover the cost of fully-synchronized patriotic music played over an outdoor speaker system in Old Town and KCST 106.9 FM.
The pyrotechnics will be launched from a barge in the Siuslaw River, near the Port of Siuslaw property. According to Chamber director Bettina Hannigan, this gives more people a better vantage point for viewing the show, and adds depth and drama by allowing the show to reflect off the water. She recommends coming early to the Old Town area to find the best spots for viewing.
A growing number of “Special Event Sponsors” have contributed $500 each to help offset costs. The list includes Shorewood Senior Living, Hop Valley Brewing, Florence Dental Clinic, and the City of Florence. Businesses, civic groups, and individuals wishing to contribute as a sponsor can contact Hannigan at 541-997-3128 or bettina@florencechamber.com.
The show, including music from the American Heritage Orchestra and John Phillips Sousa, will last 30 minutes and will begin at 10:00 p.m. KCST morning show host Wayne Sharpe will broadcast live from Port of Siuslaw parking lot from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m.
During the day people can enjoy traditional pie- and watermelon-eating contests sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Time and location will be announced in the coming days. Businesses and civic clubs hosting July 4 events can submit their information to the Chamber’s online calendar. For more information, or to learn how you can help sponsor the events, visit FlorenceChamber.com, drop by the Chamber’s Visitors Center at 290 Highway 101, or call them at 541-997-3128.
The Chamber and the City of Florence remind everyone that private fireworks are no longer allowed on publicly-owned property within the vicinity of Old Town as well as the Port of Siuslaw. This also applies to public streets and right of ways throughout the community, including beaches, dunes, and forests.
