Star-Spangled Shindig

When it comes to small-town celebrations, Canby puts on a fantastic show, and this year’s annual Independence Day Celebration will be one for the books. Put on your red, white and blue and join friends and neighbors this Independence Day for a full schedule of festivities, concluding with the Canby Fire District hosting a brilliant fireworks show that will leave the whole community in awe!

Canby’s Independence Day Celebration brings a unique energy to downtown that starts bright and early. The traditional pancake breakfast a fundraiser for the Canby Historical Society and runs from 7:30 to 10 a.m., at Knight Elementary School. Meanwhile, people are staking out the perfect spot to watch the parade and vendors are setting up their booths for the street fair. “There is a plethora of visitors and residents coming downtown early, as there is great excitement and energy surrounding the event,” says Tyler Nizer, Economic Development & Tourism Coordinator for the City of Canby.

Starting promptly at 10 a.m., the parade marches through downtown Canby, blasting music and followed by a wake of children scrambling for the candy flying from the parade floats. The lineup includes the Canby High School Band, sports teams, classic cars, floats designed by local businesses and more! “The floats keep getting bigger and more decorated; we’re really excited to see what this year holds,” Tyler says. The award for the best parade float will be presented at the Wait Park Gazebo at 11 a.m.

Once the parade is finished, the entire downtown area comes to life! Official kickoff takes place at 11 a.m. at the Gazebo with the national anthem and a welcome speech from Mayor Brian Hodson. The streets surrounding Wait Park in the center of town will be lined with local vendors selling tasty snacks, cold drinks and all kinds of artisan treasures. The Kid Zone is a hub of excitement with bouncy houses, tie-dye shirts, an arcade truck, face painting and more! The Canby Fire Department will do a demonstration for the little ones that includes an obstacle course and maybe even a chance to spray the fire hose. “There is rich history and tradition with the Canby Independence Day Celebration and the activities that occur throughout the day, which visitors from all ages enjoy, creating memories to last a lifetime!” Tyler says.

The beer garden also opens at 11 a.m. and will be stationed off Second Avenue between Holly and Grant. Live music is planned to pep up the party: 21 Turns Band and Bridgetown at the beer garden and Return Flight at the Gazebo in Wait Park. The Independence Day Celebration traditionally includes a classic car show and this year the bright and shiny nostalgia will be on display from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Grant and Fifth streets surrounding the park. Awards will be presented at the gazebo at 1 p.m. Downtown Canby is home to a collection of incredible locally-owned businesses, so be sure to explore around town and support your favorites!

The festivities in downtown Canby end at 3 p.m. and the beer garden at 4 p.m., but the fun and excitement are far from over. The Canby Fire Department is planning an epic fireworks show at Trost Elementary that is scheduled to begin around 9:30 p.m. and is best viewed from the sidewalk across the street from the school or on the fields at Baker Prairie Middle School. Bring your blankets and chairs and settle in for what is sure to be a breathtaking display of colorful, sparkling explosions with the biggest booms ever heard on Canby Now!

Sponsored this year by Columbia Distributing, Canby Rental and Equipment, Canby Disposal, Gwynn’s Willamette Coffee House and Waterpoint Irrigation Technologies, the Canby 4th of July Celebration is a treasured occasion for the local community. “Year after year, we look forward to residents and neighbors alike joining in all the festivities!” says Tyler. “Remember to invite your friends and family, as no one will want to miss out on this spectacular event!”

For more information about Canby’s Independence Day Celebration and how you can get involved, contact Tyler Nizer at NizerT@CanbyOregon.gov, or scan the QR code for more details, maps and registration forms.