CCCNews Podcast: Fort Dalles Fourth Expands Into Communitywide America 250 Celebration

Jun 30

Written By Columbia Community Connection

The Dalles, Ore., June 30, 2026 — The annual Fort Dalles Fourth fireworks celebration is returning bigger than ever this Independence Day, with organizers joining forces with community partners to create an expanded, daylong America 250 celebration featuring races, a parade, live music, local vendors, food, family activities and one of the region's largest fireworks shows.

Marty Heizer, who has volunteered with the Fort Dalles Fourth committee for the past 13 years, said the organization has traditionally focused on producing the community's fireworks display, but this year the celebration has grown through partnerships with The Dalles Main Street, The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce, the City of The Dalles and dozens of community organizations.

"It's very exciting," Heizer said during a CCCNews podcast. "Our biggest partner of all is our community. They make it happen."

The festivities begin early Saturday morning at Lewis & Clark Festival Park with the Rocket Run, featuring 3K, 5K and 10K races. Registration opens at 6:30 a.m., with races beginning at 7 a.m. Participants and spectators can then enjoy a free community breakfast sponsored by McDonald's of the Gorge, followed by free Yoga in the Park at 8 a.m.

The traditional Fourth of July Parade, organized by the Chamber of Commerce, begins at 10 a.m. and will once again wind through downtown before concluding near the Chamber offices, where the Gorge Winds Concert Band will perform patriotic music immediately afterward.

New this year is Downtown Discovery Bingo, organized by The Dalles Main Street. Participants can visit downtown businesses, collect stamps and enter prize drawings while exploring shops throughout the downtown core. Organizers hope the event encourages residents and visitors alike to support local businesses during the holiday.

The evening celebration begins at 5 p.m. at Lewis & Clark Festival Park with artisan vendors, food vendors, children's activities, a beer garden and live entertainment. Three bands — Whipsaw, Strange Towns and That '90s Band — will perform throughout the evening leading up to the fireworks show.

The Fort Dalles Fourth fireworks display is scheduled to begin at 10 p.m. Organizers say the synchronized show will last approximately 20 minutes and can be enjoyed from Festival Park or numerous viewing locations throughout The Dalles.

The fireworks celebration, revived in 2014 after the community went more than two decades without a public Independence Day display, has grown into a year-round volunteer effort supported by local businesses, sponsors and donors. Heizer said every dollar raised by the Fort Dalles Fourth committee goes toward operating expenses and the fireworks display itself.

One of the organization's signature fundraising efforts remains the Hometown USA military banner program, which honors veterans and active-duty service members with banners displayed throughout downtown each summer. Families can purchase new banners or renew existing ones, with proceeds helping fund future fireworks celebrations.

Organizers are still seeking volunteers to assist during Saturday's festivities and are also looking for a nonprofit organization to operate a nonalcoholic beverage booth during the evening celebration.

Heizer said the event has always been about more than fireworks.

"It's still a day to celebrate and to really support your community," she said. "This is what we've been working for — to give back to you."