Celebrate Independence Day in The Dalles: A Day Packed with Fun, Fitness, and Fireworks!

By Joshuah Albert

The Dalles Ore., July 2, 2024 — Join The Dalles community on Thursday, July 4, for a full day of festivities celebrating Independence Day. Start your morning with the Rocket Run along the scenic Columbia River, followed by a free community breakfast and yoga session.

Enjoy the charm of the Hometown USA Parade, a concert in City Park, and a lively block party. Cap off the evening with a spectacular fireworks display over the Columbia River. Don’t miss out on this day filled with fun, fitness, and patriotic pride!

Check out this list of activities provided by Fort Dalles Fourth:

7 a.m. | Rocket Run Pre-registration required. Choose your distance: 1 mile, 3K, or 5K, and run along the scenic Columbia River on the Riverfront Trail. Open to all ages. Proceeds support The Dalles High School Cross Country team.

• Registration: 6:30 a.m.

• Start Time: 7 a.m.

• Start Location: Bargeway Pub & Catering

• Entry Fees: Youth $10, Adult (18+) $20

• T-Shirt: $10 (optional, payment in person: cash, check, Venmo)

• Rules:

1. Participants under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.

2. Pets are welcome on a leash.

3. No smoking on the trail.

4. Have fun!

8 a.m. | Community Breakfast Free for all. Join us after the Rocket Run for a breakfast provided by McDonald's of The Gorge.

• Location: Bargeway Pub & Catering

• Serving Time: 8 a.m. until the food is gone

9 a.m. | Yoga on The Grass Start your day with relaxation. This free event, led by Sam Whitley, is open to all levels. Pre-registration required.

• Location: Bargeway Pub & Catering

• Time: 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

• Fee: Free

• Pre-Registration: Required at www.pureyogathedalles.com or call 541.490.2437

Map of the Hometown USA Parade

10 a.m. | Hometown USA Parade Experience the charm and excitement of our annual parade, featuring floats, marching bands, and local organizations. Hosted by The Dalles Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Columbia Gorge Toyota & Honda.

• Start Time: 10 a.m.

• Route: Starts at 6th St and Webber, ends at East 3rd & Union

• Time Estimate: 30 to 60 minutes

11 a.m. | Concert in the Park Enjoy a performance by the Gorge Winds Concert Band at City Park. Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy the music and shade.

• Location: City Park

• Start Time: 11 a.m.

• Duration: 60 to 90 minutes

• Cost: Free

Noon | 2nd & Monroe Block Party Join us for a block party filled with fun and festivities.

1 p.m. | Cornhole Tournament Hosted by St. Mary’s Academy at the 2nd and Monroe Block Party. Pre-registration required.

• Location: Smoke Ring BBQ

• Start Time: 1 p.m.

• Entry Fee: $40

• Prize: Cash prizes for 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place (based on the number of participants)

• Bring Your Own Board: Yes, must meet tournament standards

• Available Spots: 10

Photo courtesy Amanda Lea.

10 p.m. | Fireworks Display Join us for the 10th anniversary of the Fort Dalles Fourth, featuring one of the safest and largest fireworks displays in the Pacific Northwest.

• Location: Over the Columbia River

• Popular Viewpoints: Lewis & Clark Festival Park, Memorial Viewpoint & Sorosis Park, Riverfront Park

• Safety Rules:

1. Boats and drones must stay out of the designated fallout zone.

2. Do not view the show from the docks.

3. No swimming in the fallout zone.

These areas will be patrolled for public safety. Enjoy the show!