Despite chill and drizzle, The Dalles turns out in force to celebrate Independence Day
By Joshuah Albert
The Dalles, Ore., July 5, 2025 — A little rain and a brisk breeze couldn’t dampen the spirit of patriotism in The Dalles on Friday as hundreds of residents lined the streets and filled City Park to celebrate the Fourth of July.
The morning began with the annual Hometown USA Parade, where children waved flags from floats adorned with red, white, and blue bunting, and spectators huddled under umbrellas and jackets to stay dry.
By 11 a.m., City Park had transformed into a festival of games and music. Families gathered for the Kids Fair, with attractions from Brick City Games, including massive colorful building blocks and a Lego race track that kept children busy for hours. Meanwhile, The Gorge Winds Concert Band performed patriotic tunes from the bandstand, providing a festive soundtrack to the afternoon.
The day’s grand finale came after dark with the signature fireworks show over the Columbia River. Launched from a barge stationed mid-river, the display lit up the night sky and reflected off the water, a dazzling end to a day of community pride.
Crowds packed the waterfront, with many getting as close as possible to the barge to capture videos and photos of the spectacle.
Though it was a little colder and wetter than usual, locals embraced the small-town charm and patriotic energy that have made this celebration a cherished tradition.
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