While the parade serves as a significant highlight, this year's celebration takes on an added level of excitement with the highly anticipated firework show. As the sun sets on July 4th, families and friends will gather along the banks of the Columbia River, eagerly awaiting the moment when the night sky transforms into a mesmerizing display of colors, patterns, and sparkles.

July 5 - The total personnel on fire has more than doubled, growing to 372, and today 36 fire engines, 8 hand crews made up of 18 to 20 firefighters each, 3 helicopters and 4 single-engine air tankers were reported working the blaze. 

I'm reminded of my dependence on the sun and rain and plant wisdom. When the bigger world is grim with human violence, the garden provides a peaceful salve against despair. To pull weeds, quench the thirst of new sprouts, and transplant a daisy longing for more sunlight, this is happiness.

Watch that pedal strike before you head into the chunder! The Dalles now has a Mountain Bike Skills Park. Fun? Oh yeah! And three levels to learn on - from beginner to expert. Located behind Safeway next to Mill Creek, there’s plenty of brown pow to bomb, but watch out for those baby heads.

35-year-old Dan Garrett Watson has been lodged at NORCOR jail in The Dalles on a charge of murder in the death of Amanda Harman who was found in late March at her home after being stabbed multiple times. Amanda was well-liked, respected and loved by family and friends, according to authorities.

The Dalles, June 30, 2023 - The Sawyer family of The Dalles has recently purchased Columbia Hardware at 24 2nd St. in Stevenson according to a recent post on the Stevenson Downtown Association's facebook page.

It’s time to light that fuse.

Patriotism is blowing up all over the Gorge as the towns of the Mid-Columbia are riding the Fourth of July Rocket into a deluge of parades, runs, food, music and good times with our neighbors. The Dalles, Hood River, Goldendale, Cascade Locks, White Salmon, Stevenson, and Skamania County are all offering a charcuterie tray of fun peppered with gunpowder.

Visit Hood River (VHR) has announced the 2023 Summer First Friday  series will continue on July 7th, to be held on Oak Street, downtown Hood River.  

This year’s cherry harvest is off to a slow start due to an unusually cool spring and summer weather. Orchardists report that high yields across the region are causing significant market impacts.

Local movie reviewer Mo Burford, shares the scoop on Wes Anderson’s latest film Asteroid City. Burford calls the film “painstakingly crafted" and "equal parts charm, humor, aesthetic beauty and heartbreak."

As summer temperatures begin to rise, Community Action Agencies in the Gorge are preparing to assist people in need of combating life-threatening weather conditions with individual Cooling Kits delivered by Houseless Outreach Coordinators.

Reaching rural communities to support families who fight food insecurity has become a mission for Anna Henschel. This big-city Chicago resident came to Klickitat County in 2022 and has taken to rural life like a fish takes to water. 

Guitars? Check. Amps? Check. Beverage? Check. Guide to get you there? Check. Double Check! This week in Gorge Entertainment is giving you the go-ahead for a good time. Check out the latest in music, art, literature, film and juggling here.

Klickitat County Sheriff Bob Songer has announced that the Klickitat County Sheriff’s Office Posse will be holding two free NRA Basic Handgun classes for Klickitat County residents.

Hood River City Council held a public discussion on a 72-hour parking ordinance. The 72-hour rule would prohibit vehicles from parking within the public right of way for a period of more than 72 hours. The topic sparked a lively discussion, with many viewpoints and concerns voiced by the council.

In a turn of events, Jacob David Wilson, 32, was ruled unfit to proceed in court on May 18th, 2023. Wilson had been held on a charge of murder, unlawful use of a weapon, fourth-degree assault, and menacing in connection with the killing of Amber Tracy on April 5th in east The Dalles.

Columbia Gorge Pride Alliance (CGPA) hosted their 2nd annual pride parade and resource fair in The Dalles on June 25th. Over 150 people marched in the parade and about 300 people visited the resource fair at Lewis and Clark Festival Park throughout the day. 

The Dalles Wasco County Library has announced their event line up of July events.

Maryhill Museum of Art, one of the most fascinating cultural destinations in the Pacific Northwest, is announcing the appointment of Amy Behrens as executive director and chief executive officer following a search process by Hagel Executive Search. Behrens succeeds Colleen Schafroth, who is retiring.

With the August 1, 2023 Primary Election just around the corner, voters in Klickitat County are eagerly awaiting their opportunity to cast their ballots. The election, set to take place on August 1, will determine new school board members for the Wishram and Lyle school districts. Additionally, voters will have the chance to decide on the Recreational Facilities, Activities, and Swimming Pool Maintenance and Operation Levy proposed by the Central Klickitat County Park and Recreation District.