It’s Independence Day! Time for some serious celebrating Here’s a rundown of the primary Fourth of July events in Central Oregon:
July 4
Recycle Run: 4th annual 5K/8K Fun Run/Walk starting at Sisters Athletic Club & ending at Creekside Park. Recycled T-shirts & prizes awarded after the run. Pre-register at www.sistershabitat.org or sign up 7-8 am on July 4 at Sisters Athletic Club. All proceeds benefit Sisters Habitat for Humanity & Sisters High School Athletics. 541-549-1193.
Sisters Old Fashioned 4th of July Picnic: Bring a potluck salad, side dish or dessert to share; hamburgers & hotdogs will be provided. Don’t miss your chance to win the cherry-pit spitting contest! 1 pm at Cyrus Pond (off Cloverdale), Sisters. Sponsored by the Cloverdale 4-H Livestock Club. 541-771-4979.
Bend Pet Parade: Critters of all kinds parade through downtown Bend. 10 am; decorating party & lineup begins at 9:30 on Wall Street in front of the Bend La Pine School District Administration Building. 541-389-7275.
Bend’s Old Fashioned July 4th Festival: The Bend celebration continues in Drake Park from 11 am-4 pm. Old-fashioned games from 11 am-3 pm; live music & entertainment 11 am-4 pm on Pavilion Stage; Kids & Family Fun Area: 11 am-4 pm. 541-389-7275.
Sound Fourth: The Cascade Horizon Band & the Festival Chorus perform patriotic music at 3 pm, followed by an ice cream social. Donations accepted. First Presbyterian Church, Ninth Street, Bend. 541-728-8743.
Fourth of July Barbecue & Blues: BBQ served by members of the Vietnam Veterans of America, beginning at 5:30 pm, with entertainment from the Taelour Project in the parking lot from 6-8 pm. Free; barbecue cost separate (proceeds benefit the VVA). Jake’s Diner, 2210 NE Hwy 20. 541-382-0118.
Bend’s July Fourth Fireworks Spectacular: Fireworks are launched from the top of Pilot Butte in Bend, 10 pm.
Redmond’s Fourth of July Parade: Expect 70+ entries, along with Redmond’s traditional parade of commemorative flags. 10 am start time. Route goes down Sixth Street, from Dogwood to Forest. 541-923-5191.
Redmond’s FreedomFest: The 6th annual family-friendly community event takes place after the Redmond Parade. Lots of games & activities for the kids, plus hot dogs, chili, chips, drinks & live classic-rock music by 41 East. 11 am-2 pm. The Garden, 837 SW Glacier, Redmond. Free. Hosted by Calvary Chapel Redmond. 541-923-8614.
Redmond’s Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration: Featuring games, live music & fun for all ages, including pony rides, petting zoo, bounce house, crafts, contests & more. Live music from two local bands: The Substitutes & Downhill Riders. 11 am-4 pm, Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center. Free. 541-548-7275.
Sunriver Fourth of July Festival: Features a bike parade, rock wall, barbecue, performance by Michael John, games, pony rides & more. $1 per activity ticket; donations accepted (proceeds benefit New Generations Early Childhood Development Center). New Generations Early Childhood Development Center. 541-593-1010.
July 4-6
La Pine Rodeo & Fireworks: 11th annual rodeo; sanctioned by Northwest Professional Rodeo Association. The “Greatest Little Rodeo in Oregon” features action-packed, family-friendly entertainment. July 4: the “Buck & Boom,” a bull-riding-only event, followed by a dance for the entire family held in the rodeo arena, topped off by a Fourth of July fireworks you can watch from the rodeo grandstands. July 5: 3rd Annual CAN Cancer Day. Mutton Bustin’ at 4:30 pm, rodeo starts at 5 pm. July 6: Mutton Bustin’ at 1 pm, rodeo starts at 1:30. Tickets $10 gen adm on Thur; $10-$30 Fri-Sat. 541-420-9889.
July 6
Camp Sherman Holiday Barbecue: A Camp Sherman tradition — burgers & bratz in a down-home setting with live music. 5-9 pm, Camp Sherman Store. (541) 595-6711.