Fourth festivities get new location
The location for McMinnville’s Fourth of July events that traditionally take place on Court Square and Main Street has been changed for this year.
Although Main Street officials had hopes of holding festivities downtown in its traditional location, even though Court Square is under construction, it has become apparent that is not going to happen.
“Seeing the construction currently, there is no way it would be ready in time,” Main Street McMinnville director Chris Wilson said.
Parks and Recreation director Carlene Brown, whose department is in charge of organizing the event, confirmed plans are to hold the Fourth of July festivities at the Farmers Market this year.
All the traditional events, such as the pancake breakfast, the 3-mile fun run, Lion’s Club concessions and the Yankee Doodle children’s parade, are scheduled to be kicked off using the Farmers Market pavilion as a base of operations.
The run itself will begin at the Farmers Market, go to the Civic Center from Main Street and return to the Farmers Market. The children’s parade will consist of two laps around the Farmers Market pavilion, Civic Center recreation programmer Justin Scott said.
The schedule of events includes: breakfast from 7 to 10 a.m.; the run/walk beginning at 7:30 a.m.; a children’s activity corner, a Park Theatre open house and a Heritage Alliance art show from 8 to 11 a.m.; a patriotic salute beginning at 9 a.m.; a walking tour of the old city cemetery beginning at 9 a.m. (meet at Chamber); the Silver and Gold Band at 9:15 a.m.; a Pioneerette performance at 10 a.m. and the children’s parade at 10:30 a.m. The fireworks display will round out the day’s events at the Civic Center at 9 p.m.
Entry forms for the fun run/walk and the children’s parade are available at the Civic Center, the Chamber of Commerce and First National Bank.