For first time since 2019, parade set for morning, bandshell show in afternoon — no evening fireworks, but American Band College to play

While Fourth of July festivities have been scaled back this year, with no fireworks display allowed, that doesn’t mean festivities won’t return with fanfare on Monday, July 4, with a full schedule of in-person events, including a parade, Ashland City Band concert, food vendors, a family fun zone, and more.

For the first time in two years, the Ashland Fourth of July run will return to the streets of Ashland, with late registration available in the morning. The runs, organized by Ashland Parks & Recreation Commission, kick off at 7:45 a.m.

This year, the parade’s theme is, “Ashland Cares!” The theme recognizes the medical staff on the frontlines of COVID-19 who cared for and continued to care for patients with the virus during what has been a “tumultuous” past two years, locally and around the world. The parade begins at 10 a.m. and can also be viewed by livestream at ashlandchamber.com. F-15s from Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls are scheduled to fly over during the parade.

Entertainment continues at Lithia Park Bandshell following the parade, with a concert by Ashland City Band from noon to 1:30. Lynx Family Band and Danny Sherrill’s Band perform all afternoon with Emcee Daniel Perry Walkup.  Kicking off the afternoon will be the reading of the Declaration of Independence by Barry Kraft with the Ashland City Band, followed by a welcome address from Ashland Mayor Julie Akins and the Gettysburg Address by Bob Jackson Miner as Abraham Lincoln. 

Nonprofit food vendors will be available adjacent to the bandshell.

A Family Fun Zone sponsored by Rogue Community Health will also be available near the bandshell.

“Our hope is with this scaled back version of the park that everyone enjoys the space provided following the parade to enjoy the fun and entertainment,” said Katharine Cato of the Ashland Chamber in a news release.  

While there will not be an evening fireworks show, everyone is invited to attend the American Band College “Ashland Pops Show” that will be performed at Ashland High School Football Stadium at 7:30 p.m. Monday evening featuring guest soloist, Harry Watters and the 175-member ABC Band. For the link to buy tickets ($19 general, $15 senior, $50 family), click here. 

For all Ashland 4th of July information and details, visit ashlandchamber.com/4thofJuly, or click here to see a PDF version.  Tickets can also be purchased in person at Ashland High School Stadium beginning at 6 p.m. 
Source: News release from Ashland Chamber of Commerce. Reach Ashland.news reporter Holly Dillemuth at hollyd@ashland.news.