By Melissa Wagoner
When the Mt. Angel Chamber of Commerce realized this year Independence Day fell on a Sunday, they saw it as a chance to shake up the usual traditions.
“[I]t seemed like a great opportunity to add an additional event on Saturday to bring people together and celebrate our town, community and independence,” Chamber of Commerce President Sarah Bauman explained.
“The initial idea was to host it downtown around the gazebo to encourage people to walk the town and patronize our small business owners. However, we continued to run up against problems with city permits and fees. In the end, it made more sense to move the event to the Festhalle.”
Kicking off at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 3 there will be live entertainment from the Festival Brass, food from Burger Time and Mary Had a Little Faith Bakery and a selection of beers. Admission will be free to the community – with donations to the annual fireworks greatly appreciated.
“It has been difficult for the Chamber to see our small businesses forced into closure, some permanently, and so many events and fundraisers canceled due to the pandemic,” Bauman said. She hopes the event will attract visitors, not just to
the Festhalle but to all of Mount
Angel’s storefronts.
“We saw an opportunity to do something nice for the town…” Bauman continued, “a way to kick off summer and feel like a community again.”
The festivities will continue on July 4 at 11 a.m. with the traditional Independence Day Parade following the usual route from East Marquam Street to Birch Street to Taylor Street to Garfield. This year, in order to allow spectators more space, it will continue past Mt. Angel Sausage Co. to the Weingarten.
Similarly, the annual pre-fireworks display celebration, beginning at 8 p.m. with music from the Marion County Citizens Band at Mt. Angel Middle School, will see very few changes.
“Concessions will be available from the Knights of Columbus and JFK Track Team,” a press release for the event announced. “Come hungry for sausage on a bun, strawberries and ice cream, and root beer floats. Fireworks begin around 10 p.m.”
With two days of community-oriented events, the chamber of commerce board is hoping everyone will take this opportunity to kick-off to summer
and support local retailers.
“We would love to see people come out to support our small businesses around town and enjoy being a community again,” Bauman said.
Independence Day Activities
Saturday, July 3
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Mt. Angel Festhalle
500 Mt. Angel Highway
Free admission. Live entertainment, food, drinks, cake walk,
free sno-cones, fire truck viewing and a clown.
Sunday, July 4 at 11 a.m.
Fourth of July Parade
East Marquam Street to Birch Street to Taylor Street to Garfield. Ending at the Weingarten.
Sunday, July 4 at 8 p.m.
Music, concessions
Mt. Angel Middle School
460 East Marquam St.
Firework at 10 p.m.
