By Don Murtha
There’s a secret Silverton and Mount Angel residents know.
The Fourth of July is celebrated for two days – not just one, and the fun just keeps on coming all month long
Silverton Day at The Garden
The festivities start on July 3 with a concert, activities and fireworks at Ssilverton Day at the Oregon Garden.
Among the activities will be carnival games, face painting, sidewalk chalk drawing, a dunk tank, line dancing, a variety of activities at the Children’s Garden and a bubble station.
Food offerings will include brats and fondue, barbequed ribs, wine and beer.
A cider festival will offer hard cider with tickets and glasses on sale in the Garden.
Three concerts will be given at the Garden amphitheater. The Portland Cello Project, a cello group, will perform a concert of classics, movie themes, jazz and pops. Ben Rue, of Silverton who grew up on a local farm, performs country-western music. The Pickwick, a group that performs blues, will also be featured.
General admission to the Garden is $11 for adults, $9 for seniors, $8 for students 12-17, $5 for children 5 to 11, children younger than 5 are free. Garden members and Silverton residents with proof of address or membership are admitted to the Garden free. Parking at the Garden is $5. Parking is free to Oregon Garden members.
A fireworks display at dusk will conclude the day’s events at the Oregon Garden.
Independence Day July 4th
The celebration continues July 4 with Old Stuff on Main Street in downtown Silverton and a parade, activities and fireworks in Mount Angel.
The annual parade sponsored by the Mount Angel Chamber of Commerce starts at 11 am at the Kennedy High School parking lot and ends at City Hall.
The parade will include antique military vehicles, veterans, organizations and the Mount Angel Fire Department. Children can join the parade and prizes will be awarded to the most creative, Mary Kohler, parade chairperson said.
The Marion County Citizens Band will perform in the evening at the high school athletic field prior to the annual fireworks show, also sponsored by the chamber of commerce. The Knights of Columbus will sell food at the concession stand.
Canterbury Renaissance Faire
The fourth annual faire recreates old world England for visitors in Silverton July 14, 15, 21 and 22. The faire runs 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily, preenting a 1500s-era English Marketplace and village. Queen Elizabeth’s royal court and a professional troupe of jousting knights recreate the period, complete with blacksmithing, armor making, full contact sword fighting and long bow archery. An ale yard will be open for adults and games will be set up for children. Musicians, singers, jugglers, fire eater, dancers, magicians and comedians perform. Costumes are not required and the event is family friendly. The faire is held in the “forest” at 6118 Mount Angel (Wilco) Highway. Tickets at $13 for adults, $10 for children 6 -12 and seniors over 60, and free for thouse younger than 6. Parking is free. For more information see: www.canterburyfaire.com
Movies in the Garden
Then the outdoor movie season starts with Oregon Garden offering a series of seven films throughout the summer in the Garden Green above the Pavilion. Movies begin at dusk with admission to the Garden beginning at 7pm.
The schedule includes: Happy Feet, July 19; Back to the Future, July 26; Anchorman, Aug. 2; Babe, Aug. 9; The Big Lebowski, Aug. 16 and Jurassic Park, Aug. 23.
Admission to each movie is $3 for adults, $2 for children 5 to 10 and $1 for members and volunteers.
No food or beverages may be brought into the Garden. Free popcorn is available at each movie and concession will offer food and beverages including beer and wine. Blankets and cushions only will be allowed for seating.
