The Mount Angel Chamber of Commerce’s Fourth of July Parade is going backwards this year. No, not the participants. They will be marching or driving or walking face forward. It’s just the parade route that will be in reverse.
Due to construction at Kennedy High School, where the parade normally begins, organizers found it necessary to reverse the route, said Randy Stockdale, one of the organizers of the parade.
On Saturday, July 4, participants should meet on Garfield Street, on the east side near the intersection with Church Street. Lomeup will continue back toward the Mount Angel Festhalle, Stockdale said.
“The parade will follow the normal route in reverse and finish on Birch and Marquam near the high school,” he said, adding next year the parade will once again start at the high school.
Stockdale is looking forward to the parade with its military honor guard, the firetrucks, children, classic cars, the floats and tractors.
While the parade begins at 11 a.m., Stockdale said anyone who wants to be judged as a parade entrant should sign in no later than 10 a.m. “The parade was phenomenally large last year,” Stockdale said, encouraging people to arrive early.
The fireworks will be at Kennedy High School starting 10 p.m., Stockdale said, however spectators should plan to be at the baseball field. “With the renovation to the new track, we don’t want to risk amber on the track,” he said.
Volunteers are needed to help with the parade. If you are interested in helping out or need more information, call Stockdale at 503-873-1790.
