JULY 4 - Thousands of patriotic people once again descended on Creswell to celebrate America’s 246th birthday after the pandemic put the city-sanctioned celebration on a two-year-long pause.

As the Monday morning parade stepped off at 11 a.m., two low-flying military jets roared over the appreciative crowd. With nearly 100 entries, the lengthy parade wound its way around the city, past homes and people of all ages waving flags and festively decked out in red, white, and blue. 

Parade entries showcased businesses, organizations, churches, veterans groups, politicians, horses carrying waving rodeo princesses, and Lane County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse deputies.  

There was a wide variety of vehicles, from classic cars to large and small trucks, to a pair of choreographed combines, all decorated in flags and red, white, and blue bunting.

Holt Park swelled to capacity after the parade. The One More Time Marching Band’s patriotic and Americana tunes provided a soundtrack for those waiting in long lines in the bright sunshine for food, sno-cones, and balloon animals. 

Other attractions around town included a chalk art contest and free airplane rides for youth at the airport. The day ended with a bang as the much-anticipated fireworks display lit up the night sky over the high school football field.