» Plenty of Fourth of July weekend activities

By Amy Moss Strong
Editor
Thursday, July 02, 2009 | 1 comment(s) From art events to a parade, music, food, family activities and fireworks, Bandon has plenty going on this Fourth of July holiday weekend. Here’s the lowdown:

Parade and Family Fun Day

The Bandon Lions Club’s community Fourth of July celebration begins with a parade and flyover at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 4. Those interested in participating in the parade can call Jeff Norris at 290-5383. Line up will be in front of the high school gym on Ninth Street and the parade will travel down U.S. Highway 101 and through Old Town. Bandon Fire Chief Lanny Boston and his wife Mary are this year’s grand marshals.

“We want to thank and honor Lanny for all he and his volunteer fire department crew has done to keep Bandon safe from fires,” said Lions member Don Rubin.

Regarding fire safety, the Port of Bandon is roping off an area on the asphalt in the northwest corner of its First Street boat launch parking lot for citizens to safely set off their legal fireworks. No fireworks are permitted on the boardwalk, the boardwalk amphitheater or any other boardwalk amenity.

The Lions’ fourth-annual Family Fun Day in City Park will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Hamburger and Polish dog meals will be served with chips and cole slaw. Drinks, ice cream and rootbeer floats also will be available. Live music provided by the band Hot Wax, vendor booths and activities for the children also are planned. All proceeds from the Family Fun Day benefit Lions sight and hearing programs. In addition, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the City Park, Bandon Artists and Friends will be giving demonstrations on the hour in such art forms as collage and using oil pastels.

Bandon’s annual fireworks display will take place near the Coquille River at dusk (approximately 9:45 to 10 p.m.) The fireworks are sponsored by the Bandon Chamber of Commerce. Donations to help defray costs of the display can be made at the Visitors Center in Old Town.

Dog show

The Fourth of July weekend will include the Coos Kennel Club’s all-breed dog show on Saturday and Sunday on Bandon High School grounds. More than 450 dogs (and their owners) attend the event. The show is free. In addition to watching the dogs, visitors can shop the vendor booths set up around the area. The Bandon High School cheerleaders hold their annual pancake breakfast at St. John Episcopal Church and the BHS football team sells hamburgers and hot dogs at the event. The Bandon Booster Club also will have a booth.

Other events

The BIG art event Friday at Harbortown Center, a car wash to raise money for the Bandon High School cross country team to attend Steens Mountain Running Camp, the Quality Crafters Guild show and crafts sale Saturday at The Barn, the Golf Scramble and Cornhole Tournament fundraiser for the Community Garden Sunday at Old Bandon Golf Links and two art openings, one at Southern Coos Hospital and the other at SAGE Gallery, also highlight the weekend. More on those activities are inside on pages A5 and A6.