Fireworks return to Forest Grove Saturday for America's 250th birthday

Fireworks return to Forest Grove on Saturday, July 4, capping an evening of live music, food vendors and family activities at Tom McCall Upper Elementary School as the United States marks its 250th birthday. The Downtown Association of Forest Grove is hosting the event, billed as "Forest Grove's 4th of July: America's 250th Birthday Bash," at the school at 1255 Pacific Ave. Gates open at 4 p.m., festivities run from 5 to 11 p.m., and admission is free. The event happens rain or shine. It's the city's first organized Fourth of July celebration since before the COVID-19 pandemic, association president Donna Gustafson confirmed to News in the Grove in a message. The nonprofit has been raising money for the show under the banner "Bring Back the Boom," and as of Thursday afternoon the campaign had raised $23,675 of its $30,000 goal from 66 donors, with every dollar going toward the fireworks. Donations are accepted at givebutter.com/ForestGroveFireworks. Hillsboro classic rock band Got Yer 6 headlines the entertainment alongside local duo Ky and Maddie. Ishstar, named Portland's "Fire Entertainer of the Year," performs a fire show ahead of the fireworks finale. Barbecue and summer food, carnival-style games, history demonstrations and recognition of veterans round out the lineup. The celebration is an official Oregon 250 event, part of the state's observance of the nation's 250th anniversary. VIP tickets, priced from $50 for one person to $150 for a group of four, sold out ahead of the event. Packages included reserved seating, parking, water and snacks, restroom access and a gift. Pre-paid parking passes cost $10 for a reserved spot in the school's lots, sold at downtownfg.square.site with attendants directing drivers on site. In a Thursday Facebook post, the association said the pre-sale ends that night, with limited spaces available. ADA-accessible spaces are available in the event lots at the same price for guests with a valid permit or license plate. Attendees can bring lawn chairs, blankets, ear protection for young children and cash or cards for vendors. Canopies and umbrellas must come down by 9 p.m. to keep the sky clear for the show. Personal fireworks, pets other than service animals, alcohol, vaping, smoking and weapons are prohibited on school grounds. Volunteer shifts are open at SignUpGenius, and more information is at downtownforestgrove.com/july-4th. The event is listed on the News in the Grove community calendar.