Fourth of July in Port Orford is what everyone imagines a small town celebration should be. In fact, our July 4th Jubilee is legendary and could be the largest celebration on the south coast - a four - five day event that offers something for just about everyone.

The day starts with an exuberant truck - with loudspeaker! - that travels the length of the town, exhorting people to rise and shine and start the day with a pancake breakfast (someone always has a big community pancake breakfast...this year, it's by the Beachcombers ).

Then, the town gathers along the main street/Hwy 101 for a parade starting at 11am...complete with everything from decorated tractors, homemade floats and lovely girls on horseback. Wave a flag, catch the salt-water taffy they throw to the crowd and dance along with the square-dancers on the decorated flat-bed.

The local festivities during the weekend include a craft show, beach golf, rubber duck race, pet show, dingy races, chalk art, a barbecue, ...you get the idea.

The day ends with a spectacular fireworks exhibit at Battle Rock Park at night - one of the best on the entire coast (over an hour long!). Depending on who you ask, somewhere between 5,000 and 8,000 people assemble to watch the hour-long fireworks and listen to our local commentator doing color, stand up and dedications from the crowd.

It's perfect.

For a complete list of times and dates go to www.enjoyportorford.com/fourthofjuly