Fire up the grille

Celebrate 250 in style at the Gleneden Beach parade

By Linda Turner Griepentrog

For The TODAY

Whether you call it a sestercentennial or the more formal semiquincentennial, one thing’s for sure — Gleneden Beach is the place to be this Saturday, July 4, as the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary.

The day-long celebration begins with a pancake breakfast held at the Gleneden Beach Community Hall from 8 to 10:30 am. After a warm greeting by Uncle Sam, you can partake of pancakes, eggs, sausage or ham, orange juice and hot beverages, all for only $10 for adults and $6 for kids aged six to 12. The breakfast proceeds benefit the Gleneden Beach Community Club, that has been around for almost 80 years. The club is also selling commemorative Gleneden Beach T-shirts and sweatshirts, both at the breakfast and at the nearby street fair.

Once you’ve fueled up for the day, head to the street fair at 11 am with local craft and food vendors, and the ever-popular dunk tank. There are two vendor areas: Blake’s Coastal Nursery parking lot and the open area opposite the Side Door Café. For a bit of liquid refreshment, head to the beer garden at Salishack Tavern.

Sometime before 1 pm, stake out your space along the parade route.

“This event has been dubbed the biggest little 4th of July parade on the Oregon Coast,” said parade spokesperson Warren Ryland.

The parade begins at the Gleneden Beach Fire Station and winds its way north on Gleneden Beach Loop, turning at The Red Roof onto Sijota Street, then left on Salal Avenue to Fern Street, east to Rhododendron Avenue to Clover Street, and back to the fire station.

It’s important to note that major streets in the area will be closed between 11 am and 2 pm, and there is no parking along the parade route shoulders. Gleneden Beach Loop where the main stage and band are located, between Fern and White streets, will be closed until 4 pm.

Parking is available on the community’s side streets, at the Gleneden Beach State Recreation Site and Siletz Bay State Airport. There will be a shuttle running between the designated parking areas and Gleneden Beach Loop.

Led by the Coast Guard Color Guard and a rescue helicopter flyover, the parade kicks off at 1 pm. Following close behind the red, white and blue will be costumed characters, clowns, decorated bikes and wagons, equestrian riders, cheerleaders, classic cars, local dignitaries and community groups, first responders, pets bedecked in their patriotic finery, and elaborate floats. And yes, the inflatable sharks will be back. Lots of candy will be flying about as well.

The parade will be emceed from the main stage by KBCH’s Roger Roberston and Chinook Winds Casino Public Relations Director Heather Hatton.

When the parade is over, head back to the street fair area for music, shopping, snacking and maybe a little dancing. This year’s featured band is Sitka, who describe their style as “jazzy, trippy, folkadelic rock.” Ryland describes it as “a music style with something for everybody.”

For more information, including a detailed event map, go to glenedenbeach.org.

Schedule of events

8-10:30 am - Pancake breakfast, Gleneden Beach Community Hall, 110 Azalea Street

11 am to 4 pm - Street fair open

1 pm - Parade starts, Gleneden Beach Fire Station

2 to 4 pm - Music by Sitka