(Newport, Oregon) – One of the largest Fourth of July displays in Oregon happens on the central coast, in Newport, and includes not only a full day of events around town but some extra boom for your buck. The geographic layout of Yaquina Bay causes the fireworks explosions to bounce off the nearby hills, literally quadrupling the effect of the mortars.
Those massive rounds of rockets are fired off from inside Yaquina Bay, making for a central location from which to view the fireworks from all over town. The event snags about ten thousand people every year, who can watch from the beaches, nearby hills, all around the bay, three miles up the Yaquina River and South Beach.
To top off this unique display, dozens of private boats wander the waters, some shooting off flares – high enough that they are at eye level as you’re driving over the Yaquina Bay Bridge.
Many of Newport’s boat charter services are offering bay trips during the fireworks celebration. Those interested are encouraged to contact a local charter service for further information.
The fireworks begin at dusk, but numerous other fun events happen around town that are worth heading out for earlier in the day.
Looking for some helpful tips on where to watch and dealing with traffic? Newport Chamber Executive Director Lorna Davis offers a few insights.
“The best advice for people who want to see the fireworks on the 4th over Yaquina Bay is find a place early to situate themselves,” Davis said. “Spending the afternoon on the Bayfront or in South Beach, which are both great vantage points for viewing, could include visiting the Aquarium or Rogue or some of the businesses and restaurants in those areas. Parking can prove challenging, however there are public areas to park. The public parking area at 9th and Hurbert is a good example.”
For more information on Newport’s fireworks and Fourth of July activities, call the Newport Chamber of Commerce at 800-262-7844.
More Events Around Town on Fourth of July
Newport 4th of July Rock White and Blue Music Festival. Eight hours of continuous music, ranging from folk to blues to reggae to classic rock. This year’s lineup: Luv Gunn (blues). The Purple Cats (blues), Crooked Revolution West Coast (modern hard rock), Revolving Door (classic rock), Unplugged (classic rock). Free outdoor event on Newport’s Historic Bay Front. 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Newport, Oregon.
July 4. Newport Symphony Spectacular 4th of July Concert. 4 pm. Free. Newport Intermediate School. 825 NE 7th St. Newport, Oregon. 541-574-0614.
Salmon Enchanted Evening at the Port of Newport. A gourmet evening of amazing Oregon wild Salmon created dishes, fabulous sides and delightful wine from the Sokol Blosser Winery of Dayton. Desserts. Chefs include Ralph Pesznecker of Timberline Lodge, Erol Kanmaz and Leslie Champion of Northwest Culinary Institute and local fishermen & award winning amateur chef Corey Rock. Big band concert performed by the famed Lincoln Pops Big Band. Prime viewing spot for fireworks; includes a classic car show. 7 p.m. Only 500 tickets will be sold for the 21 and over event, $25. www.salmonenchantedevening.com. Port of Newport (Across from Hatfield Marine Science Center) 2000 Marine Science Drive. Newport, Oregon.
For lodging and activity information and complete calendar of events see www.discovernewport.com and www.newportchamber.org. 800-262-7844.
Photo by Brian O’Neal