Redmond’s Fourth of July parade is on!
The Redmond Chamber of Commerce said Tuesday it is moving forward with plans for its July 4th parade downtown.
In addition, the chamber said it will bring back the Porch Parade and Mini Parade “so the entire community can be involved in celebrating Independence Day!”
Despite the cancellation of Bend’s iconic pet parade, other cities are bringing back traditional events for the upcoming holiday.
The Redmond parade was canceled last year due to COVID concerns, but now the celebrations are back.
“It wasn’t any easy decision there’s a lot of factors we had to consider,” said Redmond Chamber of Commerce Events Coordinator Kara Roatch.
This year’s edition will feature an extended route on 6th Street from Greenwood To Forest.
“Of course, current COVID guidelines will still apply for our Fourth of July Parade, but we figured we would do our best to create as much distancing opportunities for the community,” Roatch said.
Roatch expects between 3,000-5,000 people this year.
“We are hoping it just kind of brings the community back together,” Roatch added. “It’s been a very long year and a half of social distancing and just everyone keeping to themselves for the most part.”
Adults and kids are equally excited about the return of the parade.
“I understand the pandemic is going on, but I also think it is important for people, especially on the Fourth of July, which celebrates our freedom, to actually be out and about and actually celebrate our freedom,” said Redmond resident Kyler Christiansen.
“I’m gonna go,” said young Rowan Bell. “Are you excited for it? Uh Huh! What’s your favorite part about a parade? The candy!”
Some downtown stores joined that excitement.
“I think it is going to be really good for businesses and we encourage everyone to wear masks,” said cupcake connoisseur at Ida’s Cupcakes Jessalyn Loza.
The Redmond Parade starts and 10 a.m. and fireworks will start at 10 p.m. at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds.
“It’s going to be awesome,” Bell said.
Madras and La Pine will also hold annual Fourth of July parades and Prineville plans a cruise through the city, which is similar to a parade.
The Band of Brothers, who usually put on the Prineville Parade, said in 2020 they could not get a permit for a parade, so they decided to try the cruise through the city.
They say it was such a hit last year, they did not even try to get a permit this year and decided to have the cruise again.
Bend Parks and Recreation said they considered a scaled-down version of the pet parade, but the option was not feasible.
For more information on the Redmond Parade visit: www.visitredmondoregon.com
