It’s time for Bend’s Old Fashioned July 4th Festivities
June 18, 2018
Come celebrate our country’s independence at the July 4th Pet Parade and Old Fashioned Festival – both signature Bend Park & Recreation District events.
This year, Bend Pet Express will sponsor both the Pet Parade and the Old Fashioned July 4th Festival demonstrating its commitment to the signature community events to mark the nation’s independence.
The Pet Parade has been held since 1932 and is an annual tradition for Central Oregon families and visitors. It kicks off another fun-filled July 4th at 10 a.m., downtown. Everyone is welcome to participate and no registration is necessary. The decorating party and lineup begin at 9 a.m. in front of the Bend-La Pine School Education Center, 520 NW Wall St.
Bring your leashed pet (sorry, no rabbits, cats or aggressive dogs) or favorite stuffed animal, plenty of water, pet clean-up bags and your bike, trike or wagon. Bend Park & Recreation will provide decorations, keepsake buttons and popsicles for the kids. Commercial signage, floats, solicitation, motorized vehicles and distribution of anything to spectators are prohibited.
After the parade, the fun continues at Drake Park with the Old Fashioned July 4th Festival. Kids and adults alike can enjoy free old-fashioned games and the Kids & Family Fun Area. There will also be live music featuring favorite local bands, a variety of food booths and over 100 artisan booths.
Downtown road closures take place from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Alternative transportation is encouraged and there will be a free bike valet area in Drake Park near the permanent restrooms. Riverside Blvd. will be closed from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. If you need to drive, free weekend parking is available in the parking garage on Lava Street.
For the parade route and additional information, visit bendparksandrec.org/activities/4th-of-july/ or call Bend Park & Recreation District at (541) 389-7275.
July 4th Pet Parade – Downtown Bend
Sponsored by Bend Pet Express
- A community tradition since the 1930s – now designated as a Oregon Heritage Tradition
- All ages welcome.
- Come dressed in costume with your pet or stuffed animal on pulled wagons, bikes or trikes.
- No registration necessary.
- Kids receive a keepsake and popsicle.
- Pets must be leashed – be responsible for and clean up after your pet.
- No rabbits, cats or aggressive dogs.
- If you have large animals, please arrive early.
- Cyclists and equestrians, wear your helmets.
- Please do not give away animals.
- No solicitation, commercial floats, motorized vehicles, motorcycles or distribution of anything to spectators.
- Decorating Party & Parade Line Up: 9 a.m., Parade Begins: 10 a.m.
- Lineup is on Wall Street in front of the Bend-La Pine Schools Administration Building
- ADA spectator areas are located on Wall, Lava and Minnesota streets. Parking is recommended in the City of Bend Parking Garage.
- Downtown streets along the parade route will close at 9:15 a.m. Please arrive early.
July 4th Old Fashioned Festival – Drake Park
Presented by Bend Pet Express
Pancake Breakfast: 8:00 – 11:00 am
Presented by the Sunrise Lions Club
Live Music & Entertainment – Pavilion Main Stage: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Hosted by Bend Pet Express and presented by Northwest Community Credit Union
11:00 – 11:10 am National Anthem – Bella Acapella/ Patriotic Songs
11:15 – 11:30 am Fire Safety- Forest Service/ Smokey Bear & Friends
11:30am – 1:00pm Honey Don’t
1:00 – 2:00 pm Pie-Eating Contest
2:00 – 3:30 pm Five Pint Mary Band
Old Fashioned Games: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Sponsored by Bend Kiwanis Club
3-Legged Race, Gunny Sack Race, Parachute Play, Hula Hoop Contest, Ball Relays, Water Balloon Toss, Sponge Relay, Watermelon Eating Contest
Kids & Family Fun Area: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sponsored by the Law Offices of Warren John West
- The Fish Fling – presented by Hydro Flask
- Flush-a-Duck – presented by Brown & Brown Northwest Insurance
- Helicopter Landing at 11:30 am in Harmon Park – presented by AirLink
And fun and games for all ages!