Story, photos and video By Robin Swain
Wow! Wow! Wow! Independence Day the Rockaway Beach Way, was one for the record books from the beginning flyover until the final firework! Thank you to the City of Rockaway Beach and all the volunteers … here’s just a little bit about all the festivities.
At approximately 10:51am, the 142nd Wing flyover brought a hush over the crowd. It is the lowest I have ever seen them fly. Typically they fly over the beach, this year they flew right over Hwy 101. It was incredible! As the 142nd flew south out of sight, the crowd burst into applause and cheers and the Rockaway Beach 4th of July Parade rolled out!
Sheriff Joshua Brown led the Parade through the streets and onto 101 the crowds cheering all along the way. There were approximately 50 entries. Floats, walking groups and a bicycle brigade to list just a few!
Following the parade, at Phyllis Baker City Park, the International Weiner Dog Races were gearing up for the Races! A large crowd gathered for a pawsitivately great time!
In the Rockaway Beach Wayside, The Rockaway Beach Chamber of Commerce, had several vendors including Ronnie’s Chicago Style BBQ, El Trio Loco and live music featuring The Paradise Boys! They had people dancing! Two of John Luce’s grandkids, John and Emily showed their swing style dancing, to the delight of the crowd.
The topper as always, the City of Rockaway Beach’s renowned Fireworks Display!
The City of Rockaway Beach would like give a big shout out of thanks to all the Volunteers from the community!! RB Volunteers, who organized volunteers to help Laura Schmidt from Oregon Coast Event CO. as the parade route assistance crew and at the International Weiner Dog Races. The CERT volunteers from Rockaway Beach Preparedness who helped with traffic control. The volunteers from the Rockaway Beach Business Association who also helped along the parade route. The Rockaway Beach Chamber of Commerce Volunteers who kept it rocking in the Wayside and led the SOLVE clean up on July 5th.
The citizens of Rockaway Beach would like to thank RB Public Works for all the extra time they put in all week long. Your hard work to keep our town so clean and nice looking, never goes unnoticed!
The Rockaway Beach Fire Department was very busy! Rockaway Beach residents and guests are fortunate to have such a dedicated and highly trained Department.
And that folks…it’s a wrap!
