Stay local this Fourth of July, party in West Linn

By Katie Browning

The West Linn Tidings, Jul 2, 2009, Updated Oct 30, 2009

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From morning until dark this Saturday, Willamette Park will be filled with Fourth of July fun and entertainment that should not be missed.

Coordinated by longtime West Linn resident Alice Richmond, the “Go Fourth and Celebrate” event, part of the West Linn Community Concerts series, begins at 1:30 p.m. with musical performances scheduled throughout the day.

Probable Cause, a Portland-area band, will offer “dance-til-ya-drop rock” at 1:30 p.m., followed by Chicago-based blues performer Greg Earl at 3:30 p.m. and local cover artist Rachel Varayne at 5:30 p.m.

Residents are encouraged to bring their own picnic or purchase food from one of the many West Linn vendors that will be on site. A small fireworks show of legal, Oregon fireworks purchased from local booths will conclude the evening at 9:30 p.m.

State Rep. Scott Bruun and Mayor Patti Galle are set to emcee the event, along with a Benjamin Franklin impersonator.

The celebration will also include games, a raffle, and an appearance by Wiggles the Clown.

Richmond says she enjoys planning events like these and hopes that residents will remember that they do not need to travel far to find entertainment this Fourth of July.

“Residents don’t need to worry about traffic or the cost of gas to go somewhere else,” Richmond said. “They can feel proud of their local festivities and enjoy the opportunity to spend time with their families, friends and neighbors.”

Admission is free, but residents are encouraged to bring canned food donations to the event for the West Linn Food Pantry.