PORT ANGELES – During this time of uncertainty about when our lives will get back to normal, it’s good to know that there are people in our community working hard on a plan to celebrate when that time comes.
The Port Angeles Regional Chamber of Commerce announced this week that its Business Recovery Committee is busy planning a full set of activities the 4th of July weekend, knowing full well that we may still be living with restrictions due to COVID-19 at that time.
Here’s Chamber Director Mark Abshire.
“Sure, we are planning for Fourth of July activities in the possibility that, not only will we be allowed to congregate in large numbers, but the people will feel comfortable gathering together by then. And if not, we’re also working on a contingency plan to push that out potentially to Labor Day weekend if the Fourth of July is too early. But the point is, is that we want people to feel like there is something to look forward to. That the Chamber is working on making that happen in the event that we can. And of course, if it looks like we can’t do that then we won’t. But we’re going to be ready in case we can.”
Weekend plans include a Friday, July 3rd, “Tribute to Our Heroes” concert at the Port Angeles City Pier to recognize and thank the many people and organizations who have given, risked, and sustained others through the worst impacts of the pandemic.
On Saturday, July 4th, the annual community celebration will open with a running event on the Olympic Discovery Trail, and continue with numerous activities for kids and families in the Port Angeles downtown area throughout the day, including pickleball and cornhole tournaments, a lawnmower derby, live music on the City Pier, the annual parade at 6:00pm, and culminating with fireworks that will begin around 10:15pm.
Again, the Chamber’s contingency plan would move the entire celebration to Labor Day weekend in the first week of September.
In partnership with several members of the community, the Port Angeles Farmers Market, the Port of Port Angeles, the City of Port Angeles, Clallam County Transit, the Chamber is seeking support from area businesses that are able and interested in providing sponsorship for everything from the bands playing on City Pier, to prizes for outstanding parade entries, to the fireworks show. Any interested supporters should contact the Chamber at (360) 452-2364 to discuss sponsorship opportunities.