Boiler Bay Beacon
LINCOLN CITY — Fireworks will light up the sky over Devils Lake this Fourth of July as Lincoln City celebrates America’s 250th birthday.
The city is bringing back a traditional fireworks show after scrapping last year’s drone display plans. Events include a pet parade, pie-eating contest, live music and food vendors spread throughout town.
The day starts with “Vets, Pets, & Pie!” from 10 a.m. to noon at the Lincoln City Community Center, 2150 NE Oar Pl. Residents can enter pies for judging, join the pie-eating contest and walk their pets in the parade. Prizes go to the best entries. Veterans get free admission all day and a special gift from Lincoln City Parks & Recreation.
At noon, the Taft District hosts “Stars, Stripes, and Wildlife” at the SW 51st turnaround area. The event features live music, a food truck, beer garden, family fun and educational booths on Siletz Bay wildlife and ecosystems. Parking is available in public lots throughout the Taft District, with overflow at Taft High School opening at 11 a.m. A free shuttle runs from the high school to the site until 6 p.m.
The fireworks launch near Regatta Park at dusk. Regatta Park closes to vehicles at 6 p.m. with very limited parking. A free shuttle runs from the Community Center to the park from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Viewing spots away from the park include areas between the Community Center and Regatta Park (highest elevation 230 feet), Hwy 101 and NE 17th Street to Regatta Park (205 feet), and City Hall to Regatta Park (100 feet). Fireworks will reach up to 800 feet, but trees may block the view.
Community Concerns
Residents on local Facebook groups including Lincoln City Homepage Community have raised parking and traffic worries for both the Taft event and the fireworks show, with past celebrations leading to heavy congestion and overflow parking on side streets. Many have also voiced concerns about fireworks noise affecting pets (causing anxiety and escapes) and local wildlife. Officials urge using the shuttles and planning ahead.
The sale, possession and use of all fireworks (including sparklers) is banned citywide on private and public property. Violators could face fines or prosecution.
This year’s show follows last year’s council decision to drop the drone contract after residents rejected it. See our previous coverage:
