Ashland's Fourth of July celebrations attract thousands

Ashland, Ore. — People packed the streets of downtown Ashland for this year’s Fourth of July parade, and they weren’t disappointed.

It’s an annual tradition that brings out 20,000 people to the town. Some have been coming for decades.

“We’ve been coming for about 29 years to this parade and we just love the zaniness, the enthusiasm and the patriotism,” Laura Grosz said.

Every year people come out in droves for the festivities that take place in Ashland. Some even stake out their spots for the parade more than 24 hours in advance. Parade-goers said there’s no better way to celebrate freedom than with community and family.

The fun didn’t end after the last float. The festivities continued all afternoon at Lithia Park, 100 years after it was dedicated.

The theme of this year’s Fourth of July events was “Celebrating Lithia Park.” This holiday weekend marks it’s 100th birthday.

Mayor John Stromberg said the park was designed in the early 1900’s by the man who designed San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park.

“This park is the heart and soul in Ashland and we love to share it with people from all over the world,” Stromberg said.

The celebration wrapped up Monday night was a firework display at Southern Oregon University’s Athletic Field.