Central Oregon Coast's Newport Has a Fourth with Extra Booms

Published 06/15/2017 at 5:24 PM PDT
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff

(Newport, Oregon) – One of the largest Fourth of July displays in Oregon happens on the central coast in Newport, where it's made even bigger by the unique sound dynamics of Yaquina Bay. Add to that the huge expanse of beach, two lighthouses, a bustling bayfront and a historic neighborhood, and the town has more to offer than can be done in a day.

Look for some fun events around Newport as well.

Massive rounds of mortar rockets are fired off from Yaquina Bay, often more than 500 rounds, some of which soar some 400 feet in the air. That's higher than the Yaquina Bay Bridge. The event brings a good ten thousand people who can watch from the beaches, nearby hills, all around the bay, three miles up the Yaquina River and at South Beach.

The most unique part of this experience is the extra explosions. Newport's bay is surrounded closely by hills and small mountains from the coast range, which causes the thunder and boom of the fireworks to bounce off them in an impressive echo. This can literally triple or quadruple the effects of the mortars.

To top off this unique display, dozens of private boats wander the waters, some shooting off flares - high enough that they are at eye level as you're driving over the Yaquina Bay Bridge.

Many of Newport's boat charter services are offering bay trips during the fireworks celebration. Those interested are encouraged to contact a local charter service for further information.

The fireworks begin at dusk, but numerous other fun events happen around town that are worth heading out for earlier in the day.

Looking for some helpful tips on where to watch and dealing with traffic? Newport Chamber Executive Director Lorna Davis offers a few insights.

“The best advice for people who want to see the fireworks on the 4th over Yaquina Bay is find a place early to situate themselves,” Davis said. “Spending the afternoon on the Bayfront or in South Beach, which are both great vantage points for viewing, could include visiting the Aquarium or Rogue or some of the businesses and restaurants in those areas. Parking can prove challenging, however there are public areas to park. The public parking area at 9th and Hurbert is a good example.”

Day Events

Ardor Adventures will present the fifth annual 4th of July Celebration Run at 8:30 a.m. Kick the day off right with a 5K, 10K, or half marathon race, which will include these three race options, plus a kids’ fun run. The race begins and ends at the Rogue Brewery in South Beach, with a flat, paved route along the entrance to the bay for the 5K and 10K and some added trail running for the half-marathon. All distances will include a section on the 1300-foot NOAA pier, offering views of the bay and the facility. All finishers receive a medal. For registration and more information about this and other running events throughout the year, see Ardor Adventures’ web site http://ardoradventures.com.

Tuesday, July 4 features the Annual Free Community 4th of July concert at Newport Middle School. Conductor Adam Flatt will help you celebrate America’s Independence Day, as well as the 100th anniversary of the the NOAA Corps. The symphony is free.

The concert starts at 4 p.m., but full Americana festivities happen just beforehand. At 2:30 p.m., they hold a “Grand Old 4th of July BBQ,” with burgers, side dishes and more. Cost for the barbecue is $10 for adults, $5 for students and five years and younger are free.

Newport Middle School is at 825 NE 7th St. (541) 574-0614. http://newportsymphony.org.

At the Oregon Coast Aquarium, you can watch the animals eat. Between 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., various animals get fed and you can see it all. The feedings happen every day – sometimes twice a day - for sea lions, sea otters, turkey vultures, birds and others. They are at different schedules for the day: see aquarium.org for exact times.

For more information on Newport's fireworks and Fourth of July activities, call the Newport Chamber of Commerce at 800-262-7844. Newport Oregon Hotels for this event - Where to eat - Map and Virtual Tour

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