Published 06/18/09

Central Oregon Coast Fourth Promises More Explosions

(Newport, Oregon) – With a continued increased budget from last year, Newport's Fourth of July fireworks display will continue to be larger than previous years.

Newport Fire Marshall Toby Cole said the amount of explosions will be at least equal to last year’s 125 anniversary celebration, if not more. The budget for fireworks was increased for last year’s show, and since that budget has remained the same, this year’s show promises to continue the increase in big booms in the sky.

Cole estimated there would be more than 1300 mortar rounds.

Newport’s Fourth of July celebration always has some interesting aspects that other local celebrations don’t. Every year, tens of thousands of tourists and residents gather to witness what may be the most dynamic display of fireworks in Oregon. The surrounding hills of Yaquina Bay create an unusual effect where the sound is bounced back and forth, tripling or quadrupling the explosion noises from the mortars.

Dozens of boats dot the bay, and some occasionally shoot off their own flares high into the air. This creates quite the surreal sight if you’re driving over the Yaquina Bay Bridge and see fireworks hovering at the same elevation as you.

The surrounding hills, the extensive bay front, South Beach and even some of the beaches near the jetties provide a large array of viewing spots. Additionally, there is about three miles along the north and south riverbanks of the Yaquina River where you can see the fireworks. All of this adds up to a variety of vantage points that may indeed be the largest Oregon has to offer.

Other events coincide with the weekend’s aerial festivities as well.

July 2. Oregon Coast Aquarium previews the new Starfy game for the Nintendo DS™ and Nintendo DSi™ systems available in stores on June 8. The Legendary Starfy will be making an appearance there on July 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to promote the game, which brings players on an undersea adventure to help a mysterious, bunny-eared stranger find his lost memory. Swoop into enemies with your awesome spin attack, glide over bottomless chasms and transform into powerful creatures. The Oregon Coast Aquarium is one of 14 stops along Starfy’s east-to-west-coast aquarium tour. 2820 SE Ferry Slip Rd. Newport, Oregon. 541-867-3474. www.aquarium.org

July 4. Newport Symphony Orchestra. Free show spotlighting popular and patriotic classics. 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. 322 NE Eads Street Newport, Oregon. 541-256-ARTS.

The Newport Clambake and Seafood BBQ takes place Saturday, July 4, where the entire beachfront district of Nye Beach holds a seafood barbecue and a fair with live music, food booths, arts and crafts and a celebration of the neighborhood’s history. This year it features pets.

For more information on Newport’s fireworks and Fourth of July activities, call the Newport Chamber of Commerce at 800-262-7844.

For more about Newport lodging ....

RELATED STORIES

Unusual Travel Articles TravelParanormal.com allows you to submit your own creepy tale or debunk one - or see up-to-the-minute news headlines about travel and the paranormal.

Watching Transformations of Oregon Coast Beaches Seasons change and so do beaches, revealing different sides and a variety of eye-popping sights

Staggeringly Cool Ideas for Oregon Coast Romance Be it the season of Valentine's or be it any time of the year, Oregon's coastline has essentially cornered the market for cuddle-inducing possibilities and gushy activities for the hand-holding set

Day or Night Mysteries and Merriment on Oregon Coast It's more than just nightlife that comes to life, but the beaches offer major opportunities

News Headlines from All Over Oregon Need to scan Oregon headlines? Constantly updated news from all over Oregon: a comprehensive, up-to-the-minute display of news headlines from a variety of media.

CONTACT / ADVERTISE ON BEACH CONNECTION