Rockaway Beach celebrates Independence Day

Throngs of visitors descended on Rockaway Beach for its annual Fourth of July celebrations last week, enjoying the parade, dachshund races and fireworks display at night.

The day kicked off shortly before 11 a.m. with a flyover from the Air National Guard before the annual parade down Highway 101 through downtown. Local businesses, charitable organizations and other groups delighted gathered crowds with their costumes and floats, while passing out candy and beads.

After the parade, many made their way to Phyllis Baker City Park for the Annual Firecracker Wiener Nationals, where dachshunds and a wide variety of other breeds raced.

Finally, after the sun set, the crowd was treated to a spectacular fireworks display over the beach.