No fireworks this year, but St. Helens still has Fourth of July plans in store

Fourth of July in St. Helens will take on a new flavor in 2024.

Fireworks are out this year, but the city will continue on with outdoor events at McCormick Park, including a salute to veterans.

Columbia View Park, traditionally a great locale to watch the bright displays, and the Riverfront Property, are undergoing construction, leading the city to call off fireworks. The St. Helens City Council plans to host fireworks again in 2025 when current Riverfront District construction is complete.

“Due to permit regulations, safety protocols, and sufficient space needed to host large-scale fireworks displays, the city does not have an alternative location to host a fireworks show this year,” a city news release says.

Instead, a slew of Fourth of July events will be held at McCormick Park, located at 475 South 18th St. in St. Helens.

Dubbed “Tour of Duty,” the event will honor the holiday and local veterans with the help of community groups and volunteers.

Events at the park kick off with a Freedom Walk at 11 a.m., followed by the Highway 30 Cruisers at noon.

At 1:30 p.m., the American Legion and VFW Flag Raising Ceremony is scheduled to take place, accompanied by the National Anthem and speakers.

At 2 p.m., enjoy the “Let Freedom Bells Ring” ceremony and the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

From 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., it’ll be time for the Birthday Cake for America. The Larry Jackson Big River Big Band featuring Ellie Wieneke will perform.

According to the city, funding for the 2024 fireworks show will be carried over to help pay for the 2025 event.

For a complete listing of events at the McCormick Park Fourth of July event, visit www.discovercolumbiacounty.com.