Lake Oswego’s reputation for a good time on the 4th of July drew over 20 twentysomethings from San Francisco to our place last year.

Lake Oswego does the 4^th of July up big. From pancakes in the park to a pie-eating contest, to a parade down main street as well as one on the lake, it’s not to be missed. And if you need any more proof, answer me this—what other town of 37,000 hosts two fireworks shows to celebrate Independence Day? This year, in addition to the display over the lake, viewers can catch the city’s inaugural fireworks show from the Upper Ballfield at George Rogers Park as well as Foothills and Millennium Plaza Park.

Here’s a schedule of this year’s events:

• Millennium Concert Band. Get in the flag-waving mood with your patriotic favorites on Monday, July 3, beginning at 7:00 p.m. at Millennium Plaza Park. (In case of inclement weather, the concert will be held at Lakeridge High School auditorium).
• Lions Club Pancake Breakfast. This is the one time of the year my wife eats pancakes so they must be good (and hers are gluten-free)! Early birds make sure they get the marionberry syrup. Line starts forming at 7:00 a.m. and grows until closing time at 12:00 noon. George Rogers Park, 611 S. State Street. $9/Adults; $6/Kids 12 and under.
• Star Spangled Parade and Celebration. What kid doesn’t love a parade? Apparently none in Lake Oswego as it seems every child under the age of 10 is either walking down A Avenue or cheering those on who are. Parade begins at 10:00 a.m. and finishes at Millennium Plaza Park with a Star Spangled Celebration…and pie eating contest at 12:00 noon. Things wrap up at 1:30.
• Lake Oswego Corporation Boat Parade. Where else can you see one parade on land and one on water all in the same day?! Boats will leave from Lake Grove Swim Park at 3800 Lakeview Boulevard at 12:00 noon. While you’re there, reserve your spot for fireworks viewing later that night.
• Star Spangled Fireworks Spectacular. Catch the inaugural fireworks display from the Upper Ballfield at George Rogers Park or Foothills and Millennium Plaza Park.
• Fireworks Show on the Lake. The show begins around 9:45 p.m. on the west end of Oswego Lake so best to be at the Lake Grove Swim Park, on the Oswego Canal bridge, in a boat on the lake, or at a lakefront party if you can get an invite.
• Skiboard and Wakeboard Show. Grab a viewing spot of the action in Lakewood Bay at Sundeleaf Plaza, Stickmen’s Brewery & Skewery, the Lake Theatre and Café, or Millennium Plaza Park on Saturday, July 7 beginning at 10:00 a.m. in Lakewood Bay.

Lake Oswego has a lot more going for it than just its 4th of July celebrations. If you’re thinking about moving here, let me show you around and explain our local housing market. I’ve been a Realtor® in Lake Oswego for over 25 years and would love to put that experience to work for you in finding you a home (or helping you sell one if you already live here and want to move up, down, or on). Give me a call at 503.939.9801 and/or check out my website.