Our family both loves and hates July in Lake Oswego. We love it because the weather and the festivities ramp up to the best of what Lake Oswego’s summer has to offer. We hate it because it seems like once July gets here, the summer starts to go too quickly. Maybe it’s because we are having too much fun!

Whatever the reason, July is a month to savor as much as you can in Lake Oswego. Here are a few things to consider:

FOURTH OF JULY. This summer holiday is traditionally epic here in Lake Oswego starting with a pancake breakfast in George Rogers Park and ending with fireworks on the lake. This year, the pancake breakfast is going virtual again and the fireworks are TBD; however, Lake Oswegans can take hope that these beloved traditions will return once this pandemic is safely behind us. In the interim, there are some things still happening and improvisations you can make.

Pancake breakfast. You can still whip up your own cakes and donate to a good cause by going online. Recreating the hotcakes that the Lions cook up may be hard to do but here are some ideas for how to take boxed pancake mix to the next level. Pick up some marionberry syrup at a local Farmer’s Market and you may just get by one more year without the annual Lions’ feast.

Parade. While the Star-Spangled Parade won’t be filling the streets of downtown Lake Oswego, there’s nothing stopping you from doing your own neighborhood version. Back in the day before the City of Lake Oswego started putting on this annual event, it fell upon us residents to make the magic happen for our kids. The Tigard Dollar Store is well stocked with patriotic decorations. All you need are some red, white and blue balloons, streamers and flags and let the kids get creative. Be sure to have some candy to toss as they parade by, and you’ll have happy campers.

Fireworks Concert. The Lake Corporation is staging a Fourth of July Fireworks Kickoff Concert featuring country singer Britnee Kellogg. The concert starts at 6:00 p.m.  

Fireworks on the Lake. The Lake Corporation is planning on staging its annual fireworks show over the lake, however, the location may change. Check their website for updates.

LAKE OSWEGO SWIM PARK. Open to all Lake Oswego residents, the Lake Oswego Swim Park opens July 1 and is open from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily, weather permitting. Certified lifeguards are on duty at all times and the park features diving platforms, inner tubes, outdoor showers and lounge chairs. Covid-19 safety protocols are still in place this summer so the park capacity is limited to 25, visitation is limited to a maximum of two hours once a day. Face coverings are also required for everyone older than 5 and children 11 and under must be accompanied by an adult. 250 Ridgeway Road, 503.953.9325 (during park hours).

FOOTGOLF LEAGUE. Lake Oswegans have been enjoying footgolf since 2015 and summer league play starts July 15 and runs every Thursday through August 15 with tee times starting at 5:30 p.m. League play is open to teams of a minimum of four, maximum of five with registration closing Sunday, June 27. Register online.

BURGERS IN THE BREEZEWAY. My wife and daughter love any excuse that takes them to Zupan’s in Lake Oswego. The store is as much a feast to the eyes as it is to the appetite. Starting July 1, Zupan’s will be serving up burgers, fries, gourmet toppings and more in their breezeway every Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Keep an eye out for their popular lobster dinners also hosted in the breezeway, which sell out quickly.

PICNIC IN THE PARK and FLICKS AT THE FARM. Summer concerts kick off this month with Picnics in the Park starting out on Thursdays in July in Millennium Plaza Park and in August in Westlake Park. Attendance is limited to lottery winners who have registered online. Check out an earlier blog to learn how you can enter the lottery. Two carpool cinemas take place this month at Luscher Farm. Reserve your spot (and be prepared to provide contact information for each person—up to 6—attending for contact tracing, if needed). Staggered load-in begins at 7:30 p.m. with spaces assigned on vehicle size. Movies begin around 8:45 p.m. Fee is per space: $39 Resident/$45 Non-Resident. The lineup includes Raya and the Last Dragon on Friday, July 30, and Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark on Saturday, July 31. Register online.  

If you find yourself loving Lake Oswego so much you’re thinking about moving here, or moving within Lake Oswego, give me a call at 503.939.9801, email me at kevin.costello@cascadehassonsir.com and/or check out my website. I’d love to show you around and help you with your next move.