If you read my blog regularly, you know at least 52 reasons to be in Lake Oswego 365 days a year, let alone in July.

BUT

Come July, the evidence is even more convincing, led by the #1 reason which is….

FOURTH OF JULY FESTIVITIES

Lake Oswego is a small town that thinks big and nowhere is that more apparent than in the lineup of things to do on Independence Day (and leading up to it). Here’s what you have to look forward to:

SKI AND WAKEBOARD EXTRAVAGANZA. 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 Sunday, July 3 beginning at 10:00 a.m. (ski show) and 1:00 p.m. (wakeboard) in Lakewood Bay. Stick around for the Portland Water Spectacular Ski Show at 5:00 p.m. as a team of skiers performs tricks, barefoot skiing, jumps and skiing pyramids.

MILLENNIUM CONCERT BAND. Get in the flag-waving mood with your patriotic favorites on Sunday, July 3, beginning at 7:00 p.m. at Millennium Plaza Park. 200 First Street.

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. It’s all you can eat of pancakes, sausage, coffee, orange juice or milk. George Rogers Park, 611 S. State Street. Monday, July 4 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.(or until they run out of food, whichever comes first). $10/Adults; $7/Kids under the age of 12. All proceeds go towards supporting the Lions Club’s charitable efforts throughout the year.

STAR-SPANGLED PARADE. 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. The parade begins at 10:00 a.m. and finishes at Millennium Plaza Park with a Star-Spangled Celebration complete with face painting, music, food trucks, and a pie-eating contest at 12:00 noon. Things wrap up at 1:30. Registration is required to participate in the parade.

INDEPENDENCE DAY ILLUMINATION: A CONCERT AND LASER LIGHT SHOW. An epic start—the pancake breakfast—deserves an epic end, which the City of Lake Oswego delivers at Foothills Park with a concert from Oncore, a high energy dance band at 8:00 p.m. and a laser light show starting around 10:00 p.m. Enjoy it all with family and friends by reserving your spot with blankets, pillow and low sand chairs.

FIREWORKS 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.

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 30 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.