The Fourth of July celebration is right around the corner! The annual parade will start at 10 a.m. near Triangle Park with other festivities downtown throughout the day. The day will end with fireworks at the SOU Athletic Field (viewable from most areas in town) at 10 p.m. You may view a complete schedule of the events here or by visiting the Ashland Chamber of Commerce. 

The City of Ashland asks Fourth of July parade spectators not to place chairs, blankets and other placeholders on public property prior to the evening of July 3.  Public property includes the median on Siskiyou Boulevard, park rows and curbs of Siskiyou Boulevard, and East Main, the Plaza and other public areas.

In recent years, City staff has seen considerable clean up issues from the use of duct tape and other extremely adhesive tapes.  After being in the heat for a day or two, the tape bakes onto the sidewalk surface and is nearly impossible to completely remove. While public spaces in general are not guaranteed for any individual resident or guest, following Ashland’s traditional honor system for reserving space would be best done with the use of non-toxic chalk.

Chairs and blankets should not block sidewalks and should be weighted to prevent items from blowing out of place; however, please do not drive stakes into the ground as irrigation systems can be damaged. Additionally, the covering of grass areas with tarps and blankets quickly fries and sometimes kills the grass completely.  The shorter the amount of time the grass is covered the better. Items that create a safety hazard for pedestrians or vehicles may be picked up and disposed of if not able to be easily moved to restore a safe situation.  Please remember, spectators place all items at their own risk.

As one of Ashland’s great community events, we hope that everyone will enjoy the festivities responsibly, respect fellow parade goers, and be safe throughout this special event and holiday.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation.