No 4th of July event or fireworks at Fort Vancouver in 2009, but the Fort is open

New Independence Day at Fort Vancouver celebration will open in 2010

(April 23, 2009 – VANCOUVER, WA) Vancouver National Historic Reserve Trust is reminding people that the 4th of July fireworks event at Fort Vancouver has been cancelled for 2009. Many factors led to the decision, but the bottom line is that the production expenses had grown to nearly half a million dollars. That expense could not be sustained.

For the first time in 47 years, Fort Vancouver will not have a July 4th fireworks celebration. Vancouver National Historic Reserve Trust, the non-profit organization that produces the event, will resume a new event in 2010. Beginning next year, the Trust is planning an all new “Independence Day at Fort Vancouver” event which will feature more historical connections and more family-friendly activities. A fireworks show from the grounds of the Reserve will be a part of the new event.

Although the fireworks show and all-day 4th of July celebration is cancelled this year, Fort Vancouver, the Visitor Center and the Fort Vancouver Bookstore will be open on July 4 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to tour the fort and to bring a picnic lunch. No personal fireworks, barbeques, alcohol or pets will be allowed on the site on July 4.

The Vancouver Fire Department is also reminding community members of the reduced legal fireworks season in the City. Fireworks may not be discharged on July 5th. For information, visit http://www.cityofvancouver.us/fire.asp?fireID=20444&fireSub=20455&itemID=21608

As details of the 2010 Independence Day at Fort Vancouver are determined, they will be available on the Trust’s Web site, www.vnhrt.org, or by calling the Trust office at 360-992-1800. The Trust is referring people to other 4th of July events nearby:

Vancouver Farmers Market celebration & music: www.vancouverfarmersmarket.com
Vancouver Rodeo: www.VancouverRodeo.com
Ridgefield’s 4th of July: www.lewisriver.com/ridgefield/fourth
Washougal’s 4th of July Centennial Celebration: www.downtownwashougal.org
Stevenson—Red Wine, Jazz, Art & Fireworks at Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center: www.columbiagorge.org/red-win-blues-event.html
Stevenson—CNW Construction Summer Concerts at Skamania Lodge July 4th with Patrick Lamb, Stevenson Fireworks: www.ticketsoregon.com
Longview’s Go Fourth Festival: www.gofourthfestival.org
Long Beach--Fireworks at the Beach: www.funbeach.com
Portland--Waterfront Blues Festival: www.waterfrontbluesfest.com
Portland--Oaks Park Fireworks Spectacular: www.oakspark.com