This year for our 4th of July weekend, we enjoyed a fun mix of activities, combining some traditional elements with celebrations with friends and family. Sunny weather and comfortable temperatures helped to make the past three days very enjoyable, too.

We started the Fourth with what has become an annual ritual for us. We arrived in downtown Central Point, Oregon, around 8:30 a.m. to enjoy the local Boy Scouts’ pancake breakfast (a fundraiser for their camping program and other activities). With full tummies, we then strolled a few blocks along the parade route of our town’s annual event until we found a spot with a bit of shade to await the 9:30 a.m. start of the parade.

Soon came the flashing lights of a string of police cruisers, motorcycles and fire trucks, followed by an honor guard carrying Old Glory. The crowd stood, hats off and hands over hearts, as the flag passed and a local citizen sang the national anthem from the judges’ stand. With perfect timing, two military jets performed a low fly-over as the song ended, screaming straight over the main street before swooping higher and banking south, thrilling everyone below.

There followed a typical small town line-up of antique cars, off-road clubs, dance academies, local radio station vans blasting music, equestrian units, small businesses and nonprofits,   and the local high school’s percussion unit and cheerleaders. Veterans were honored, and the Stars and Stripes were proudly displayed in traditional and unique ways.   Much to my grandsons’ delight, everything from penny candy and frisbees to bottles of water and popsicles were handed out by the marchers.

After the street sweepers moved in after the final element, my husband and I headed north to Portland for the remainder of our July 4th holiday. Staying at a friend’s home in the West Hills of the city with beautiful views overlooking the city and Mt. Hood to the east, we enjoyed a nonstop fireworks show from about 8:30 p.m. until after midnight. This consisted of all sorts of unofficial (and mostly illegal) explosions of bottle rockets and mortars, providing a continuous percussive rumble to accompany the colorful blooms of light as far as the eye could see. Just below us along the Willamette River, we also enjoyed two official displays of fireworks from a private country club and Oaks Park, one of the oldest continuously operating amusement parks in the country. As dark fully descended about 10 p.m., the brilliant colors launched into the air were mirrored in the water.

Friday found us enjoying a family barbecue and potluck at my daughter and son-in-law’s home. Three generations gathered to play games, catch up on each other’s lives and enjoy great food and camaraderie. We appreciate these longer holiday weekends which allow us to travel from near and far to reconnect and spend time reminiscing about gatherings of the past.

Today we’ll enjoy a visit to the Beaverton Farmers Market to gather up some of the summer’s bounty (berries, flowers, vegetables, maybe a new plant or two for the garden) and then gather with our friends for an evening of wine tasting and more good food. It will cap a long weekend of celebrating and enjoying the blessings life in this country has given us: community, family and friends.

— Patty Vanikiotis, associate editor/copy editor