Fourth of July events uphold respect for shared public lands and efforts to keep the beach litter free
LONG BEACH PENINSULA, Wash. – June 9, 2016 – Independence Day celebrations on Washington’s Long Beach Peninsula, a long-time gathering place for those wishing to salute the nation’s freedom from British rule, will be marked by a renewed sense of making the beach approachable for the general citizenship and enjoyable for all.
“Pacific Northwest families have a long-standing tradition of celebrating the 4th at the beach, and we love being a part of that,” said Andi Day, executive director, Long Beach Peninsula Visitors Bureau. “This year, there will be extra encouragement to keep the beach safe and clean during and after the celebration.”
Beach-Friendly Fourth is a new campaign launched to raise public awareness of how to minimize the impact of Independence Day celebration on the beach, a Seashore Conservation Area managed by Washington State Parks. Visitors and residents are asked to use common sense, be respectful to others and the environment, and pay attention to posted regulations, which include no overnight camping on the beach.
The Visitors Bureau suggests making hotel and motel, RV and campsite reservations in advance, as lodging historically sells out on the holiday weekend.
The Long Beach Peninsula will continue to host free-to-the-public Fourth of July events. They include the following:
Feel the Thunder Fireworks at the Port and Firecracker 5K at the Port of Ilwaco on July 2. Run or walk the course and settle into one of the best seaside spots to watch fireworks over the water.
Old-Fashioned 4th of July Parade, at 1PM on July 4, in downtown Ocean Park. Enjoy a hometown parade with kids on bikes, horseback riders, classic cars, homemade floats, chalk art, waving flags and more, followed by Art in the Park.
Long Beach Independence Day Fireworks on the Beach, July 4, dusk (9:30) to 10PM. The City of Long Beach puts on one of the best fireworks displays in the region. Bring your blankets and folding chairs, and view this huge, colorful display on the beach in front of the Long Beach boardwalk.
Beach Clean Up, July 5, from 9:30 to 11:30AM. Fourth of July celebrators are invited to meet up with the Grassroots Garbage Gang at the major beach approaches to rid the beach of litter from fireworks as well as trash that washes ashore at this one of four community-initiated cleanups that happens on the Long Beach Peninsula each year. Visit ourbeach.org for details.
About the Long Beach Peninsula – Renowned for its mix of sensational restaurants, ocean view lodging, lighthouses, parks and trails, unique museums and attractions, galleries, marinas, and, above all, a 28-mile long, easily accessible public beach, the Long Beach Peninsula continues to be one of the Northwest’s most enjoyable and refreshing travel destinations. For vacation ideas and visitor information, please call the friendly volunteers at the Long Beach Peninsula Visitors Bureau at 360.642.2400 or access www.funbeach.com.