Apple pie, fireworks shows and country music never get old.
Other Fourth of July traditions — like attending the same party year-after-year — are worth shaking up. That’s especially true in Lewis County, east Grays Harbor County and south Thurston County, where Independence Day celebrations will span across the entire weekend preceding Monday, July 4.
The Chronicle has compiled a list of celebrations across the area that are all family-friendly and designed to be packed full of fun. If you have an event to add, email reporter Isabel Vander Stoep at isabel@chronline.com.
Big Bottom Blast
July 1 through 4, all day
The Randle Firefighters Association will host a flea market behind the fire station July 1 through July 4, with fireworks at approximately 10 p.m. on July 3 at the White Pass School grounds, located at 516 Silverbrook Road.
Visit www.facebook.com/RandleFirefighters for more information.
The fireworks show is funded exclusively through community donations. Donations should be addressed to: Fireworks, P.O. Box 351, Randle.
Mineral Lake Celebration
July 2, all day
The Mineral Lake Lions Den Campground will host a celebration of “freedom and fishing” all day on the south shore of Mineral Lake. Fireworks will be over the lake at around 9:30 p.m.
Fireworks in Packwood
July 2, at dark
The fireworks show will be held at the Packwood Fire Department, 12953 U.S. Highway 12, Randle.
Oakville Parade and Car Show
July 2, 11 a.m.
The Oakville Independence Day Parade and Scoot the Route Car Show will be held in Oakville on July 2. Parade check-ins go from 8 to 10 a.m. There will also be vendors.
Visit the “Oakville WA Chamber of Commerce” on Facebook for more information.
Retro Rainier Celebration
July 2, 2 to 7 p.m.
Visit Wilkowski Park in Rainier for games for people of all ages, retail and food vendors, a glow stick dance party and more.
Oakville Junior Rodeo
July 2 and 3
The Independence Day parade in Oakville will be followed by the junior rodeo at the Oakville Regional Event Center, 7000 U.S. Highway 12, Oakville, by the high school. Admission is free. There will be barrel racing, bull riding, roping and much more. The rodeo continues on Saturday.
Competition is open to boys and girls ages 2 to 18 who are members of the Northwest Junior Rodeo Association.
Mossyrock Freedom Festival
July 2 and 3
Start the weekend off with a pancake breakfast and enjoy the parade. Check out the quilt show or cruise the many vendor displays. At 1 p.m. on Saturday there will be a pie eating contest.
A dog show will be held at 2 p.m.
There will be a 5K and 8K walk/run on Sunday and a ceremony to demonstrate proper flag retirement. There will be plenty of live music on both days.
Music starts at 6 p.m. at Klickitat Prairie Park, East State Street, Mossyrock.
Saturday lineup:
6 to 7 p.m. — Hurts Like Hell
7:30 8:30 p.m. — Monty Ray Band
9 to 11 p.m. — Chris Jones Band
Music on Sunday:
6 to 7 p.m. — Kim Archer and Brian Feist
7:30 to 8:30 p.m. — The Redneck Files
9 to 11 p.m. — Chris Guenther
Visit mossyrockfestivals.org for a full calendar of events.
Packwood’s Annual Chicken Barbecue
July 3, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Packwood Improvement Club will host its annual chicken barbecue simultaneously with one of Packwood’s Music in the Park events, featuring Bryson Evans. The cost of the barbecue is $12 for adults and $7 for children under the age of 12.
Centralia Summerfest
July 3 and 4
Sunday July 3 at the Southwest Washington Fairgrounds
• All day safety city and bicycle traffic garden
• Noon to 4 p.m. contests and activities
• Demolition Derby begins at 6 p.m. at the grandstands of the Southwest Washington Fairgrounds. Tickets are sold at the gate. Box seats are available for presale at the fair office. Doors open at 4:30 p.m.
• The fireworks display begins at about 10:30 p.m. Organized by the City of Centralia, the 2022 Summerfest Fireworks are Brought to you by the 520 BusinessPark, Centralia.
Monday July 4 at Fort Borst Park in Centralia
• "I Ran From The Cops" run begins at 8:30 a.m. Offered by the Centralia Police Officers Association.
• A SWAT Challenge will begin at 8:30 a.m. near Dick Scott Little League Field.
• A tour of the Historic Borst Home with Beverly York begins at 10 a.m.
Parade
The Summerfest Parade begins at 4 p.m. The parade will run from Centralia College Boulevard to Tower Avenue, north to Center Street, east to Pearl Street, south to Main Street and west to Ash Street.
Pe Ell Parade and Fireworks
July 4, all day
The streets of Pe Ell will close at 10 a.m. on July 4 in preparation for a noon parade. Parade registration is free and anyone can register until June 30 — contact Jennifer at 360-291-2607. A fireworks show will start at 10 p.m. at Pe Ell School, located at 519 North Second St.
Free admission, food, crafts, balloonist and live vendors.
Yelm Community Celebration
July 4, all day
Enjoy a family fun-filled day with American Legion Post 164 in Yelm. There will be fireworks, fire trucks, food, music, games, viking battles and educational and vendor booths.
Onalaska Fireworks
July 4, 10 p.m.
At the All In, 1783 state Route 508, Onalaska
