Since the first Fourth of July celebration during the Revolutionary War in the summer of 1777, Americans have been using fireworks to celebrate their independence. Even before the Declaration of Independence was signed, Founding Father John Adams came up with the idea of fireworks as a way to celebrate the founding of the young democracy.

“[This day] ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more,” said Adams in a letter to his wife, Abagail on July 3, 1776, after the first Continental Congress voted in favor of independence.

The first organized celebrations began in Philadelphia and Boston the following year. The Pennsylvania Evening Post reported on July 5, 1777, that 13 ships fired a 13-gun salute for each of the colonies and closed the night with a “grand exhibition of fireworks,” calling the city “beautifully illuminated.”

In Boston on the same day, Col. Thomas Craft of the Sons of Liberty fired off fireworks and shells over Boston Common, according to Mountvernon.org.

Where do they come from?

Fireworks were originally developed in China around 600-900 A.D. after a Chinese alchemist mixed potassium nitrate, sulfur and charcoal to produce gunpowder, according to the American Pyrotechnics Association.

Fireworks migrated to Europe in the late 13th century. One of the first recorded displays took place in 1486 on Henry VII’s wedding day, according to History.com. From then on, monarchs and sovereigns used firework displays to “enchant” their subjects. The displays looked different to the colorful explosions seen today — colors and sparklers were only added in the 1800s after Italian pyro-technicians began putting trace amounts of metal and other ingredients into the mix to create sparks, colors and more elaborate bursts.

Today, most fireworks are still made in China — the country exports 84% of fireworks used worldwide. No. 2 is the Netherlands, which exports 3%. The U.S. comes in at No. 8, according to worldstopexports.com.

On Saturday night, Independence Day fireworks will boom and bloom from Astoria to Seaside. In addition, the Fourth will be celebrated in a number of different ways throughout Clatsop County and along the North Coast. Here’s a list of some of the places you can go to see the shows and other events commemorating our country’s 250th birthday.

Seaside dazzles over the sea

Capping off a day of events including a mid-day parade, a fireworks show will begin on Seaside’s beach off of the Promenade around 10 p.m. The show, put on by Seaside’s chamber of commerce is slated to be about 20 minutes long.

“It’s quite the draw here on the coast,” said Mike Bjorem of Seaside’s Chamber of Commerce. “The beach is packed; you can hardly find a parking spot here in Seaside.”

Because of the show’s popularity, Bjorem said visitors from out of town should try to arrive early. To get to the best spots on the beach, people should try to snag a spot early in the day. “We have people that start placing their chairs down on the beach in the early morning hours,” he said.

Bjorem said visitors coming in from Portland should be prepared for a long drive back home as the drive can take until about 3 a.m. due to heavy traffic on Highway 26. For drivers who will be heading out, he gave these words of advice: “Be patient and plan for backups.”

Astoria lights up the river

Astoria’s fireworks show is slated to start around 10 p.m. from a barge out in the Columbia River, stationed close (but not too close) to the Astoria Bridge.

According to David Reid, the executive director of the Astoria-Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce, the best place to be for the best view of the show, is along the Riverwalk from 14th Street to 30th Street. However, people can likely watch the show from almost anywhere in Astoria.

For mariners who may want to watch from their vessel, it is also a great way to see the show, just be sure to follow all safety guidelines for mariners provided by the U.S. Coast Guard and Clatsop County sheriff’s marine patrol. In addition, plan for a 550-foot safety zone around the barge.

Reid said this year’s fireworks show will be a few minutes longer than other years and will have have a “grand finale” honoring the nations 250th birthday.

Reid also addressed the elephant in the room — last year’s show was delayed for so long that many who came to watch gave up and went home. The show, which was slated for a 10 p.m. start, was a full hour late due to “a technical malfunction.” Part of the problem was due to the automated “tug and barge” setup.

“We had a wiring problem with the display on the barge,” Reid said, “so our technician had to — in the dark — go out and check out everything.”

This year, Reid said the contractor at Western Display Fireworks, has assured him that they will be double — and triple — checking the wiring to make sure the show goes off without a hitch.

“We’ve had really good success with this contractor,” Reid said. “They’ve done a fantastic job for us … last year just wasn’t their year.”

Reid said the show is a community effort through and through, with over two dozen businesses helping. Not all support is financial — for instance, to make it happen on the water, WCT Marine & Construction Inc. lends a helping hand.

“This is really a community show,” said Reid. “It’s really expensive to put on a fireworks show. There’s no way we could do this if we didn’t have people like WCT providing us with the barge and the captain. And we couldn’t do it without our sponsors and there are some 30 businesses this year that are helping to contribute to make this happen.”

Fourth of July events
July 2 – 4

Great Cannon Beach Puffin Watch, 8 a.m., Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach

The first day of The Great Cannon Beach Puffin Watch goes from 8 to 11 a.m. and continues through July 4 in front of Haystack Rock. Free and open to the public, no registration required.

July 3

Patriotic art, 3 to 6 p.m., ‘George Washington,’ 8:30, fireworks at dusk, 165 Howerton Ave., Port of Ilwaco

Ilwaco’s celebration of the arts will feature participating galleries for “Painting the Peninsula Red, White and Blue” at the Port of Ilwaco. Vern Frykholm, an actor portraying George Washington, will also be present. Snacks and vendors will be set up at the Port Pavilion.

Chimes of Liberty featuring patriotic music, 7 p.m. concert, doors open at 6, Liberty Theatre, 1203 Commercial St.

The North Coast Symphonic Band will play patriotic standard tunes of yesteryear. Guest will be vocalist Deac Guidi. Free, donations appreciated.

July 3 – 5

Civil War Living History, featuring ‘Abraham Lincoln,’ 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. July 3, 4; 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. July 5, Clatsop County Fair & Expo Center, Astoria
Step back in time and experience history come alive during the annual Civil War Living History Weekend. Open to visitors of all ages to explore America’s journey during the Civil War era. $10.

July 4

Firecracker 5k run, 9 a.m., Ilwaco Saturday Market 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., 165 Howerton Ave., Port of Ilwaco

Ilwaco will host a Firecracker 5K run and walk at the Port of Ilwaco. Participants may register at databarevents.com/firecracker5K.

Cannon Beach Library book sale, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Cannon Beach Library, 131 N. Hemlock St.

The Library’s Fourth of July book sale runs through July 5. Visit cannonbeachlibrary.org for details.

Family activities at Sheldon Park, 10 a.m., Sheldon Park 25701 Ocean Beach

Family activities at Sheldon Park.

Catch the Astoria Riverwalk Trolley, 11 a.m., to 5 p.m., along the Riverwalk, Astoria

The Astoria Riverfront Trolley will be running, weather dependent. Check social media for updates.

Cannon Beach parade, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Downtown Cannon Beach

The City of Cannon Beach is hosting an Independence Day parade that winds through downtown.

Spruce Up Warrenton Car Show and Fire Station BBQ, 11 a.m. car show — Noon BBQ, Warrenton City Park, 170 S.W. 3rd St.

A car show by Spruce Up Warrenton and The City of Warrenton will happen in Warrenton City Park with a Fire Station BBQ at noon.

Seaside Museum’s Old Fashioned Social, noon, Seaside History Center Museum, 570 Necanicum Drive

From noon to 4 p.m., it’s a Fourth of July social including a cake walk, raffle, cotton candy, face painting, food socializing and music by the Brownsmead Flats.

Downtown Seaside parade 1 p.m., downtown Seaside

Starting at 1 p.m., the parade route runs through downtown Seaside.

Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade, 1 p.m., Ocean Park, Wash.

An Old-Fashioned Fourth of July parade will begin at the intersection of Sandridge Road and Bay Avenue, proceed west to Pacific Avenue and Vernon, south to 256th and east to Ridge. Hosted by the Ocean Park Area Chamber of Commerce with the “Happy Birthday, America” theme to mark the 250th anniversary of the founding. A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter flyover is scheduled unless operational needs take priority.

Cannon Beach Chorus and guest artists in concert, 2 p.m., Cannon Beach City Park, 257 N. Spruce St.

See a free concert at the Cannon Beach City Park with the theme “I am America: the land, the people, the struggle to be free.” The Cannon Beach Chorus will perform with conductor Roy Seiber and guest artists. Sponsored by the city of Cannon Beach with the Tolovana Arts Colony.

Old Fashioned Fourth of July Parade, 3 p.m., downtown Warrenton

An old-fashioned Fourth of July parade is slated for 3 p.m. in downtown Warrenton.

Community fireworks display over the Columbia River, 10 p.m. (approx.)

At around 10 p.m. a community fireworks display is slated to start over the Columbia River around dusk. Tune in to Eagle Country 103.9 FM for pre-show and show-time patriotic music starting at 9:30 p.m.

Fireworks over the ocean, 10 p.m. (approx.), Seaside Promenade

A community fireworks show above the Pacific Ocean in Seaside.

Long Beach fireworks show, 10 p.m., Bolstad Beach approach, Long Beach, Wash.

A free community fireworks show will take place in Long Beach at the Bolstad Beach approach.

July 5

Games and music, ‘George Washington,’ Veterans Field, 111 Third St., Long Beach, Wash.

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. games and music will be offered just east of downtown Long Beach. Events are hosted by the Long Beach Merchants Association. Vern Frykholm, portraying George Washington, will appear.