Fun runs, games, music, and a parade on the schedule for Thursday

The city of Ridgefield might be getting bigger and bigger every year, but every year the city of Ridgefield reminds us of small-town Americana on the country’s biggest day.

Whether you are looking back 100 years, or taking in all of present-day Clark County, Ridgefield is the place to be on Independence Day.

The city is preparing for its annual Fourth of July Celebration, with events scheduled all day Thursday.

There is plenty of free, outdoor entertainment, plus a fun run, contests, food and beverages, arts and crafts, and, of course, the main event: the Fourth of July parade.

The official Fourth of July Celebration in Ridgefield has been held for more than 100 years, coordinated by an all-volunteer festival committee. According to the festival’s website, the event honors the nation’s birthday while not representing any political or religious agendas. The festival invites everyone to enjoy their stay in Ridgefield.

It is estimated 5,000 people enjoy the celebration every year.

The day starts with Fun Runs, a 10K or a 5K, along with a 400-yard dash for children. 

The Pet and Kid Pre-Parade starts at 10:15 a.m. Children are asked to wear their patriotic colors. For the Pet Parade, all animals must be on leashes. 

The Fourth of July Parade starts at 11 a.m. and can be viewed from 4th Ave. and Division to 3rd Ave., to Pioneer and 8th Ave.

The Fourth of July Festival in downtown Ridgefield opens at 10 a.m. and is open until 5 p.m., with food trucks and craft vendors along S. Main, Pioneer, and Overlook Park. There is live entertainment throughout the day at Overlook Park. 

At at 2 p.m., there is a pie-eating contest with five categories for ages 6 through 15. 

For more information on Ridgefield’s Fourth of July Celebration, including times for the fun runs as well as advise on where to park and the use of shuttles, go to its website at: http://ridgefield4th.com/1801.html