The Streissguth Family once again entered their antique fire engines in the Ridgefield parade. Photo by Mike Schultz

Area residents and visitors turned out Tuesday for the annual city-wide celebration in downtown Ridgefield

Once again, the city of Ridgefield was one of the most popular places to be on the Fourth of July. For more than 100 years, the city has taken pride in its Independence Day celebration. Organizers estimate as many as 5,000 area residents and visitors turn out each year for parades, music, contests, and other entertainment and 2023 was no exception.

The city-wide celebration included outdoor entertainment, a fun run, contests and games, food and beverages, arts and crafts, parades, and more. The highlights included:

• A fun run Tuesday morning.

• A pre-parade parade, featuring children and their pets.

• The annual Fourth of July Parade. The route was viewed from 4th Ave. and Division down to 3rd Ave., to Pioneer and 8th Ave.

• The Fourth of July Festival was held in downtown Ridgefield with food trucks, craft vendors, and more along S. Main, Pioneer, and in Overlook Park.

• A youth pie eating contest.

The Ridgefield Raptors also played host to the Portland Pickles at the Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex with an afternoon holiday start. The Raptors will be home for six games in a row, beginning with the Fourth of July game. They will play the Pickles again on Wednesday and Thursday before hosting Bellingham for a three-game series beginning Friday.

Here are some photos of the 2023 Ridgefield Fourth of July celebration, courtesy of Mike Schultz of Schultz Photography.

Joby Wells brought her chicken Sandy with her to the Pet Parade. Photo by Mike Schultz

This vintage Washington State Patrol vehicle was one of the law enforcement vehicles in Tuesday’s parade. Photo by Mike Schultz

The VFW provided the Color Guard for the 2023 Ridgefield Fourth of July Parade. Photo by Mike Schultz

The Vancouver Pipe Band performed for spectators during Tuesday’s parade in downtown Ridgefield. Photo by Mike Schultz

Who doesn’t love clowns? Photo by Mike Schultz

Rob Miller rode his trusted tractor in Tuesday’s parade. Photo by Mike Schultz

Rancho Viejo restaurant offered this entertaining entry in this year’s parade. Photo by Mike Schultz

The patriotic Star Wars Stormtrooper was a big hit at this year’s parade. Photo by Mike Schultz

A member of the Mustang Club showed off this classic car. Photo by Mike Schultz

The Miss Teen La Center Pageant was represented in the Ridgefield parade Tuesday. Photo by Mike Schultz

Roy and Gloria Garrison were named Grand Marshals of the 2023 Ridgefield Fourth of July Parade. Photo by Mike Schultz

Gary Stroh towed his grandchildren in Tuesday’s parade. Photo by Mike Schultz

Gail Golden, 90, wasn’t in Tuesday’s parade but she was certainly dressed for the occasion. Photo by Mike Schultz

Dan Heinrichs was appropriately Patriotic on the Fourth of July. Photo by Mike Schultz

The streets of downtown Ridgefield were lined with area residents and visitors for Tuesday’s parade. Photo by Mike Schultz

Tuesday’s hot temperatures didn’t dissuade any visitors to Tuesday’s Fourth of July Parade in Ridgefield. Photo by Mike Schultz

There were no reports of anyone losing a tooth during the 2023 Ridgefield Fourth of July Parade. Photo by Mike Schultz

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