Loyalty and royalty
From icy water plunges to princesses, Newport’s Loyalty Days celebration has it all
Started in response to a proclamation signed by President Eisenhower in 1958, Loyalty Days events began popping up around the country.
Now in its 67th year, the Newport event continues to salute veterans while also honoring and remembering members of the local fishing industry.
This year’s Loyalty Days and Sea Fair Festival, running from Friday, May 3, through Sunday, May 5, officially begins with a coronation pageant for the Newport Loyalty Days Princesses on Friday evening at the Newport Performing Arts Center, with entertainment and speeches by the three Princesses: Julie Hernandez, Rylee Black and Amanda Aubert.
The theme of “United in Freedom” will be the focus of the presentations. This will be followed by the reading of the names of Lincoln County veterans at the Newport Armory.
Earlier in the day, veterans of all ages are invited to the annual Loyalty Days Veterans Lunch at the Newport 60+ Activity Center. Volunteers from the Lincoln County Veterans Service Office will be on hand to provide information to veterans and we will be joined by the Loyalty Days princesses.
In the evening, a reading of the names of the fallen will take place at the Newport Armory.
On Saturday, the festivities begin with a fun run along the one-mile parade route down Highway 101 from near Chalet Restaurant & Bakery at NE 20th Street to the finish at Mckay's Market on Olive Street.
For more than 40 years, this fun community run has been a highlight of the parade, but this year the tradition continues with a twist — the free Community Mile is open to all ages and abilities, but for those who crave a little competition, there is now a new Competitive Mile.
The parade starts just after the runners have cleared the route.
“It’s going to be a big one this year,” organizer Mary Buck said. “We have 63 entries in the parade.”
The parade starts with this year’s Grand Marshall Lyle Mattson being accompanied by the Governor’s Mounted Honor Guard and the Color Guard from Yaquina Bay Coast Guard.
The Newport Loyalty Days Princesses will participate in the parade. And keep your eyes on the sky for the flyover by the Air National Guard.
Following the parade will be open houses at the American Legion Hall and at the Newport Armory.
On Sunday, the schedule of activities hosted by the Newport Fishermen's Wives Club begins with the survival suit races on the Newport Bayfront, followed by the Blessing of the Fleet at Yaquina Bay. There will also be a barbecue at the Newport International Terminal before the day ends with the Memorial Ceremony at the Fishermen’s Sanctuary, located in the Yaquina Bay State Park.
For more information, go to the Newport Loyalty Days and Sea Fair Festival page on Facebook.
Friday, May 3
Noon – Veterans Luncheon, Newport 60+ Activity Center
7 pm – Coronation pageant for the Newport Loyalty Days Princesses, Newport Performing Arts Center
9 pm – Reading of the names of the fallen, Newport Armory
Saturday, May 4
11:40 am – Fun run, Highway 101
11:45 am – Competitive run, Highway 101
Noon – Parade, Highway 101
1 pm – Open house, American Legion Hall
2 pm – Open house, Newport Armory
Sunday, May 5
9 am – Survival suit races, Newport Bayfront
11 am – Blessing of the Fleet, Yaquina Bay
1 pm – Highliner competition and community barbecue, Newport International Terminal
4 pm – Fishermen’s memorial service, Yaquina Bay State Park