Raising the standard
The Gleneden Beach Fourth of July Parade returns in style
By Linda Turner Griepentrog
For the TODAY
The Gleneden Beach Fourth of July parade began in 1995 when long-time residents Alyce Thomson and Nellie Jaujou from the Gleneden Beach Community Club decided Independence Day needed a bit more fanfare in this normally quiet burg just south of Lincoln City.
For years, each July 4 there was a gathering of classic car enthusiasts, pets bedecked in patriotic attire, floats from local businesses and civic groups and local notables on parade, along with the usual parade clowns and kids in their decorated wagons. The event was sidelined by COVID but, this year, a group of local volunteers is bringing it back.
Doug Schuyley, owner of the Salishack Tavern, is heading up the group organizing the event’s resurrection. His goal is simple.
“We want to build a foundation to bring back this family fun event,” he said. “It might not be perfect the first year back, but we promise it will be fun!”
This year’s festivities begin at noon and the parade kicks off at 1 pm. The assembly area for parade participants is the Gleneden Beach Fire Station at the south end of Gleneden Beach Loop Road. The procession will wind north on the Loop Road to Sijota Street, turn left to Salal, then left onto Fern. At Fern Street, revelers will head east back to Gleneden Beach Loop Road and disband at the fire station where they began. To allow for safe pedestrian traffic, some local streets will be closed off beginning at 11 am. Parade guests are encouraged to park on side streets away from the parade route. Some local businesses will allow parking, so look for signs.
This year’s line-up of parade participants is quite diverse, according to event coordinator Rhonda Marks. There will be several local businesses strutting their stuff including restaurants, yoga studios, retailers and markets, and some cheerleaders, scout groups, community groups and of course, the classic car collectors. First responders will also put in an appearance if they are not otherwise occupied. Some pets will also be walking in the parade with their owners and helping to celebrate this fun day of patriotism.
Vendors and live music will be located in the parking lot of Blake’s Nursery on the Loop Road from 11 am to 4 pm. There will be artists selling a variety of wares like homemade candies, and handmade items like jewelry, sewn bags and herbal products.
Warren Ryland, coordinator of the parade participants, said there will be several bands on hand to provide live music, headlined by local favorites the Greg Nugent Band.
“We’ll be handing out plenty of candy to kids,” Schuyley said. “Though this year it won’t be thrown by parade participants due to insurance rules.”
But, never fear, this sweet tradition continues in a new way.
So, bring your sunscreen, lawn chairs, sunglasses and water so you’ll be ready for some old-fashioned small-town fun.
For more information about the parade, go to glenedenparade.org.
Pre-parade happenings
8-11 am
Pancake Breakfast
Fuel up for the day with scrambled eggs, sausage or ham, all-you-can-eat pancakes, orange juice and hot beverages. $10 for adults, $6 for kids aged six to 12. Kids under the age of six eat free. Uncle Sam will be handing out patriotic bracelets while quantities last, and the club is selling commemorative Gleneden Beach T-shirts and sweatshirts. Cash or check. Gleneden Beach Community Club, 110 Azalea Street.
10:30 am
Decorate for the Parade
Free, family friendly events include a decoration party, face painting and pop-up shops at Swell, 7040 Gleneden Beach Loop and Luminous Soul Center, 6645 Gleneden Beach Loop.