Well, la de da!
By Barbara B. Covell
For the TODAY
There’s no doubt about it, July 4 evokes memories of all things Americana. It’s a celebration of the history, government and traditions of the country. It is a time when families and communities acknowledge the unique fabric and freedoms of our nation by gathering together among fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts and public ceremonies.
And, on the Oregon Coast, there is no Independence Day celebration quite like the la de da parade in Yachats.
What makes the parade a must-see event are its unique customs, camaraderie and spirit — mixed with a generous helping of hospitality.
This colorful and whimsical community celebration traces its origins to a 1995 Yachats fundraising variety show that featured songs and music performed by One of Us Productions. According to Carl Foster Miller, a board member for the former Yachats theater group, the idea proved to be a springboard for what was to become a Chamber sponsored annual event, dubbed the la de da.
“It only seemed fitting for a la de da parade to occur on July 4,” Miller said.
Since then, individuals, families and community groups have dressed in wild fashion to set Yachats apart from other July 4 festivities.
After a two-year pause, the entertainment returns to an enthusiastic following. Some of the highlights include wild costumes, creative face painting, music, dancing and a manure spreader that transports town dignitaries through the quaint city streets. It gives new meaning to the idea that everyone is unique and marches to the beat of their own drum.
Perhaps the most popular attraction is the Umbrella Drill Team, which has its home in the Yachats Independence Day celebrations. Miller says it is a way to showcase local talent by employing Marine-style drill techniques to twirl colorful umbrellas.
“The drill team was initially shepherded by Mike Strauss, a former drill sergeant, who offered to teach the group actual Marine Corps maneuvers,” Miller said. After a few years, Strauss stepped down and passed the baton to Miller, who became the team’s drill master for the next 20 years. In 2019, William Webster took on the drill master’s duties until the pandemic brought all parade festivities to a halt. This year will bring the team marching back into the forefront, performing to the delight of crowds.
As with any volunteer operation, the number of marchers fluctuates from 12 to 20 with a peak of 35.
“We never know from year to year how many will participate,” Miller said.
Deb Fant, a Drill Team member, says the marching formations are in a cadence.
“Left/right/left, then spin your umbrella, open or close it while counting the number of spins,” she said. “We take people where they are as we start our annual practices. It is helpful to have the strongest members lined up strategically to support the newer folks.”
And, sometimes nature intervenes.
“Wind can cause your umbrella to blow out which can be a bit of a challenge,” Fant said. “Especially in the first 20 yards of the parade.”
The la de da parade is one facet of the Yachats celebration. The entire holiday weekend lineup includes live music with T. Ray and the Shades, the Yachats Ladies Club craft bazaar, the all-famous Lions Club pancake breakfast, a duck race for kids, the Yachats Arts Guild sale and the crowd-pleasing farmers market.
This year, the annual fireworks display will be held at sundown on Saturday, July 2. Donations are gratefully accepted to help defray costs.
There are many reasons to celebrate and Yachats is the place to be.
For more information and event locations, go to yachats.org.