Fourth of July in Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach celebrates and practices a Fireworks-Free Fourth of July in observance and respect for our natural landscape and abundant wildlife.

There are many ways and activities to enjoy the 4th of July in Cannon Beach! From a traditional small-town Independence Day Parade to experiencing the Great Puffin Watch and admiring the iconic Tufted Puffins, community gatherings like a free hotdog grill out at the Cannon Beach Fire Station, shopping the annual used book sale at the library, and watching a movie in City Park, Cannon Beach has something for everyone to enjoy.

If you wish to view fireworks-centered celebrations, many surrounding towns, like Seaside, and Long Beach, WA will offer the opportunity to view a professional fireworks display.

A Small-Town Coastal Celebration

As Americans and as people in general, we love having options. What to eat, where to go on vacation, how to celebrate - having options and exercising them at our discretion is a significant part of why the 4th of July exists as a holiday in this country. We are also adaptable. The ability to take in new information, assess ever-changing factors and circumstances, and chart a divergent course, make a tweak in behavior, or modify, amend, or even expand options as needed is something that we as a people have been able to do with aplomb. 

When, as a society, we are able to adapt while also maintaining a healthy set of options, we land squarely in win/win territory, and that’s a great place to set up camp. 

Fireworks are awesome. They just are. The whole, “Ooooooooo, Ahhhhhhhhh, Woah!” response to a firework show is the dictionary definition of the word. Along with grilling, family, and friends, they are a wonderful aspect of a traditional 4th of July celebration. With that said, over the years we have discovered that fireworks can have some less than desirable effects on pets, wildlife, the landscape, and even people. 

As many of us know, the same percussive explosions that produce excitement for many of us can extract anxiety or even terror from house pets. And in a more rural or wilderness setting, fireworks can have the same effect on wildlife. Segments of the human population can have a tough time with fireworks as well, including people with post-traumatic stress disorder. As the son of a Vietnam Veteran, I can personally attest to the struggles that my own father occasionally had with them. And unfortunately, they can cause fires when used improperly or under the wrong conditions. 

With those factors in mind, the community of Cannon Beach is now affording revelers the option of a Firework-Free 4th of July. Between the ocean, sea stacks, tidepools, and verdant coastal forest, Cannon Beach is home to a thriving but delicate ecological system. Specifically, the birds that dwell on and around the iconic Haystack Rock, sea life, and the renowned herds of resident elk at Ecola State Park are impacted by a firework display. Beginning with the 4th of July 2021, Cannon Beach will become a haven for folks that want to come and celebrate Independence Day at the ocean. Bring your family, friends, even the pets if you like - grill, chill, take in a sunset, and instead of a fireworks display, enjoy a bonfire into the evening. 

So for those that choose to relish their 4th of July with the crescendo of a professional fireworks show, the state is still home to plenty of outstanding displays. But for folks that, for any number of reasons, prefer or would like to try a firework-free celebration of independence, there might be no finer choice than Cannon Beach. Thankfully, you’ve got options - something to remember when you celebrate the 4th of July, however you choose to enjoy it.