Glorious Fourth of July Celebration in Columbia State Historic Park
Date/Time
Date(s) - 07/04/2024
11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Location
Columbia State Historic Park
Categories
Celebrate an Old-Fashioned Fourth of July in Columbia State Historic Park
Since 1862 the folks of Columbia have put on a parade to commemorate our nation’s birthday. If you’ve ever wanted to march in a parade, Columbia’s is the best! It’s short and easy—less than 6 blocks long, almost flat, and mostly shady. Individuals, families and groups are encouraged to decorate themselves, their pets, bicycles, vintage vehicles, and join the 2024 parade, which steps off at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 4. Registration for the parade (free) begins at 10:30 a.m. in front of the Fallon Hotel.
Columbia’s festivities begin at 11:00 a.m. with a flag raising and black powder musket salute by the Columbia Militia at the gazebo, immediately followed by the popular Lucky Cuzn Brass Band on stage on Main Street. Old fashioned contests include Find the Needle in the Haystack for the wee ones at 11, and right after the parade there are pie eating and watermelon eating contests and nail pounding. Other crowd favorites spaced throughout the afternoon include the greased pole climb, egg toss, egg relay for the younger set, cake walk, and five-way tug-o’-war. The Columbia Volunteer Fire Department Engine Company No. 1 will display their historic hand-pumper “Papeete,” and State Park personnel will run a bucket brigade for some water play on a hot day. Columbia’s annual barbecue is hosted this year by the Bella Union Restaurant (formerly the Columbia House) in the center of town, and all the other eating establishments and shops in Columbia will be open.
This is a free event, though donations to the Columbia Chamber of Commerce are welcome. Arrive early for the best parking. For more information, go to visitcolumbiacalifornia.com or call 888-488-1850.
