4 July 2014
Fireworks and Fun in the Flo…
Last things first… the annual fireworks display over the river in Old Town Florence begins at ten this evening, but there will be a major difference.
Instead of being fired from a barge in the middle of the river, the pyrotechnics will be land-based.
The barge used in previous years has been moved to another community; that forced the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce to find a new base.
The Port of Siuslaw stepped forward earlier this year with an offer to use the space at the east end of the RV park. Preparations for installing the mortars began earlier this week. The first fuse is scheduled to be lit at ten pm.
Ducks on the Pond, Face Full of Pie
The 17th annual Great Kiwanis Duck Race will get underway at three this afternoon. Nearly two-thousand numbered rubber ducks will race on the incoming tide inside the commercial moorage at the Port of Siuslaw. Each of the ducks has been adopted with the first 41 across the finish line earning prizes for their owners.
As of yesterday there were still a few remaining. They can be adopted at the Florence Kiwanis booth in Old Town in front of the Silver Sand Dollar for five dollars each.
All proceeds from the race go to support Kiwanis activities in Florence.
Also based at the Silver Sand Dollar will be this afternoon’s Florence Area Chamber of Commerce watermelon and pie eating contests. Those are set for noon.
There is no cost to compete… other than to your waistline.
Military Museum, Wings, and Wheels
Completing the roundup of activities for today and the weekend will be two happenings at and around the airport.
Tomorrow will be the Wings and Wheels aircraft and car show at the airport.
Today, the Oregon Coast Military Museum will open the doors to a limited display from 11 to three.
Volunteers are stressing this is not the official grand opening, but is simply a chance to show off the completed building after five years of hard work.
Hot dogs, hamburgers and live music will be offered today from 11 to three. The museum will be open again tomorrow during the same times but you’ll have to bring your own food and entertainment.
Fire Safety
The Oregon Department of Forestry has issued some advice as the arrival of hot and dry weather coincides with an extended holiday weekend.
Be careful with your campfires and leave the fireworks at home.
South Cascade District Forester Greg Wagenblast says this time of year, the fuel bed of grass, trees and shrubs can easily catch fire from sparks and flames of legal or illegal fireworks; and smoldering campfires can quickly reignite and spread.
Wagenblast is urging caution as people spend time in the outdoors this weekend. “Fire season is just ramping up in the region, and we likely have a long one ahead of us” he added.
