It’s official — organizers of Yachats’ July 4 activities say they can’t pull off parade or fireworks this year

For the second year in a row, there will not be fireworks or the quirky la de da parade July 4 in Yachats.

Fireworks and parade organizers told YachatsNews this week that the uncertainty of what kind of activities would be allowed or appropriate as the coronavirus pandemic wanes delayed decisions  and eventually forced cancellation of both events.

The Yachats Fireworks Committee, an all-volunteer group headed by Katherine Guenther, oversees the contract for fireworks and rounding up volunteers, permits and other details necessary for the show. Although public events have begun to open up, Guenther said she needed to commit to the fireworks provider, raise $15,000 in donations, get permissions and permits, and corral 50 volunteers in 5-6 weeks. There’s just not enough time.

“I was hopeful, but it’s not going to happen this year,” Guenther told YachatsNews. “… most folks don’t realize how much planning and preparation goes into it.”

Yachats Chamber of Chamber of Commerce president Linda Hetzler cited much of the same issues for not being able to pull off the chamber-sponsored la de da parade. There’s just not enough time to get the word out, gather enough volunteers, and get permits to pull it off, she said.

Guenther’s group contracts with Western Display of Canby for the fireworks show, including bringing licensed pyro-technicians. The fireworks cost $15,000, Guenther said, and there’s another $3,500 for portable toilets and various expenses.

By now, Guenther said she would also have sent out 1,800 letters to people in the Yachats area seeking donations to help pay for the fireworks.

Yachats is not alone in going without a show this year. Also citing uncertain guidance, the Florence Chamber of Commerce has cancelled its annual July 4 fireworks. In Lincoln County, however, Waldport is doing its show July 3, and Newport and Lincoln City are doing shows July 4.