Lincoln County celebrates 250 years of independence with parades, rodeo, fireworks — and reflections on the times

By SHAYLA ESCUDERO/Lincoln Chronicle 

American flags whipped in the wind and hooves kicked dust into the air as a sun kissed crowd cheered from the bleachers at Lincoln County Fair. Jerry Morell pressed his face between the bars of a fence to get a better view as a cowgirl raced between barrels.

“Get ready, get loud and get proud for 250 years,” the announcer said, his voice carrying over spectators and across several blocks of Newport’s neighborhoods.

Morell and his wife, Kyla, wore matching T-shirts that carried the same sentiment: 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

“For me, I think how divisive our country is, but we have more in common than we think,” Kyla Morell said. “There are still places where we can shake hands and drink a beer.”

Unfolding against a backdrop of deep political divisions in the country, Lincoln County celebrated July 4, 2026 in inflatable shrimp costumes, tie dye, and cowboy boots.

The United States’ Semiquincentennial marked the return of the Lincoln County Fair and its two-day rodeo to Newport, firework displays on both Friday and Saturday nights, parades in Yachats and Gleneden Beach, and food, music and celebrations almost everywhere.

In Yachats, there was a procession of colorful characters and random groups in what may be the most unserious Fourth of July celebration and therefore its name — the La de da Parade.

But the significance of 250 years took on various meanings depending on who you asked. It was the cause of celebration; it was just like any other day; it was a day of unity; it was a day of division. It meant everything; it meant nothing.

The Fourth of July used to be significant to Stacey Williams, a Lincoln County resident visiting the fair with her family. As a child the day felt different; it represented freedom, fireworks and happiness, she said. With the marking of 250 years, Williams doesn’t feel like the milestone matters if we are so polarized as a nation.

“It’s so divided that it doesn’t feel worthy of celebration,” Williams said. “I’ll celebrate 251 if we are able to fix our problems.”

While some saw a day marked with division, others saw unity.

When thinking about 250 years, Angell Job Corps Center Standards Officer Mikell Sumerau didn’t dwell on how old the country is, but how young it is – especially when compared to other nations.

“I’m in awe that our country is one of the youngest but it’s also the best,” Sumerau said.

The holiday isn’t tied to a specific religion like most holidays, it’s for anyone no matter their identity or label, he said. “The fourth of July is the most inclusive holiday we have.”

A silly parade

A colorful procession of characters made their way along Ocean View Drive in Yachats’ La de da parade. There was a tooth fairy, a family of shrimp, a Statue of Liberty costume, the cast of characters from the Wizard of Oz along with dozens of others figures both patriotic and random.

A group in tutus danced to Young MC’s “Bust a Move” while the longtime Yachats Umbrella Drill Team marched in perfect unison.

Although the parade was lighthearted, many Yachats residents had complicated feelings around the holiday. Debra Fant, a member of the umbrella drill team, chose to wear an inflatable frog suit on purpose.

“We aren’t supposed to be political but I thought the frog spoke pretty loudly for itself,” Fant said.

Blow up frog suits, along with other whimsical animal costumes became a trend in Portland last year during anti-immigration and No Kings protests.

While thinking about the United States as a whole upsets Fant, focusing locally helps her cope, she told the Lincoln Chronicle.

“What we are celebrating is community and coming together,” she said.

Anne Burnett didn’t watch the parade this year, although she looked like she could have led the procession. Adorned in black judge’s robe, Burnett dressed as late Supreme Court Judge Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She sat along U.S. Highway 101 with a table of red knit hats, a movement to symbolize nonviolent protest that originated during World War II as defiance against the Nazis that caught wind again this winter in Minneapolis to protest immigration enforcement.

Burnett said she was around during the protests of the Vietnam War and nuclear power plants, but the country didn’t feel as divided then as it does now. Still, she’s not without hope.

“The only thing I’m thinking about with 250 years is that the United States is still worth fighting for,” Burnett said.

• Shayla Escudero is an enterprise reporter for the Lincoln Chronicle covering local governments, education, housing and social services and can be reached at [email protected]