By TIM HIRSCH

of the Sun

The celebration of the U.SA.’s 250th year as an independent nation will be draped in the “colors that don’t run” at the Village of Neskowin when the coastal community gathers for a patriotic and beach-centric event that will be full of activities, family-friendly festivities, and patriotism on Saturday, July 4.

The remembrance of our nation’s beginning will get off and running starting with a Fun Run/Walk 5K beginning at 8 a.m. at the Neskowin Wayside parking lot. Runners and walkers are invited to line-up starting at 7 a.m. for the inclusive event. No advance registration is necessary for this free foot race.

The run through Neskowin Village streets will be followed by the main event, a “walkabout,” which has been a Neskowin tradition since 1973 and will start at 10 a.m. in front of Proposal Rock Inn. Hosted by the Walton family, the event will feature 4th of July-themed entrants that will run the gamut from youth on bicycles to patriotically dressed families to fire rigs from the Nestucca Rural Fire Protection District, and much, much more. Entries are asked to line-up at 9:30 a.m.

Following the patriotic and beachy stroll through the village, revelers can sing their hearts out in honor of the nation’s first 250 years in the Proposal Rock Inn parking lot by lifting their voices to a set of patriotic songs.

And adding a little high-powered excitement will be a military flyover, expected at 11:30 a.m. If the experience of past years is any indication, the flyover could well be in the middle of the sing-a-long. But, not to worry. That puts you in the perfect position for the exciting tribute.

The Independence Day festivities will migrate to the beach in early afternoon when a sandcastle and kite flying contest will commence on the beach near the McMinnville Street entrance. All are welcome to take part in the sandcastle building or the kite flying contests, which are scheduled to run from 2-4 p.m. and will be hosted by the Meyer family.

Participants will need to bring their own tools or kites. Visitors can park at the Neskowin Beach Wayside and can walk to the beach access located on Breakers Boulevard or McMinnville Avenue.

Celebrations continue into the evening as a 25-minute fireworks display hosted by the Pareluis family will light up the sky over Neskowin beaches starting at 10 p.m.. Visitors are reminded that personal fireworks are not allowed. To that end, the community has plans of erecting signs saying “Keep Tillamook County safe and beautiful.” For more information or to donate to the effort, visit neskowinfireworks.com.

“We invite everyone to come and show your patriotic spirit during activities from the run through the sand castle contest,” said Robin Crowell, of Neskowin Community Association.

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