It's a no-go for Independence Day fireworks in St. Helens this year

Major changes are coming to some traditional and highly attended summer events in St. Helens in 2024.

The Fourth of July fireworks display has been canceled — though not the entirety of the festivities — and the 13 Nights on the River, to be held this summer at McCormick Park, may be trimmed.

City Administrator John Walsh sent a statement, Thursday, May 16, to Pamplin Media Group stating that the fireworks display will not be held this July 4 to alleviate congestion in the Riverfront District.

Noting that people gather to view fireworks on the city’s Riverfront property and inside Columbia View Park, Walsh said the park is closing starting Monday, May 20, for the Riverwalk project and will remain closed for the remainder of the year as construction takes place .

“The Riverfront Property, where tailgating usually occurs, is also closed for tailgate use due to the Streets and Utilities Extension Project,” Walsh said.

Regarding 13 Nights, the news is a bit more up in the area because event coordinator Tina Curry’s contract expires on June 30, and the city is in the process of determining if anyone wishes to apply for the position.

The city would determine who would be the new tourism contractor.

Earlier this year, it was determined that 13 Nights on the River would be moved to McCormick Park due to construction taking place in the Riverfront District.

The city has announced that, so far, four bands are scheduled to perform during the summer series. They are the Macey Gard Band and St. Helens High School on June 6, Stay’in Alive on June 13, Lloyd Jones on June 20 and the Damon Castillo Band on June 27. Hours will be 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

13 Nights on the River traditionally starts in June at Columbia View Park and features free concerts each Thursday evening through the summer.

While fireworks have been scrubbed for 2024, a Fourth of July event is still being held at McCormick Park from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Events include a Freedom Walk at 11 a.m., the Highway 30 Cruisers at noon, and American Legion and VFW flag raising, national anthem and speakers at 1:30 p.m. A George Washington impersonator will sign the Declaration of Independence and from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., and a birthday cake for America is on deck.