Girl Scouts Organize 4th of July Street Parade

It’s official, the 4th of July Street Parade is back on. As previously reported in the Beacon, after the Portland Chamber of Commerce dissolved in 2019, leadership of the parade fell to an informal group of downtown business leaders. The COVID-19 pandemic led to it’s cancellation in 2020, and efforts to organize it in 2021 were met with limited interest leading to it’s cancelation. That way until local Girl Scouts caught wind of the problem and took it upon themselves to organize the event.

Despite their lack of years, the scouts of Girl Scout Troop 4730 saw a need in the community and decided to do something about it. “Our Girl Scouts were quite disappointed that there was going to be no parade and asked if there was someone else to put it on,” says Troop Leader Erica Sheehan, “we think it is important for them to fill a gap when they see one and are able.” And while the troop parents will be heavily involved, Sheehan says that the scouts of Troop 4730 will be taking an important leadership role. While the Girl Scouts are taking the lead on this project, they also have the support of Portland Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts.

The parade will take place Sunday, July 4th at 10:00 AM. The route will run down Kent St. starting at Riverside Dr., turn left on Grand River Ave. then right on Water St. before concluding at the Red Mill Pavilion. Scout troop parent Mandy Johnston says, “we have quite a few entries already and expect more in the coming days. It won’t be over the top, just a simple parade that celebrates our country and is very representative of our sweet little city!” As of mid week, Sheehan said that the troop had secured commitments from 17 parade participants and are looking for more. Entries are open to business, individuals, and non-profit organizations. To learn more about the event check out the Girl Scout’s parade event on Facebook. To sign up to participate you can complete the registration Google Form.

With the reinstatement of the street parade Portland’s 4th of July weekend now includes a full slate of fun family oriented activities. The fun kicks off July 3rd with the River Parade of canoes and kayaks hosted by the newly conceived Portland Downtown Business Association. The fireworks show will be at the Bogue Flats park provided by the former Portland Area Chamber of Commerce at about 10:00 PM. The street parade hosted by the Girl Scouts will wrap up the weekend on the 4th at 10:00 AM. To learn more about any of these events follow the links above.

PHOTO: File photo from Memorial Day Parade 2018