The rush to claim prime parade-watching spots officially kicks off at 6 a.m. Monday 

Ashland.news staff report

Starting at 6 a.m. on Monday, July 3, those hoping to get a good spot to see the Fourth of July Parade can finally lay claim to it along the parade route, when it’s OK to place chairs, blankets, and other placeholders on public property, according to the Ashland Police Department.

“Public property” includes the median on Siskiyou Boulevard, park rows (that’s the area between the sidewalk and the street) and sidewalks of Siskiyou Boulevard, East Main Street, the Plaza and other public areas. Chairs and blankets should not block sidewalks, plastic tarps may not be placed on grass and all items should be secured to prevent them from blowing out of place. Only blue painter tape may be used on the sidewalks. Other tapes leave a residue that is extremely difficult to clean.

Ashland Police ask the public to please be respectful of others’ property and of the fact that the space directly in front of a private residence along Siskiyou Boulevard is under the control and responsibility of the homeowner.

Spectators place items at their own risk. Items which create a safety hazard for pedestrians or vehicles will be picked up and disposed of.

Those who lay claim to their spots with chairs, tape, trash, blankets and personal items are asked to remove them after the parade ends.

Ashland’s 4th of July Run is scheduled to start at 7:45 a.m. Tuesday. All ages are welcome, with the start/finish line near the Ashland Library, 410 Siskiyou Blvd. The public can expect street closures on Oak Street to Eagle Mill Road from about 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. to facilitate the race.

The annual parade — The theme for this year is, “Together We Thrive!” — is scheduled to start at 10 a.m. Tuesday, with street closures beginning at 6 a.m. and lasting until about 1 p.m. As in years past, inbound and outbound traffic from North Laurel Street to South Mountain Avenue will be re-routed onto Lithia Way. The parade route begins on Siskiyou Boulevard at Triangle Park and ends on East Main Street at Water Street.

Family-friendly activities in Lithia Park are available from noon to 5 p.m., including performances at the Butler Bandshell, crafts, food and information booths, along with the Family Activity Zone at the entrance to the park.

The Ashland City Band will offer a special Patriotic Concert at noon at Butler Bandshell in Lithia Park. The American Band College will perform at 7:30 p.m. at Ashland High School (this is in lieu of a fireworks display). Tickets are available at bandworld.org or at the stadium beginning at 6 p.m.

Firework use prohibited in Ashland

Retail fireworks that are legal throughout much of Oregon are not permitted to be used in Ashland (including most varieties sold just outside the city limits). 

Violations of the fireworks law are a Class I violation and can include fines up to $500. 

However, there are three items that Ashland residents may legally use: smoke bombs, snakes and party poppers. The use of any spark-producing item which causes a fire is always prohibited.

Recology Ashland delays trash service for Fourth of July

Recology Ashland will be closed on Tuesday, July 4 in observance of Independence Day. 

Beginning Tuesday, all residential collections will be delayed by one day. 

For example, those with service pick up on Tuesday should put their garbage cans out on Wednesday morning.

Customers with Friday pickups will receive their service on Saturday.

To view the announcement, go online to recology.com/recology_news/july-4th-service-interruption-update/.

Reach Ashland.news reporter Holly Dillemuth at hollyd@ashland.news.