Frequently Asked Questions

The festivities kick off on Friday, July 3rd with a street dance and beer garden at Davis Park from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM. On Saturday, July 4th, we start early with the Fun Run check-in at 7:30 AM, followed by Zumba at 9:00 AM, the Kids & Pets Pre-Parade at 10:15 AM, the Grand Parade at 11:00 AM, and the full festival from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

The celebration is free to attend! The only charge is a $5 children's activity wristband for unlimited kids activities, and $15 for souvenir t-shirts. All events, including the parade, festival, live entertainment, and street dance, are free.

Free parking with shuttle service is available at two locations:

• Costco (519 S 56th Pl): C-TRAN shuttle service runs 8:00 AM–10:10 AM and again ~12:30 PM–5:00 PM (every 20–30 minutes). No shuttle during the parade.
• Ridgefield Waterfront (109 W Division St): shuttle to Community Library.

ADA parking is available at the Ridgefield Administrative and Civic Center (510 Pioneer). Pioneer Street will be closed for the parade; use Royle Rd or Reiman Rd to NW 289th St as a detour.

The Grand Parade begins at 11:00 AM and runs: west on 4th Avenue → west on Division → south on 3rd Avenue → east on Pioneer to 8th Avenue. The parade ends at the corner of Pioneer and 8th. Staging takes place in Abrams Park, with check-in on 5th Ave between 7:30–9:00 AM.

Yes! All tamed animals are welcome at the celebration, provided they are kept on a leash at all times. Please be prepared to clean up after your pet. Animals may also participate in the Kids & Pets Pre-Parade at 10:15 AM.

Absolutely. Lawn chairs and blankets are a great way to enjoy the parade route and festival. There is ample space along the parade route and in Overlook Park and other festival areas to set up a comfortable viewing spot.

Portable toilets are available throughout the event area at the following locations:

• Ridgefield Administrative and Civic Center (510 Pioneer)
• 5th Ave and Division
• Davis Park (Mill & 3rd Ave)
• Next to City Hall (3rd Ave & Pioneer)
• Overlook Park (Main & Pioneer) — portable toilets
• Overlook Park (Main & Pioneer) — permanent public restroom

Yes! A variety of food vendors set up throughout the festival area along S. Main Ave, Pioneer Street, and Overlook Park from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on July 4th. The Street Dance on July 3rd also features food vendors. The Pie Eating Contest at 2:30 PM is a beloved festival tradition for kids ages 6–15.

The 2026 theme is America 250!, celebrating the 250th anniversary of American independence. Parade entries are encouraged to incorporate this milestone theme. The Grand Marshals for 2026 are Maureen O'Reilly and Chris Bidleman.

Download the 2026 Parade Application from our website, complete it, and mail it along with the $40 entry fee (check payable to RFOJ) to the Parade Committee, P.O. Box 896, Ridgefield, WA 98642. Applications must be received by June 26, 2026. Contact parade@ridgefield4th.org with any questions.

Contact the appropriate vendor coordinator first to check availability and ensure no duplicate vendors, then submit the Vendor Application with payment by June 17, 2026. Food vendor spaces are $250 per 10×10; general/craft vendor spaces are $60 per 10×10. See the Vendor Application page for full details.

We love new volunteers! This event is 100% volunteer-run, and there are opportunities ranging from a few hours of help to more significant roles. Contact the Festival Director by emailing info@ridgefield4th.org or visiting our Contact page to get in touch.

Sponsorship packages range from $250 to $5,000 and come with a variety of benefits including logo placement on banners, event posters, The Reflector ads, and parade entry positions. Contact Sponsorship Coordinator Christina Cericola at sponsors@ridgefield4th.org or 360-450-0810. Visit our Sponsors page to learn more.

Kids activities run all day during the festival (10:00 AM – 5:00 PM on July 4th) and are accessible with a $5 wristband for unlimited access. Activities are coordinated by Cecilia Koenig. Don't miss the Pie Eating Contest at 2:30 PM in Overlook Park, open to kids ages 6–15. Sign up at the souvenir booth on the day of the event.

Yes! A public fireworks display is presented after dark on July 4th, hosted by the RFOJ Committee in partnership with the City of Ridgefield and the Port of Ridgefield. The show is launched from the Port of Ridgefield Marina area and is free to watch from the waterfront and surrounding areas. The exact start time is announced closer to the event on our Facebook page.