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QuickTake:
After having to cancel the event last year, Springfield Utility Board’s Fourth of July celebration and fireworks show is returning and organizers encourage community members to buy their tickets early.
A 1970s-inspired disco-funk band, a petting zoo and fireworks over the Willamette River are among the highlights of Springfield Utility Board’s 20th annual Light of Liberty celebration this year.
The utility had to cancel its annual July 4 event at Island Park in Springfield last year due to roadwork on Mill Street, which is needed to access the event.
“We have a lot of pent-up interest this year,” said SUB spokesperson Meredith Clark. “It’s really satisfying to know that the community really values the event, so we’re just really happy to be able to operate again this year.”
She said the fireworks show this year will be bigger than usual to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
“It’s always a nice show, but we wanted to make sure that we had a little bit extra this year to commemorate this particularly important milestone for our country,” she said.
‘Party with a purpose’
Tickets are $5 at Jerry’s Home Improvement Center and SUB’s main office, 250 A St. (Cash or check only at the office.) Advance tickets can also be purchased online for $8. Day-of tickets will be available online or at the gate for $10. (Cash only at the gate.)
Kids under 5 are free with a kid’s ticket, and Springfield veterans can pick up a free ticket at the SUB office.
“We encourage people to get tickets early this year,” Clark said, noting the utility expects to sell about 6,000 tickets. “It is possible we might sell out just because it’s a big year, and we want to make it a comfortable experience for people inside the park.”
Thanks to event sponsors, all ticket sales benefit SUB’s Project Share program, which helps low-income Springfield residents with their electricity bills. In 2024, the event raised just over $60,000 for Project Share, Clark said.
“We always call it a party with a purpose,” she said.
What to expect
Gates open at 4 p.m. this Saturday, July 4. Visitors can park on the street nearby or take a free shuttle from the Booth Kelly parking lot, 225 S. Fifth St. Shuttles will run about every 15 minutes from 3:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Valet bicycle parking will be available at the Willamalane Adult Center, 315 C St.
Food vendors and a beer and wine pavilion will be at the park. Visitors can also bring their own food, as well as lawn chairs and picnic blankets.
Music begins at 5 p.m., culminating with headliner Satin Love Orchestra, a Eugene-based disco and funk cover band, at 8 p.m.
“They have a huge following locally, and so it’s just great to have a local band that we can have and celebrate, since obviously public utilities are about local ownership,” Clark said.
A kids area will be open from 4 to 9 p.m. with free activities including bounce houses, midway games, face painting, pony rides, a petting zoo and reptile exhibits. The Boy Scouts will provide craft shows and the Springfield Robotics Club and South Eugene Robotics Team will offer robot demonstrations.
“Just lots and lots and lots of stuff for kids to do, and we always like to let parents know that our main goal there is to exhaust their kids before the fireworks, and they get the wiggles out,” Clark said.
The pyrotechnics, set to music, will begin at 10:15 p.m.
If you go
What: Light of Liberty Celebration
When: Saturday, July 4; gates open at 4 p.m.
Where: Island Park, 200 West B St., Springfield
Cost: Advance tickets are $5 at Jerry’s Home Improvement Center or Springfield Utility Board’s main office, or $8 online; tickets are $10 day of the event
