America’s 250th Birthday Celebration

July 4, 2026 | Pioneer Park & Pioneer Village | Ferndale, WA

1. EVENT OVERVIEW

In celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary (1776–2026), the Ferndale Heritage Society, in partnership with the Ferndale Downtown Association the Ferndale Chamber of Commerce, and City of Ferndale proposes to host the First Annual “Stars, Stripes, and Spokes” community parade and celebration.

The City of Ferndale will serve as an Event Supporter and will promote the event as a City Sponsored Event, as it is free and open to the public.

This family-friendly event invites community members of all ages to decorate and parade their human-powered vehicles in patriotic style through Pioneer Park and Pioneer Village.

Spectators are welcome.

2. EVENT DETAILS

Who: All community members with human-powered vehicles, including but not limited to:

• Bicycles

• Tricycles

• Strollers

• Wheelchairs

• Scooters

• Wagons

• Wheelbarrows

Helmets strongly encouraged.
Participants are encouraged to decorate their vehicles in Red, White, and Blue.

⚠ No pets permitted inside the fenced Pioneer Village area (per applicable RCW and park regulations).

What: Stars, Stripes, and Spokes Parade & Celebration

• Decorated vehicle parade

• Patriotic costume contest

• Patriotic music

• Color guard presentation

• Decorated Log Cabin Porches

 When: Saturday, July 4, 2026

• 10:45 AM – Vehicle Judging

• 11:00AM – Opening Ceremony

• 11:15AM – Parade Begins

 Where: Pioneer Park & Pioneer Village

• Parade begins at the front gate of Pioneer Village

• Short Route: Around Pioneer Village (ADA-compliant sidewalk)

• Long Route: Extends through the Hanadori Trail

3. PROGRAM ELEMENTS

Opening Ceremony

• Welcome remarks

• Recognition of America’s 250th Anniversary

• Color Guard

Parade & Judging Categories

Award Categories:

• Best Dressed Adult Patriot

• Best Dressed Child Patriot

• Best Decorated Vehicle

• Most Unique Entry

 Participation Recognition:

• Flags & stickers for all participants

• Otter Pops distributed at Tillicum House upon finishing - donated by Ferndale Grocery Outlet.

4. ADDITIONAL EVENT FEATURES

• Water bottle refill station at entrance

• Paper cups provided

 First Aid

• First Aid station available.

 Decorations

• American flags displayed throughout park

• Temporary cover for “No Bicycles” sign at main gate during event

• Decorated Log Cabin Porches

Historical & Educational Component

·         Reading of the first few sentences of the Declaration of Independence

5. SPONSORSHIP AND COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

Potential Sponsors

• Grocery Outlet (Otter Pops donation from Ferndale Grocery Outlet)

Prize Planning

• Gift cards (local businesses)

• Patriotic-themed gift baskets

• Bike accessories

• Local business gift certificates

6. PERMITS AND COMPLIANCE

• Special Events Permit

• Coordination with Parks Department (route approval, signage, utilities)

• ADA compliance confirmed for short route

• Risk management considerations (helmets encouraged, no pets in fenced village)

 7. EVENT GOALS

• Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary in a uniquely Ferndale way

• Create an inclusive, intergenerational, ADA-accessible community event

• Highlight Ferndale’s historic assets

• Strengthen collaboration between civic organizations

• Establish an annual July 4th heritage event tradition