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Let the party begin By Amber Fossen Ashland Daily Tidings Expectations are high. Tens of thousands of people are expected to flood the city streets of Ashland Friday as the long-held celebration of July 4 rings in with patriotic verve. A featured entry in Friday's Fourth parade are some of Ashland's most experienced patriots from Skylark Assisted Living, including Irvin Dyer (center) as the "most honored senior." Dyer is flanked from left to right by Norman O'Donnell, Bud Coles, Marilla Lee and Beau Rabb. Ashland Daily Tidings/DENISE BARATTA The annual Fourth of July celebration pre-dates the incorporation of the city in October of 1874. It's a time honored tradition since the floats were pulled by horses - not horse power. Always popular, the event continues to be a local favorite as more and more people flock to commemorate the day the nation was born. And this year is no exception. An estimated 30,000 patrons will be in attendance for the "Hot Fun In The Summertime" Fourth of July celebration, according to event organizers. "We estimate about 20,000 to 25,000 people in attendance each year," event organizer Yolanda Nagel said. "This year, we're expecting a lot more because it falls on a Friday." Local motels, inns and hotel's lack of vacancies back up the belief that this year, the little town of Ashland will be honoring independence in a big way. Rebecca Jones, sales and catering manager for the Ashland Springs Hotel, said the holiday always brings in a full house. "Every year we've been sold out," Jones said. "People usually make their reservations for 2004 now." Local eateries are also prepped for the large masses. According to Daniel Greenblatt, owner of Greenleaf Restaurant, the July 4 holiday is a busy time. "I think the Fourth of July is a day where people who used to live in Ashland come back," he said. "It will be a busy weekend but we'll have fun. We're ready for it." While records provided by the Southern Oregon Historical Society note Fourth of July celebrations in Ashland date back to the early 1860s, local historians say patriotic gatherings date back even further, although no specific starting date for the annual event is available. According to SOHS historian and photo archivist Carol Harbison-Samuelson, the event was formerly rotated among local cities. "One year the Fourth of July celebration would be in Ashland, the next it would be in Medford," Harbison-Samuelson said. Although the size of July 4 celebrations were considerably smaller in the late 1800s and early 1900s, it still drew in notable crowds. In 1875, the event drew in an estimated 2,000 viewers. Later, in 1896, crowds swelled to 5,000, according to SOHS documents. And in 1921, an article in the Ashland Weekly stated about 15,000 people came to cheer freedom. The article states "The parade, more than a mile long and composed of floats decorated in a manner showing a great amount of planning an artistic ability, would have been an asset to metropolitan centers several times the size of Ashland and with populations larger than the combined cities of Jackson county." While time has passed, the annual tribute to freedom is still going strong - which requires a lot of planning from the city, the Chamber of Commerce, the police and fire departments, and volunteers among others. "A lot of players worked hard to make this happen," said Paula Brown, city public works director. "There's a lot of behind the scenes effort." This year, more than 115 entries were received for the parade, according to Don Dedrick III, parade chair. Locals young, old - including a mini bus full of residents from Skylark Assisted Living - and in-between will strut their patriotic pride when the parade kicks off at 9:15 a.m. at Triangle Park. "Have fun but be considerate of other people also," Dedrick said of parade viewing. "Think of the children. Make sure they're in the front so they can see." A first this year, Rogue Valley Community Television will air the parade live with Tim Bewley from RVTV and Joanie McGowan, Ashland performance artist, serving as hosts. Ashlander Frank D'Entremont was tapped as this year's honorable Parade Grand Marshal. And, yes, the jets will fly overhead this year. When the parade's over, the party doesn't stop. Lithia Park will play host to more than 80 craft booths and 30 food vendors from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., event organizers said. There will also be a welcoming address by Mayor Alan DeBoer, a reading of the Declaration of Independence by Barry Kraft of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and a slew of musical guests. And at dusk, the famed firework display will fill the night sky. Ashland Fire and Rescue will be out to serve and protect, assistant chief Dave Hard said. He said he hopes people will exercise caution when igniting fireworks. "The number one message I'd like to get out is it is too dry, fire conditions are too high and people should not have their own little fireworks displays," Hard said. "They should just come and enjoy the city's display." Ashland Police Department Sergeant Kirk Cromwell said additional staff will be on hand to help keep the throngs of patrons safe this holiday. "Historically, we add additional bodies to patrol and additional bodies to the event itself," Cromwell said. "Our focus is on getting through the night safely." Organizers of the event said clean up crews will be working on July 4 through Saturday to restore the city to its pre-celebration status. INFO BOX o 9:15 a.m. - Fourth of July Parade begins at Triangle Park o 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. - Fair in Lithia Park o 12:15 p.m. - Mayor Alan DeBoer welcome address at the Bandshell in Lithia Park o 10 p.m. - Fireworks visible from most parts of Ashland. 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