Indpendence Day and the Riverfront Celebration

I went down to the riverfront celebration last night in downtown Salem. Actually, that's not true. I went to my sisters last night and watched fireworks on her cul de sac. However, I did go down on the 3rd of July, and watched the fireworks show over the river that night.

I have to say that, overall, I'm pleased with what Salem has put up for the holiday.

It seems that the common thing you see to always hear around Salem, and posted in local Salem blogs is how we're not this, or we don't have that, or I wish we were more like this town or that town. Personally, I don't want to be like Portland or Eugene. I would like Salem to have it's own identity.

I was pleased at the overall feel of the night. There was a band playing music at the amphitheater, there were carnival rides in the parking lot area. Even though they were a little steep in price compared to regular entertainment. I guess as far as carnival rides go they were about average priced. $.50 a ticket, and the kiddie rides were 6 tickets each. So for my 4 year old & 3 year old it was $6.00 for about 2 minutes of fun. But whatever.. I understand.

Additionally there were food vendors here and there.

We went early thinking we'd need to get there to get a good spot to see the show, but surprisingly there weren't as many people as I thought would be there. Even if there had been a bunch more people there, by my estimates, the park could have easily held em, and most everyone could have had a good view of the fireworks show.

We left right after the fireworks were over as it was way past the little ones bed times. But my brother was there, and said the band played for about another hour.

I think overall it was a good event. EOFF Electrical was the main sponsor, and they were cool enough to give away some pretty neat Yo-Yo's that light up and make noise which was pretty cool considering it was a night time event. Maybe next year we can get a local business to sponsor some inflatable slides or something for the kids to do for free. That would really draw out the city and make it stamp of salem and a true community event.