City of Wallowa going all out on 4th of July for America 250
By Logan Bagett on Thursday, July 2nd, 2026 in Northeastern Oregon News Northeastern Oregon Top Stories
WALLOWA — It’s a special year for America and the city of Wallowa is celebrating in style as an official America 250 Oregon event.
“We were pretty excited,” said Wallowa’s City Administrator Carolyn Harshfield upon receiving notice of being accepted as an America 250 event.
Fourth of July in Wallowa is an event that traces its roots back to 1924. The day starts out with breakfast at Community Legion Hall and then continues with an America 250 Birthday Cake Contest, a street fair, a parade, and a sneak peek at Wallowa’s new luxury accommodation, The Grand Lady 1903.
An anonymous contribution will double the prize money for this year’s parade. Harshfield says there are always plenty of patriotic floats in the parade, but this year will be even more special.
“I feel like there’s going to be a lot of red, white, and blue this year on everything,” she said.
Fourth of July in Wallowa events:
- Breakfast and Restoration Progress Open House: 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at Wallowa Community Legion Hall.
- America’s 250th: A Birthday Cake Contest: At Yates Garage. Cake drop-off is at 8 a.m., judging is at 9 a.m., and cake will be shared after 10 a.m.
- Photo Backdrops: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Wallowa Mountain Properties new satellite location, 212 E. First St.
- Wallowa History Center Open House: Featuring the new exhibit “Fire Stories,” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Parade: Starts at 11 a.m.
- BBQ: At the Wallowa Fire Department following the parade.
- Dunk Tank Fundraiser: At the Wallowa Fire Department from noon to 2 p.m.
- The Grand Lady 1903 Sneak Peek: From 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.
The events are easily within walking distance, with most taking place in area of First and Pine streets. There will also be quilt walk featuring quilts made for local veterans at venues around the city.
