Woodhaven Fourth of July Parade to celebrate nation’s 250th milestone

SHERWOOD, Ore. — As the U.S. approaches its 250th Independence Day and many families are finding the milestone harder to celebrate in uncomplicated terms, local families in Sherwood are preparing for a smaller tradition: decorating bicycles, wagons and scooters for the community’s annual children’s parade.

Across Oregon and the country, the anniversary arrives amid political division, ongoing wars overseas, and renewed attention to histories often left out of patriotic storytelling, including the displacement of Native nations who lived on this land long before the Declaration of Independence was signed.

Yet for many residents, the Fourth of July still carries meaning through family traditions, civic pride, community gatherings, and the belief that America’s founding ideals remain worth striving toward, even when the nation falls short.

Every July in Sherwood, kids and families deck out their wheels with red, white and blue, streamers flying and popsicles melting. Grandparents set out lawn chairs along the parade route through Woodhaven, neighbors wave to each other, and firetrucks and police motorcycles flash their lights as they slowly lead the parade.

Everyone is welcome to participate in the Woodhaven Fourth of July Parade, scheduled for Friday from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Sherwood Regional Family YMCA. The parade begins at 10 a.m., followed by a barbecue at 11 a.m. The event is hosted through a partnership between the Woodhaven HOA, YMCA and Kat Granum Real Estate Group, and organizers expect more than 1,000 attendees.

“Participation varies from year to year, but we typically see dozens of families and well over 100 residents take part, whether walking, riding bikes, decorating wagons, or cheering from along the route,” said Jenna Baird, a real estate broker with Kat Granum Real Estate Group. “We expect another strong turnout this year, especially with the expanded activities at the YMCA following the parade.”

The parade is free and open to the public, and no registration is required.

“Residents are encouraged to simply show up with their decorated bikes, scooters, wagons, strollers, or walking groups and join the parade,” Baird said. “The event is designed to bring neighbors together and celebrate Independence Day in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere.”

After the parade, attendees can stay for a barbecue, games, and cold treats at the YMCA.

“This year's celebration is expanding beyond the traditional neighborhood parade with a community gathering at the YMCA immediately following the parade,” Baird said. “Our goal is to create a fun community event where neighbors can celebrate together after the parade.”

Families can enjoy a free community barbecue hosted by the YMCA, Kona Ice sponsored by the Woodhaven HOA and local realtors, and a Touch-a-Truck experience featuring a fire truck, police vehicle, Pride Disposal truck and potentially additional specialty vehicles, according to Baird.

Martin Rakers, director of the Sherwood Regional Family YMCA, said 2025 was the first year the YMCA hosted an after-party featuring Kona Ice, a coffee truck, Touch-a-Truck and a barbecue cooked by YMCA staff.

“Last year we had different vendors and different pieces that made it fun, and we had really good feedback that everybody loved it, so we’re going to continue it again this year,” Rakers said. “Come through the parade and get some food, have some snacks, and celebrate the community on the Fourth of July.”

Woodhaven 4th of July Parade and Party

When: Saturday, July 4, 9:30 a.m.-noon

Where: Sherwood Regional Family YMCA, 23000 S.W. Pacific Hwy.

Link: www.ymcacw.org/events/woodhaven-4th-july-parade