www.official4thofjuly.org/faq.html
print this page  |  email this page
FAQ

Comcast presents
4th of July at the Historic Reserve is one
of the Celebrate Freedom programs of the
Vancouver National Historic Reserve Trust.
FAQ
4th of July at the
Historic Reserve

Frequently Asked Questions
Attending the Day's Event Questions
Event Location
Lodging
General Information
Parking Information
Shuttle Information
Donations
Where does the event take place?
The event takes place at the Vancouver National Historic Reserve, which is located primarily between Fort Vancouver Way and Reserve St., from west to east, and from Officers Row to 5th, north to south. Click here for Directions, Shuttle and Parking information.

The Vancouver National Historic Reserve brings together a national park, the region's first military post, and international fur trade emporium, one of the oldest operating airfields, the first national historic site west of the Mississippi River, and a waterfront trail and environmental center on the banks of the Columbia River. Many of these venues are open and operating on July 4th for you to enjoy while waiting for the big fireworks show. For a full list of the days activities, click here.
Is there a cost to attend?
There is no required entry fee to enjoy the day's entertainment and spectacular fireworks display. We do have a "Take $4 to the 4th" campaign, in which we request a donation of $4 per person. The event organized and operated by a non-profit organization. To cover our costs we encourage individuals and businesses to help with financial donations (click here to donate).
Where is the best view of the fireworks?
Come early on July 4th and lay out your blanket on the grass of the great meadow to secure a wonderful view of the fireworks for your family. The great meadow forms a natural amphitheater which is ideal for both fireworks viewing and for enjoying the entertainment on the main stage.

For a breathtaking fireworks viewing experience, we offer VIP packages to view the fireworks from the Columbia River on the Crystal Dolphin yacht. Only 40 tickets are available, so order early.
Are there any special fireworks viewing packages available?
Yes! For a breathtaking fireworks viewing experience, we offer VIP packages to view the fireworks from the Columbia River on the Crystal Dolphin yacht. Only 40 tickets are available. Cost is $100 per ticket and includes hors d'oeuvres and two beverages. Call (360) 992-1800 to reserve your spot.
What time do the activities start?
There are enough fun activities available on July 4th to fill the entire day, which culminates with our incredible fireworks display! Come early and enjoy the first band of the day which takes to the Main Stage at 9:00 a.m. At 10:00 a.m., the Sing 4th vocal contest kicks off. Throughout the day be sure to take in the carnival, puppet shows, and arts & crafts booths. Visit Fort Vancouver and Pearson Air Museum. Where else can you see a black powder demonstration? Enjoy all of these activities and many more all within the beautiful Historic Reserve, for a day that you and your family will never forget. For a full list of the days activities, click here.
Where are the restrooms?
There are portable toilets throughout the event site.
Will there be places to purchase food and drinks at the Historic Reserve?
Yes! Vendors in booths will offer a variety of food and beverages throughout the day and evening. In addition, the gift shops inside the Visitor Center and Pearson Air Museum sell snacks and cold drinks as well as sunscreen and hats with visors for hot weather and sweatshirts and umbrellas if it's rainy or cool.
Where can I stay?
Click here to be directed to our Lodging page for a hotel recommendation. July 4th falls on a Friday this year so plan to spend the weekend in Vancouver, Washington!


Shuttle Information
Can I take public transportation or a shuttle to the event site?
Yes! C-TRAN supports the event by providing express bus service from Westfield Shoppingtown Vancouver Mall from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Bus fare is $1 round-trip, payable as you board. Return buses board after the fireworks at the Fort Vancouver Regional Library. For more information go to: www.c-tran.com or call 360-695-0123 (360-695-2760 - TDD hearing impaired).


General Information
I have a question, who can I contact?
Please call the Vancouver National Historic Reserve Trust front desk at 360-992-1800 or toll free, at 888-992-1849. The receptionist will be happy to answer your questions or direct you to someone who can. You can also e-mail us at info@vnhrt.org or send us a fax at 360-992-1810.
How many attend the event?
This daylong event is the largest one-day event in Clark County and attracts around 65,000 people to the Historic Reserve. Thousands more view the display from remote locations throughout the region.
How long is the fireworks display?
This year's fireworks display is scheduled to begin at 10:10 p.m. and will last for 30 minutes, but the memories will last a lifetime.
Who puts on the event?
The Vancouver National Historic Reserve Trust, a nonprofit organization, produces the 4th of July at the Historic Reserve, in cooperation with the National Park Service and the City of Vancouver. This community celebration is the largest single-day event in the region and is only made possible through individual and corporate donations.
How much does it cost to produce the 4th of July at the Historic Reserve?
Production of this event costs nearly $500,000.
Can I make a donation?
YES! Donations are gratefully accepted in any amount, great or small. Please go do our support page for details. Every dollar helps to light up the skies!
What about "Lost and Found" items?
With the number of people who attend the event, a few items manage to get lost or found. You can drop off lost and found items at the Visitor Center on Officers Row.
Helpful links
Vancouver National Historic Reserve Trust
C-Tran
City of Vancouver
National Park Service
Pearson Air Museum
KGW
Southwest Washington Convention and Visitors Bureau
 



What should I bring?
  • Your smiles of appreciation for this great family friendly community Independence Day celebration!
  • Lawn chair or blanket.
  • Flashlights and maybe rain gear if we have inclement weather.
  • Sunscreen and sun hats if we have beautiful, sunny weather.
  • A trash bag to help keep your area clean, which can be placed in the many refuse cans throughout the park. Recycling containers are also provided for cans and bottles.
  • Your friends and family.
  • A camera to snap memorable pictures of the day.
  • Donations to support the event.
What should you leave at home?
  • Fireworks, including sparklers. Leave the big show to us!
  • Charcoal or gas grills. No BBQ's of any kind are allowed.
  • Alcohol. Beaches Beverage Cabana is on-site for a designated adult beverage consumption area, as this is a family friendly event.
  • Animals Please leave all pets at home. Service animals are permitted.
  • No knives or weapons of any kind are allowed. This includes kitchen knives to cut your apple pie or chocolate cake in your Fourth of July picnic. Please cut your pie at home. For the safety of the crowd, knives will be confiscated.
  • Canopies or tents. There is no staking on the Historic Reserve and tents can impede the view of the entertainment and fireworks.

Parking Questions
Where can I park and what time will the lots open?
There is a grass parking lot available on 5th St., two blocks east of Reserve St. Cost is just $5 per car and benefits Pearson Air Museum. Enter the area on 5th St. from Grand Ave., east of the Historic Reserve. See area map.
Parking is also available at:
  • Clark College - located on Fort Vancouver Way and 1800 E. McLoughlin Blvd., Vancouver, Washington. Clark College is located within one mile of the event location.
  • Downtown Vancouver - Free on-street parking is available throughout the downtown area within easy walking distance of the event site. City of Vancouver lots will also be free.
  • Vancouver Center Parking Garage - 703 Broadway St. Parking is available for a fee.
Disabled parking area
Disabled parking is available on a first come, first accommodated basis on the Historic Reserve. Vehicles with state issued disabled parking permits may enter the Historic Reserve via the checkpoint at Evergreen and W. Reserve St. (west side of I-5 near The Academy, proceed to 5th St. as directed) see map. After passing through a public safety checkpoint, the vehicles will be directed to a designated disabled parking area. Because of fireline requirements, the limit on motor home length is 18 ft.

Prohibited Parking
There is no public parking at the event site except for designated disabled parking, vendors, and those specifically authorized as affiliated with event production

Parking is prohibited in the area of Marshall Center and Luepke Senior Center and there will be no public access to the park located to the south of Marshall/Luepke Center.

No parking of vehicles will be allowed at the sports fields located south of Mill Plain Blvd. between Reserve St. and Fort Vancouver Way

No parking will be available at Fort Vancouver Library on Mill Plain due to staging of C-Tran shuttle buses.

Parking at Hudson Bay High School is restricted to designated vehicles for event sponsors and volunteers.

Parking in the Hudson Bay Neighborhood is restricted to residents with parking stickers.

Parking will be prohibited on many streets near the event site including SR-14, I-5 and Fort Vancouver Way.
General O.O. Howard House, 750 Anderson Street, Vancouver, WA 98661
Main: (360) 992-1800 | Fax: (360) 992-1810 | Info@vnhrt.org
Copyright 2007 Vancouver National Historic Reserve Trust
Media Photo Gallery