Month: July 2026

Tracee Tuesday

MADRAS/PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon communities are marking the Fourth of July with a full slate of events in Madras and Prineville, celebrating Independence Day as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary. From early-morning breakfasts and parades to fireworks and stargazing, the holiday stretches from sunrise to well after dark.

In Madras, the celebration centers around Sahalee Park, where organizers say the day is about family, tradition and community. Debbie Taylor, executive director of the Madras/Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce, said this year’s theme — “Red, White and Blue 250 Years With You” — reflects the spirit of the holiday and the country’s milestone anniversary.

“I think for us, it’s really just about being together with family and friends,” Taylor said. “When we looked at what our theme would be for this year, we decided it was going to be red, white and blue 250 years with you. And that’s really what it is, just to have that time for people to come together, enjoy those traditional events that they have … It’s for everyone just to be together and to celebrate.”

Taylor pointed to a full day of familiar Fourth of July traditions, including the parade, Todd Beamer Memorial Run and fireworks show at night. Tracee Tuesday also noted that if you’re spending the Fourth in Madras, one stop not to miss is the splash park at Sahalee Park.

Prineville offers its own packed holiday schedule, with morning events leading into an evening fireworks show. The day includes a pancake breakfast, parade, Pioneer Park Celebration and the Splash-n-Dash before the Flashback Cruz Car Show wraps up the holiday weekend at Ochoco Creek Park.

Later in the evening, Prineville Reservoir State Park shifts the celebration to the stars. Park manager Chris Gerdes said clear skies can make for a memorable experience.

“If the stars align, ideally, we’ll have a beautiful, really clear sky,” Gerdes said. “And if that’s the case, you’ll be able to see the Milky Way. We’ll have some individual planets or stars that we really want to kind of showcase, whether it’s just a constellation or something. We also have at least one of them we use to kind of help people visualize what that looks like.”

Tracee Tuesday said the night-time event stands out because Prineville Reservoir is an official International Dark Sky Park.

“There will be a number of 4th of July events happening in the city of Prineville during the day, on the 4th of July,” Tuesday said. “But at night, the party doesn’t stop. In fact, right here at the Prineville Reservoir, it is officially the International Dark Sky Park. Beginning at 10 p.m., you’ll be able to take in the stars, the planets, the moon crystal clear, which makes it such a unique place for stargazing.”

Madras events

Breakfast by Madras Elks BPOE: 7 a.m.

Todd Beamer Memorial Run: 7 a.m.

Food and entertainment: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

National anthem and American flag raising: 9:45 a.m.

Parade: 10 a.m. at 10th & B streets and 7th Street

Fireworks: 10 p.m. at Madras High School

Prineville events

Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast: 7 to 10 a.m.

Splash-n-Dash: 9:30 a.m. at Ochoco Creek Park

Independence Day Parade: 10 a.m.

Pioneer Park Celebration: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Flashback Cruz Car Show: July 3-4 at Ochoco Creek Park

Evening fireworks: 9:30 p.m. at Ochoco Wayside State Park

Dark sky highlight

The Prineville Reservoir event adds a different kind of Fourth of July experience, offering stargazing under some of the clearest skies in Central Oregon. The park’s dark sky designation has made it a draw for visitors looking to see the Milky Way, planets and constellations after sunset.

This year’s holiday celebrations reflect both the long tradition of the Fourth of July and the country’s 250-year milestone, with communities across Central Oregon choosing to mark the occasion in their own hometown ways.

Reported on July 1, 2026 – 11:09 am

From parades to fireworks, Central Oregon is gearing up for a festive Fourth of July, with Prineville and Madras both preparing full days of community celebrations.

Each town is putting its own spin on the holiday, with hometown traditions, family-friendly activities, and evening fireworks expected to draw crowds across the region. From early morning breakfasts and races to parades, live music, and community gatherings, there’s something planned for all ages throughout the day.

Organizers say these annual celebrations continue to bring communities together, with both cities expecting strong turnout as residents and visitors mark the holiday.

KTVZ’s Tracee Tuesday takes a closer look at what’s planned, what’s new this year, and what you need to know before you go—including key event highlights and tips for navigating the busy holiday.

Watch the full report tonight on KTVZ News at 6 on our NBC affiliate.

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Kelsey Merison

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Bureau of Land Management has implemented strict fire restrictions across all of its public lands in Oregon and Washington This comes as the Independence Day holiday weekend approaches, with national firefighting resources already stretched.

Individuals responsible for starting wildfires face severe penalties, including fines up to $100,000, up to 12 months in prison and liability for all firefighting suppression costs.

These statewide fire restrictions remain in effect due to already strained national firefighting resources. Local regions have also put additional emergency closures in place, underscoring the critical need for fire prevention during this period.

Visitors to BLM lands should research their destinations in advance. Local restrictions dictate when power tools can be used, what types of stoves or campfires are allowed and what kind of safety equipment visitors need to have on hand.

Several items are strictly prohibited on all BLM lands in Oregon and Washington, including fireworks, sky lanterns, exploding or metallic targets, tracer or incendiary devices and steel component ammunition.

Josh O’Connor, Northwest Geographic Area Fire Chief for the U.S. Wildland Fire Service, highlighted the dangers and legal ramifications. “There are serious consequences for starting a wildfire, including fines and possibly imprisonment, which we hope everyone can avoid through careful choices,” O’Connor said. “We have already experienced excruciating loss this season. I cannot stress the gravity of the situation enough. Please help protect our firefighters and communities.”

Kim Prill, BLM Oregon/Washington Acting State Director, echoed the call for vigilance. “Lighting a firework or leaving a smoldering campfire creates significant wildland fire risk. Under the right conditions, they easily start wildfires,” Prill said. “Don’t risk it. Let’s work together to prevent every wildfire possible.”

The BLM manages approximately 245 million acres of public land, primarily across 12 western states, on behalf of the American people. The agency also oversees 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate nationwide. Its mission is to sustain the health, diversity and productivity of America’s public lands for both current and future generations.

The U.S. Wildland Fire Service works in close coordination with the Bureau of Land Management. As a unified federal entity under the Department of the Interior, the USWFS integrates expertise to streamline wildfire prevention, response and recovery efforts. Their shared mission is to foster fire-resilient landscapes and safeguard communities across America’s public lands.

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