Visit our YouTube channel for videos of Livia Genise singing patriotic songs by clicking the icon below


The Declaration of Independence 
delivered by the ever popular, Barry Kraft  

Barry Kraft has delivered the Declaration of Independence for Ashland’s 4th of July festivities on and off for decades. Barry has been an actor, dramaturg, and lecturer at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival for 31 seasons.  Numerous acting credits also include the Colorado Shakespeare Festival, Utah Shakespeare Festival, Old Globe at San Diego, San Jose Repertory Theatre, Berkeley Shakespeare Festival, and ACT, among others. Barry has acted in 88 full productions of all Shakespeare's 38 plays (more than 100 roles). He has written Shakespeare Insult Generator and has recorded several books on tape for Blackstone Audio, including Ovid’s Metamorphoses. His pastimes include playing the games of Chess and Go, astronomy, birdwatching, and omnivorous reading.

For the July 4th weekend, the Ashland Chamber has created some fun socially distant experiences for the community in lieu of the parade, park festivities, fly over and fireworks that were canceled due to COVID-19.  Watch Ashland Chamber’s Facebook Live events with Ashland’s own Livia Genise performing a song each day (Thursday and Friday, July 2nd & 3rd @ 5pm). She will also be opening for the Ashland Brass Quintet’s performance at Noon on the Plaza on the 4th of July. 

Also for the 4th, enjoy Barry Kraft’s reading of the Declaration of Independence and click on the button above to view favorite 4th of July memories shared by the community.  You can stroll downtown to see these images showcased in storefronts, too. 

To take part in Ashland Parks and Recreation’s Virtual Run July 1st - 4th visit www.ashland.or.us/Julyrun   

Many local businesses will be open with fun offerings and we encourage you to follow them on their social channels. 

Please remember to stay safe, including no personal fireworks.