The Ashland Chamber is excited to announce that plans are underway for a 2022 4th of July Parade. Thank you to the Ashland community who reached out with numerous nominations for the 4th of July Theme and Grand Marshal for 2022. The Ashland Chamber board, unanimously selected “Ashland Cares!” for the 2022 Theme and is recognizing our incredible medical community, especially the front line medical staff, who cared for and continue to care for, our entire community during the tumultuous and uncertain pandemic, sometimes risking their own health and safety for others. The community of Ashland is immensely grateful for your service. Stay tuned for more details about how we will honor these wonderful people.
Following the parade, the park activities will be scaled back to Bandshell performances with a small handful of non-profit, self-contained food booths near the Bandshell and possibly some activities for children. We will assess the park activities further for 2023 and beyond. Additionally, the American Band College has shared their plans to return to Ashland for a 2022 concert as well.
With regards to the fireworks, the Ashland Chamber will not be producing a fireworks show in 2022. There were several factors that led to this decision. First, we anticipate that fire season will begin early this year and we recognize that many community members are still experiencing trauma from the Almeda and Obenchain fires of 2020. Secondly, the fireworks company we have used for decades shared that they will no longer be able to produce shows as small as the Ashland Chambers on holidays. With their rising costs of products, fuel and labor, they have to prioritize larger shows. The Ashland Chamber 4th of July Committee has a small sub-committee working specifically on fun alternatives for fireworks, so stay tuned for more information.
Watch this web page for further updates!