Clark County has undergone significant changes over the last two to three decades, becoming a better place to live in many respects. However, many residents still mourn the loss of the iconic fireworks show that illuminated the skies over Fort Vancouver every July 4th.
For those who may not remember, the fireworks show, which started back in 1963, had built a reputation as the largest fireworks display west of the Mississippi River, boasting a duration of nearly 45 minutes on many occasions. Crowds, estimated between 50,000 and 75,000, flocked to the Fort Vancouver National Site, with many Oregonians making their annual pilgrimage to Vancouver for this spectacular event.
The scene at the event was vibrant; picnic blankets, baskets, and chairs sprawled across the lawn as families arrived hours in advance, eager to secure the best viewing spots. Ironically, many families, including the author’s, often found themselves obscured by trees, leading to frantic efforts to find better vantage points as the sun set.
Parking always presented a challenge, but C-Tran alleviated some stress by providing bus services from various Park & Ride locations to a drop-off point near the old Vancouver Community Library. Attendees could pass the time before the show, which traditionally began at 10:10 p.m., enjoying live music on a central stage and engaging in tours of the reconstructed fur trading post offered by the National Park Service. Vendors added to the atmosphere, while families could bring along games like football or cards.
The beloved tradition underwent changes over the years, especially after the death of Jim Larson in 2008, a pivotal figure who organized the event and found funding through local fireworks stands. As costs rose and logistics became more complex, the baton was passed to The Historic Trust in 2004, which attempted to keep the show alive by utilizing its resources, securing corporate sponsorships, and charging a minimal donation for entry.
Despite the efforts, challenges continued. In 2009, a major sponsor’s withdrawal forced the cancellation of the show. The following year saw the event resume in a scaled-down format with a drastically reduced budget. Tickets were introduced, costing $5 in advance or $7 at the gate, with premium viewing areas priced higher, and the centerpiece concert stage replaced by smaller themed stages. Moreover, a significant change was the relocation of the fireworks shooting location from the Columbia River to Pearson Field, drastically reducing the height of the display.
The show continued for two more years but saw a further reduction in duration to just 20 minutes. By 2019, the last fireworks show held at Fort Vancouver marked its 56th year but struggled to attract the large crowds of the past. The Columbian noted that hope for a turnout of 20,000 was met with only half that number by the start of the fireworks.
Attendees expressed a sense of nostalgia for the traditional fireworks event, highlighting the stark contrast between the once-thriving spectacle and the more subdued atmosphere of recent years. The subsequent COVID-19 pandemic dealt a final blow to the show, leading to its cancellation in 2020 and the following year. Instead, organizers opted to host a community picnic in 2022, featuring a family movie rather than a fireworks display.
As the countdown to the current July 4th commences, many in Clark County reflect on the legacy of the Fort Vancouver fireworks show, cherishing the memories of bright skies and spirited gatherings, while facing the reality that this cherished tradition seems unlikely to return in the future. In the face of a transformed celebration landscape, the community wonders if these remarkable displays are now just a fond memory of a bygone era.
image source from：columbian
