Oakville will again this year be the destination for those who want to start their Independence Day celebrations a few days early, thanks to the Oakville 4th of July Parade and other festivities July 1-2.

The parade is themed “Happy birthday America” and will start at 11 a.m. on July 1.

The re-enactment of the last horseback robbery in Washington will take place at the Oakville Regional Event Center after the completion of the parade, and there will be additional rodeo entertainment on July 2. A free shuttle from the parade grounds to the event center will be available July 1.

After the parade, those in attendance can walk the streets of Oakville and enjoy the numerous activities and vendors that will accompany this year’s festivities. Vendors selling food, clothing and plants will be on hand until 5 p.m. on July 1. Pony rides and a petting zoo will be available for children, and there will be food and music.

Keeping with the tradition of last year’s event, there will be a beer garden from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. July 1.

The event is sponsored by the Oakville Chamber of Commerce.

Fireworks

With the Fourth of July on tap, the community should be aware of the laws regarding fireworks.

State law allows the sale and discharge of fireworks: noon to 11 p.m. on June 28; 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on June 29 through July 3; 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. for sales and 9 a.m. to midnight for discharge on July 4; and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. for sales at 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. for discharge July 5.

“With fireworks sales just days away, it is a good time to remind everyone that personal fireworks require personal responsibility,” said a press release from the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

“Remember the three B’s of fireworks safety,” the release stresses, “Be prepared, Be safe and Be responsible.”

Local communities may have other restrictions on fireworks.