Planning Continues for Canby Independence Day Celebration: ‘We Are Hoping for the Best’

Planning continues for Canby’s popular Independence Day Celebration, amid the uncertainty the coronavirus pandemic has caused for organizers of any large summer events.

Canby Economic Development and Tourism Coordinator Calvin Lesueur reported this week that planning is moving forward and organizers are still accepting registrations for the parade, street fair and car show at this time.

“The interim city administrator will make a decision about the fate of the event following further guidance from the governor, which we expect on May 1,” Lesueur said. “We are hoping for the best but want to assure folks that we will issue refunds for registration fees if the event is cancelled.”

Registration forms are available at canbyindependenceday.com.

One of the highlights of Canby’s summer events calendar, the event draws an estimated 10,000 people downtown each year to witness the parade and enjoy the food and festivities in and around Wait Park.

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We are hoping for the best. I want to see how this next week goes with trend lines/curves and with @OregonGovBrown deciding how we will be cautiously getting the state economy going again. #COVID #Canby #AllInThisTogether https://t.co/nrkN5jgVsw

But the summer of Corona has already seen the cancellation of several large events, most recently, the Spring Garden Fair in May and Clackamas Kennel Club all-breed dog shows in June.

Both have been mainstays at the Clackamas County Fairgrounds for over 30 years. Both were canceled Wednesday due to fears over the novel coronavirus and the distinct possibility that Governor Kate Brown could extend her social distancing restrictions further into the summer.

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