It only happens every once in awhile, but we've finally got a Saturday 4th of July to kick off the holiday weekend with a bang. Barbecues, bike rides, beer...you know what makes up a classic all-American celebration. And it wouldn't be complete, of course, without fireworks. Take your pick from our area's spectacular displays to light up your night.

4th of July at the Historic Reserve (Fort Vancouver)
(Update: Because of a lack of funds, the 4th of July fireworks show and day-long entertainment at Fort Vancouver National Site has been cancelled for 2009 - fortvan.org)

Waterfront Blues Festival
The percussion of fireworks will be music to your ears downtown at Tom McCall Waterfront park, host to the six-day Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival. While you can certainly spend the day listening to jams in the bowl at the south end of the park ($8 donation, plus canned food), you can see the pyrotechnic display, starting around 10:00pm, from many vantage points downtown (the Broadway Bridge is personally recommended).

Oaks Park
Farther down the river, Oaks Park will shoot off big sparklers around 9:55pm. The traditional carnival rides and games will keep you busy before and after the light show, from noon to midnight. Get there early to grab a picnic/BBQ space and grill the day away. Gate fee $4 for those 16 and older, $2.50 for those 15 and younger.

PGE Park
What’s more American than baseball? After the Beavers beat the Tacoma Rainiers (fingers crossed, 7:05pm), enjoy the fireworks from the comfort of your stadium seat, complete with a patriotic soundtrack. Bonus: Because it's a Comcast Family Feast Friday, you can chow down on $1 hot dogs, ice cream and water. Tickets to the game are $8 - $14.

Lake Oswego
After a pancake breakfast (7:00am - 12:00pm at George Rogers Park, $4 - $6), barbecue (11:00am - 5:00pm at Millennium Plaza Park), the Star-Spangled Parade (11:30am), a boat parade at 1:00pm and live music all day, Lake Oswego’s patriotic celebration wraps up with fireworks over the water at 9:45pm. Free with a canned food donation. [all events]

Tigard High School
Clowns, games, live music — oh my! It’s a free family-friendly afternoon at the Tigard High School football field starting at 6:00pm, with fireworks at dusk. Clowns, live music, kids' games, police and fire vehicles. Concession stands offering light snacks for sale.

Blue Lake Park (NE)
Celebrate Independence Day with music, fun and east county's largest fireworks display at Blue Lake Regional Park in Fairview. Pack a picnic, load up your loved ones and join us for a good time for the whole family with fireworks, musical guests and playtime for children in the water spray ground. Activities, music and a food court are located at the west end of the park. For groups of more than 25 people, call 503-665-4995 to reserve a site. Gates open at 8 a.m. Admission is $10 per car, $12 per bus, RV or 15-passenger van. No pets, alcohol or personal fireworks allowed. - oregonmetro.gov

Oak Hills Park
Suggested $5 donation at the entrance. Parking is limited and fireworks start at 10PM. Bring your own lawn equipment.

General Canby Days
General Canby Day is a family oriented community celebration that takes place in Downtown Canby on the Fourth of July. There are 70 plus food and craft booths that surround Wait Park. The day begins at 7:30 with a pancake breakfast. Fireworks display at 10:00 pm at Trost School.

St. Helens Firework Display and Carnival
Spectacular fireworks and festivities on the historic Staint Helens Riverfront in Olde Towne. This is an event you can just enjoy, or be a part of it all. This is a volunteer supported contribution backed display of community enthusiasm!

Salem
Riverfront Park in Downtown Salem. Fireworks at dusk.

ON THE COAST

Astoria
Concert, live music and lots of food. Fireworks at dusk at the mouth of the Columbia River. (Free Admission)

Seaside
Fireworks at dusk on the beach.

Manzanita
All day festivities including pancake breakfast and parade 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Fireworks will start at 10 p.m. on the beach.

Rockaway Beach
100th Anniversary Celebration all weekend long. Festivities start with a 5K fun run, annual parade, kid's activities, auction and fireworks at 10 p.m.