Good morning, Bend.

Bend celebrates America’s 250th birthday on July 4 with a pet parade at 9:30 a.m. from Harmon Park, free admission at the Deschutes Historical Museum, patriotic singalongs at Caldera High at 3 p.m., a Bend Elks baseball game, and fireworks from Pilot Butte at 10 p.m.

Phil Kolkow, age 74, was celebrated with a helicopter landing at Vince Genna Stadium during a Bend Elks game on Thursday night.

He threw the ceremonial first pitch and will retire from AirLink CCT on July 21 after 40 years of service.

Bridge and Burn, a Portland-based clothing brand known for its Scandinavian-inspired workwear, will open its downtown Bend store at 916 NW Wall Street on Wednesday, July 1.

Minimum wage will rise by 50 cents per hour beginning Wednesday—rates will be $16.80 in the Portland metro, $15.55 in parts of the Willamette Valley, and $14.55 in rural counties, adding about $573 a year for full-time workers.

Volunteer registration is open for the 30th annual Deschutes River Cleanup on Saturday, July 11 at six locations from La Pine to Tumalo — volunteers on land and in water must bring a PFD, whistle, throw bag, and water access permit.

Oregon law permits a bystander to enter a locked car to rescue a child (or pet) in imminent danger after calling 911 and checking that no safe exit exists, and requires using only the minimum force necessary and staying until authorities arrive.

Police in Bend urge locals to reserve 911 calls for fireworks only if there is immediate danger as the Fourth of July approaches; extra officers will patrol the city and residents should email reports to help keep lines clear.

Cascades East Transit will suspend most bus services for the holiday weekend, closing fixed-route, flex-route, Community Connector, Dial-A-Ride, and paratransit services Friday and Saturday; Ride the River, Transit to Trails, and Lava Butte Shuttle run as scheduled, and full service resumes Monday, July 6 + riders should plan ahead.

The Oregon Health Authority downgraded the precaution for Lake Billy Chinook after testing on June 12 showed toxin levels for people dropped below guidelines, though a cyanobacteria bloom still poses a risk to dogs (in Jefferson County).

More than 150 teams completed the Cascade Lakes Relay on Friday and Saturday, running a 216.6-mile course from Diamond Lake to Riverbend Park in Bend amid cool wintry conditions.

Some runners also celebrated birthday milestones — a unique touch that highlighted the event's friendly spirit.

The Horner Cycling Foundation’s five-week Bend Summer Criterium kicked off last Wednesday and will have four more races – on July 3, 10, 17, and 24 – at Pacific Crest Middle School in west Bend.

Races begin at 5:10 p.m. with OBRA membership required.

Munch & Music Concert Series

5:30-9 p.m. — Drake Park — Free entry — Celebrate 35 years of community music, food, and fun at this beloved local concert series.

Fourth of July Open House

10 AM – 4 PM — Deschutes Historical Museum — Free admission — Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of independence with games, treats, and the new exhibit showcasing pivotal moments in local history.

Alpaca Piano Picnic

2-3:30 p.m. — Flying Dutchman Alpaca — Ticketed event — Experience a charming outdoor piano concert amidst friendly alpacas and delightful high tea.

Bend Elks & Boss Baseball Summer Camp Week 2

Mon-Fri — Vince Genna Stadium — $200 for the week or $50 per day — Develop baseball skills and enjoy camper activities with local coaches and players.

AJR Concert

6:30-8 p.m. — Hayden Homes Amphitheater — Tickets available online — Experience indie pop sensations AJR as they perform their hits and new tracks.

Munch & Music Concert Series

5:30-9 p.m. — Drake Park — Free entry — Celebrate 35 years of free live music, food vendors, and family fun in the heart of Central Oregon.

Screening of Without a Doubt

9:30 – 10:30 AM — Patagonia Bend — Free entry — Experience a behind-the-scenes look at Braydon Bringhurst’s new film with pastries and exclusive giveaways.

Second Sunday Market at Gathered Wares

10 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Old Iron Works District — Free entry — Celebrate vintage clothing and home goods with local vendors while enjoying live music on vinyl.

Beertown Comedy Open Mic Night

6:30-9 p.m. — Silver Moon Brewing — Free entry — Enjoy a night of laughs at Bend's top-rated open mic for comedy enthusiasts.

Badass Sound Bath

6:30-7:30 p.m. — CONTINUUM, A School of Shadow Yoga Bend Oregon — Cost varies — Experience an empowering sound bath with bold beats and relaxation.