Salem will celebrate America’s 250th birthday this Fourth of July with fireworks, community gatherings and hot dogs.  Red, white and blue pyrotechnics will fill skies all across Salem, from the Oregon State Fairgrounds to the Creekside Golf Club.  But if you’re planning to set off firewo rks at home, the Salem Fire Department wants to help you do it safely. The department is giving away free disposable buckets to douse fireworks this holiday weekend. The hope is to prevent fireworks from reigniting and starting a fire in trash cans, garages and other “fire-prone” areas, the department said in a Facebook post. The bucket should be filled with water so that spent fireworks can be soaked before being discarded. Anyone can pick up a bucket from any of the 11 fire stations across Salem, while supplies last. A map of the city’s fire stations is available here. Here’s a roundup of happenings on Saturday, July 4.  *Starred events are free to attend, although they may include ticketed components or a suggested donation. Oregon State Fairgrounds fireworks show and carnival *Red, white and blue will fill the night sky at the Oregon State Fairgrounds on the night of July 4 for its annual free fireworks show. The evening celebration will begin at 4 p.m., with carnival rides and games, fair foods and live music from Journey and Jason Aldean tribute bands.Carnival rides and games, including the merry go round, giant wheel and circus train, will be $7 per ticket, $60 for ten tickets or $35 for a wristband. People can bring blankets, lawn chairs and outside food and non-alcoholic beverages to watch fireworks until 11 p.m. On-site parking will cost $10 per car or $20 for VIP parking. The fairgrounds are at 2330 17th St. N.E. Court-Chemeketa Fourth of July parade *Families from across Salem are invited to join an annual Fourth of July parade hosted by neighbors living in northeast Salem. The event draws dozens of kids, parents and furry friends out for a lively red, white and blue parade. Kids often skate and bike the route through the neighborhood, while others follow on-foot, led by a small group carrying a patriotic banner. The parade begins at 11 a.m. at 1780 Court St. NE. Fourth of July Cornhole Tournament and fireworks *The Creekside Rotary Club will have its fifth annual Fourth of July Cornhole Tournament. Teams will compete across 16 courts at the Creekside Golf Club, with the top three teams earning a monetary prize. Winners will get $200 for first place, $100 for second place and $50 for third place. It costs $40 for teams to enter the competition. Teams can register early at the Creekside Pro Shop or day-of. All players and spectators are welcome to join the tournament. Courts will open at 1 p.m. and the tournament will start at 2:30 p.m. After the competition, the club will have dancing, music and a fireworks show. There will also be food and drinks available for purchase. The club is at 6250 Clubhouse Dr. S.E. “Reclaim Independence Day” picnic and protest *Salem Region Indivisible, who organized Salem’s “No Kings” protests, will host a “Reclaim Independence Day” picnic and protest for Fourth of July near the Capitol. The family-friendly protest will run from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., with the picnic kicking off at noon. There will be free hot dogs, snow cones and lawn games. People can bring protest signs, along with lawn chairs, blankets and other foods for the picnic. The protest starts at the intersection of Northeast Center and Summer Streets. Elks Lodge Fourth of July celebration Salem’s Elk Lodge will honor veterans, first responders and their families at an afternoon Fourth of July celebration. “Come celebrate with us and enjoy an afternoon of family fun, fellowship and patriotic pride,” an event posting said. There will be free concessions, including hot dogs, cotton candy and snow cones. It will run from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend. The lodge is at 2336 Turner Rd. S.E. Marion Berries jersey giveaway Baseball fans can celebrate Independence Day in the stands, where the first 500 fans in will get a free Marion Berries jersey. Gates will open at noon, with the first pitch at 1:05 p.m. There will be concessions available for purchase and a game zone for kids. Tickets start at $10. The event is at Chemeketa Baseball Field at 4000 Lancaster Dr. N.E.  See other events happening this week, below. 5 things to do in Salem this week: Marion Berries fireworks, ‘Mean Girls the Musical’ Have a news tip? Contact reporter Hailey Cook: [email protected] . SIGN UP: Salem Reporter is dedicated to covering the people, issues, and stories that shape our community. Stay connected to Salem. Subscribe today. The post 6 things to do in Salem this Fourth of July: Fairground fireworks, neighborhood parade, Marion Berries jersey giveaway appeared first on Salem Reporter. ...read more read less