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Florence is, more than
anything, a community, and with a cozy population of 6,500, it's
certainly a close-knit one. This means the town hosts plenty of
community events, from parades to fireworks, from religious
gatherings to flower shows. And in churches, libraries, theaters,
and community centers across town, Florence keeps its civic pride
and spirit alive with festivals, plays, and concerts.
The town also is served by
a municipal government and services, and is covered by local media
and news outlets.
Community
Events
Rhododendron Festival
The City of Rhododendrons
throws its Rhododendron Festival each year during the third
weekend of May, resulting in a colorful celebration where Florence
proudly puts on a show for thousands of out-of-town visitors and
residents alike. Included in this festival are floral displays, a
Junior and accompanying Grand Floral Parade, 5 and 10 K runs, arts
& crafts shows, and the Kiwanis Kids Games, among others. A
carnival opens the week before, and the weekend kicks off with
live music and dancing on Friday.
Fourth of July Celebration
Live outdoor music in Old
Town Florence and a fireworks show over the Siuslaw River mark
Independence Day each year.
Florence Fall Festival
Each year when late
September rolls around, the town hosts the Fall Festival,
including "Chowder Blues & Brews," a giant chowder
cookoff and microbrew tasting celebration at the Florence Events
Center, featuring food booths, live music, and arts & crafts.
Plus, there is a Kite Flying Festival and HBA Florence Tour of
Homes. Don't forget the carnival in Old Town during the weekend
and live music Saturday evening.
Christmas Festivities
Christmas in Florence is
never complete without the annual Old Town tree lighting ceremony,
Christmas carols in Old Town with audience participation, kids'
arts & crafts, and Santa pictures in the Gazebo Park on Bay
Street.
Mapleton Salmon Festival
No, Mapleton isn't
Florence, but it's close by. Besides, this festival celebrates
something near and dear to Florence's heart: Salmon. Each year
during the fourth weekend of September, this beautiful community
along the Siuslaw River kicks off two days of festivities, with a
weekend-long fishing derby, live entertainment, games, food,
crafts, and information booths.
Florence
Community Centers
Florence Events Center
(541) 997-1994, (888) 968-4086
715 Quince Street, Florence
Florence's premiere events center is, in fact, the Florence
Events Center. This latest addition to town includes an
8,000-square-foot convention center, an art gallery, and a theater
seating over 450 patrons. Many national and local cultural events
are hosted here, and the center acts as home for The Last Resort
Players. The town's famous Rhododendron Festival is also held here
each year, as is the Fall Festival and Home & Garden Show.
See also Calendar
of Events |
Chamber
of
Commerce
Visitor's Center
270 Hwy 101
Florence, OR 97439
(541) 997-3128
Email |
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