Events & News
The Ferndale Heritage Society coordinates several annual special events throughout the year. Some of the events are in conjunction with the Old Settlers Association, the city of Ferndale, and the Ferndale Chamber of Commerce. Pioneer Park’s historic cabins are opened for public viewing during the Old Settlers Weekend (volunteer dependent) in last weekend in July. Other opportunities to view inside the log cabins are during the summer tour season (May 15 through September 15) and during the Olde Fashioned Christmas event (first weekend in December) and the following Lighted Strolls. Special tours can be arranged by contacting the society.
Stars, Stripes and Spokes
Sat, July 4th, 2026 10:30 to Noon
Event: Stars, Stripes, and Spokes
America’s 250th Birthday Celebration
July 4, 2026 | Pioneer Park & Pioneer Village | Ferndale, WA
1. EVENT OVERVIEW
In celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary (1776–2026), the Ferndale Heritage Society, in partnership with the Ferndale Downtown Association the Ferndale Chamber of Commerce, and City of Ferndale proposes to host the First Annual “Stars, Stripes, and Spokes” community parade and celebration.
The City of Ferndale will serve as an Event Supporter and will promote the event as a City Sponsored Event, as it is free and open to the public.
This family-friendly event invites community members of all ages to decorate and parade their human-powered vehicles in patriotic style through Pioneer Park and Pioneer Village.
Spectators are welcome.
2. EVENT DETAILS
Who: All community members with human-powered vehicles, including but not limited to:
Bicycles
Tricycles
Strollers
Wheelchairs
Scooters
Wagons
Wheelbarrows
Helmets strongly encouraged.
Participants are encouraged to decorate their vehicles in Red, White, and Blue.
⚠ No pets permitted inside the fenced Pioneer Village area (per applicable RCW and park regulations).
What: Stars, Stripes, and Spokes Parade & Celebration
Decorated vehicle parade
Patriotic costume contest
Patriotic music
Color guard presentation
Decorated Log Cabin Porches
When: Saturday, July 4, 2026
10:45 AM – Vehicle Judging
11:00AM – Opening Ceremony
11:15AM – Parade Begins
Where: Pioneer Park & Pioneer Village
Parade begins at the front gate of Pioneer Village
Short Route: Around Pioneer Village (ADA-compliant sidewalk)
Long Route: Extends through the Hanadori Trail
3. PROGRAM ELEMENTS
Opening Ceremony
Welcome remarks
Recognition of America’s 250th Anniversary
Color Guard
Parade & Judging Categories
Award Categories:
Best Dressed Adult Patriot
Best Dressed Child Patriot
Best Decorated Vehicle
Most Unique Entry
Participation Recognition:
Flags & stickers for all participants
Otter Pops distributed at Tillicum House upon finishing - donated by Ferndale Grocery Outlet.
4. ADDITIONAL EVENT FEATURES
Water bottle refill station at entrance
Paper cups provided
First Aid
First Aid station available.
Decorations
American flags displayed throughout park
Temporary cover for “No Bicycles” sign at main gate during event
Decorated Log Cabin Porches
Historical & Educational Component
· Reading of the first few sentences of the Declaration of Independence
5. SPONSORSHIP AND COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
Potential Sponsors
Grocery Outlet (Otter Pops donation from Ferndale Grocery Outlet)
Prize Planning
Gift cards (local businesses)
Patriotic-themed gift baskets
Bike accessories
Local business gift certificates
6. PERMITS AND COMPLIANCE
Special Events Permit
Coordination with Parks Department (route approval, signage, utilities)
ADA compliance confirmed for short route
Risk management considerations (helmets encouraged, no pets in fenced village)
7. EVENT GOALS
Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary in a uniquely Ferndale way
Create an inclusive, intergenerational, ADA-accessible community event
Highlight Ferndale’s historic assets
Strengthen collaboration between civic organizations
Establish an annual July 4th heritage event tradition
Old Settlers Picnic at Pioneer Park
Washington’s longest running picnic
Fri July 24th and Sat the 25th, 2026. Cabin tours 12:00-6:00 PM subject to available volunteers.
Celebrating the 130th Old Settlers Picnic in Pioneer Park on July 24, 25, 2026.
Olde Fashioned Christmas in Pioneer Village
Fri, December 4, 2026 4:00 to 9:00PM
Sat, December 5, 2026 4:00 to 9:00PM
“2026 Theme: TBD” during the first weekend in December. Located at Pioneer Park in Ferndale, the log cabins will be aglow like shimmery stars. Costumed volunteers will open the log cabin doors to greet you, so you feel the holiday cheer as it drifts into the winter air. Guests stroll around the ADA compliant sidewalks while enjoying Christmas music and over 90,000 lights that light your path. Inside the pavilion will be Santa, crafts for children, and refreshments provided in part by WECU.. Adults $6, Children $3, Under 1 Free.
Non-member volunteers are welcome to help at the OFC setup sessions on TBD 9am-noon from now until the Event on the 5th.
Lighted Christmas Stroll Through Pioneer Village
Fri, December 11, 2026 5:00 to 8:00PM
Sat, December 12, 2026 5:00 to 8:00PM
Fri, December 18, 2026 5:00 to 8:00PM
Sat, December 19, 2026 5:00 to 8:00PM
Free
Admission
Volunteers of the Ferndale Heritage Society will again host a “Lighted Christmas Stroll Through Pioneer Village” event. This free event is a “giving back to our community” labor of love. The second and third weekends in December, Pioneer Village will be open Friday and Saturday evenings, 5-8pm.
Kids of all ages can participate in the Scavenger Hunt, in hopes of finding all the “Special Candy Canes” around the stroll. Look hard and earn that prize at the end of the stroll.
Plant Sale
Saturday, May TBD, 2027 9:00am to 12:00pm
Annual Ferndale Heritage Society Plant Sale.
Selling vegetables, annuals, perennials, garden decorations, trees, and berries. Best prices you’ll find anywhere.
2027
Fashion Show
This is an offering we do to raise funds. If you’d like to sponsor this at your location, email or give us a call.
See a previous event photos at the below link.