JUNE 29, 2017 // 11
Continued from Page 10
Kriegshauser has been the wizard
behind the curtain of the Seaside fi re-
works shows for more than 17 years,
and has been designing shows across
the country every Fourth of July since
1970.
In addition to fi reworks, Seaside’s
Fourth of July celebrations include a
performance from The Oregon Cru-
saders — Oregon’s only World Class
Drum and Bugle Corps — a parade
and a social and silent auction.
When he starts designing the show,
choosing the music is the bedrock
upon which everything else is built,
Kriegshauser said. This year it will
be a collection of music composed by
John Williams, famously known for
his “Jaws” and “Star Wars” scores.
When choosing the songs,
Kriegshauser looks for a variety of
dynamics.
“I look for points of crescendo, as
well as mellow and smooth moments,
which would translate into blue and
green fi reworks,” he said. “But that’s
like asking an artist to describe how to
paint a picture.
“But I suppose that’s what we are
kind of doing — we’re painting the
sky, with music.”
While much of the work leading
up to the show is meticulous and
labor-intensive, at 74 Kriegshauser
still gets excited to see the shows he
creates.
“When you’re fi nished, and you
see thousands of people yelling and
screaming about something you
did, it’s a drug — the only drug I’ve
taken,” he laughed. “You just made
40,000 people have a very enjoyable
evening, and that’s why I’m in-
volved.”
Catching up with the times
But before 50,000 expected spec-
tators can enjoy the show, the Seaside
Chamber of Commerce works with
city staff, public works, volunteers
and donors to make sure the show is
funded and safe, event organizer Brian
Owen said.
This year, Owen said they are
$5,000 shy of their $50,000 goal
with about one week left to go before
Independence Day. While in the past
the show has been mostly corporately
sponsored, this will be the fi rst year
where the Chamber will start a Go-
FundMe page to raise more communi-
PHOTOS BY KATHERINE LACAZE
Past participants in Seaside’s Fourth of July parade decorated a surrey in
red, white and blue and climbed on board.
ty donations, Owen said.
“I think we need to catch up with
the times. Lots of people want to con-
tribute to the community, and doing
it this way makes it easy for both to
donate $5 or $10, or for a company
sponsor to donate as well,” Owen
said.
This year, the Chamber is expect-
ing about 30,000 to 50,000 spectators
— a lower estimate than in previous
years when turnout has reached
100,000. Independence Day falling
on a Tuesday this year is probably the
reason for it, he said.
While this is Owen’s fi rst year or-
ganizing the festivities, he has been in
the area for four years and has grown
to love the event, regardless of size.
“My favorite place to watch is on
the promenade between Avenue A
and First Street,” Owen said. “I love
seeing the faces of families light up
with excitement — that’s what this
day is about.” CW
IF YOU GO
11 a.m.: Parade begins at
12th Avenue and Necanicum
Drive, turns right on Holladay
Drive, down Broadway Street,
across to Columbia Street,
then back to Necanicum
Drive.
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Social and
Silent Auction. Games, food
booths, cakewalk and Bingo
will be held at the Seaside
Museum & Historical Society.
2 p.m.: The Oregon Crusad-
ers will perform on Broadway
Field.
10 p.m.: Fireworks show
begins at the turnaround.
Music with the show can be
heard at KSWB Radio Clatsop
98.1.
The 2015 Seaside Fourth of July Parade, organized by a
volunteer committee, produced a plethora of spirited
individuals, vehicles and fl oats, all intent on celebrat-
ing Independence Day in style.