The Klamath County Chamber of Commerce announced today the Klamath Freedom Celebration and its 501 c3 nonprofit Found ation, will coordinate and host the 2015 Independence Day Parade and Fireworks. The organization will plan, coordinate, and fundraise for the festivities. The Klamath Freedom Celebration will be working with the local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) on organization of the parade. The Chamber will maintain a supportive role in marketing and advising to help ensure the event’s continued success.

The change is part of a new strategic vision for the Chamber as it moves into more direct business service support of the membership. Charles Massie, the Chamber’s Executive Director, says, “Over the last three years, the Chamber has been reviewing its programs and events to determine value, and interest, to Chamber membership. As we move into more business services, it became necessary to assess the projects our staff is working on and the impact on available resources.” Massie notes that following this assessment and member surveying; “It became apparent that the Independence Day event no longer fit the Chamber’s planned strategic direction. The Klamath Freedom Celebration expressed interest and is an excellent fit for the family-friendly event.”

Doug Brown of the Klamath Freedom Celebration says, “We’re excited to take on the parade and fireworks to celebrate Independence Day in 2015.” Brown says the parade will move back to the morning starting at 10 a.m. on Main Street and the VFW will help with parade management. The fireworks will be hosted and held for the first time ever by the Klamath County Fairboard and located at the Klamath County Fairgrounds. Brown went on to say this is very exciting as the facility makes for more parking, better traffic control, and is centrally located in the community.  The Klamath Freedom Celebration will be looking for sponsors and volunteers to help pull the event together.

The Chamber has coordinated the 4^th of July events since 1995. “We’re excited about this change and think it will be a great experience for the entire community. The Klamath Freedom Celebration, VFW, and Klamath County Fairgrounds, are a great fit for the event and they’re going to do a great job,” said Heather Tramp, the Chamber’s marketing and program coordinator.

For more information on the event and these changes, contact Doug Brown at (541) 281-7094 or Gale McMahon at 541-591-7013, for all information including registrations go to www.klamathfc.org. You can also contact the Chamber at (541) 884-5193.

The Klamath County Chamber of Commerce has served Klamath County since 1905. It is a member-based association made up of businesses and individuals who work together to advance the civic, economic, industrial, professional, and cultural life of Klamath County and the City of Klamath Falls, through advocacy and broad communication connections.  Membership is available to businesses, organizations (including non-profits) and individuals. If you are interested in learning more about the Chamber, call (541) 884-5193 or visit the website www.klamath.org