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Vernonia, Oregon on July 4, 2013[/caption]Carol Forsloff — While big cities have their large events to celebrate holidays, it is often in small town America that one finds the roots of America's traditions, especially on such occasions as the Fourth of July. That is certainly true in Vernonia, Oregon, a small town of a few thousand people who keep the traditions alive.
The town boasts a variety of restaurants, such as a Subway, Greek, Chinese, and western style barbecue all on its main thoroughfare, and other eateries that increase the variety of offerings for townspeople and visitors alike. And several festivals during the summer underline this location as being one for family fun and for that easy, getaway site that makes time turn back a bit and bring old memories made new again.
While Americans coast the nation's highway over the holiday weekend, on one of the worst days for traffic problems, that short drive from Portland, Oregon brings a special sense of wonderment on a day when the nation celebrates its independence. But it is one of those everyday towns that makes a fine time any time, and a welcome mat that everywhere says, everyone belongs.
