Loyalty and royalty
Newport celebrates Loyalty Days come reign or shine
Just as the land and sea are close neighbors in Newport, the annual Loyalty Days and Seafair Festivals are partner events.
The 68th annual Loyalty Days, this Friday and Saturday, May 2 and 3, is celebrated throughout town, with the main attraction being the parade that proudly perambulates down Highway 101.
Friday events begin at the Newport 60+ Activity Center, where veterans of all ages are invited to the annual Loyalty Days Veterans’ Lunch. The appreciation meal is sponsored by Oregon Cascades West Council of Governments and prepared by Trio Community Meals.
Guests will have a first opportunity to mingle with the Loyalty Days Princesses. Call 541-265-9617 to reserve a spot for you and a guest, if you choose to bring one.
The next opportunity for princess mingling will be at a meet and greet on Friday evening at the Newport Elks Lodge.
Meet the entire 2025 Loyalty Days Court, hear speeches from the princesses and witness the crowning of the queen. Light snacks and refreshments will be served.
On Saturday, kick off parade day with a one-of-a-kind community mile down Highway 101. Whether you're racing for a personal record or strolling with family, the Loyalty Days Run is for everyone.
Loyalty Days Princesses Blair Thompson, Allison Pettett and Maykyla Wallace
The point-to-point, one-mile course is open to fun runners with no fees or registration. To enter as a competitive runner, register online for $15 until 10:30 am on Saturday. No in-person day of race registration will be available. For more information and registration, go to ardoradventures.com.
The parade will follow the same route as the race, filling the highway for a full mile, with traffic diverted for the event. Floats will be decorated to honor this year’s theme: “Let Freedom Ring.”
Finally, head to the Newport Armory for a free concert with the 234th Oregon Army band and to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with an afternoon of flavor, rhythm and fun for the whole family. The afternoon event will include delicious food, local beer and art.
The Newport 60+ Activity Center is located at 20 SE Second Street. Newport Elks Lodge is located at 45 SE Moore Drive. The Newport Armory is located at 541 SW Hwy. 101. For more information, go to the Newport Loyalty Days & Seafair Festival page on Facebook.
Loyalty Days, Newport’s version of National Loyalty Day, observed annually in May for the reaffirmation of loyalty to the United States, also celebrates local pride for Newport’s strong community.
First observed in 1921 as “Americanization Day,” the holiday was intended to counterbalance the celebration of Labor Day. It was made on official holiday in 1958 by the US Congress. President Dwight D. Eisenhower proclaimed May 1, 1959, the first official observance of Loyalty Day. This day has been recognized with an official proclamation every year, by every president, since its inception as a legal holiday.
Schedule of Events
Friday, May 2
Noon – Veterans’ Lunch, Newport 60+ Activity Center, 20 SE Second Street
7 to 9 pm – Meet and greet with the Loyalty Days Court, Newport Elks Lodge, 45 SE Moore Drive
Saturday, May 3
11:45 am – Fun run, Hwy. 101 and 20th Street
Noon – Parade starts at Hwy. 101 and 20th Street
2 pm – Cinco de Mayo Concert, Newport Armory, 541 SW Hwy. 101