Fun Run Recap

Ridgefield moves, grooves through Fourth of July celebration

Cheasanee Hetherington / cheasanee@thereflector.com

Residents gathered in downtown Ridgefield on the Fourth of July for music, movement and community festivities that organizers said reflect the city’s small-town identity despite its rapid growth.

The Independence Day Fun Run returned this year after being canceled in 2025 due to logistical challenges tied to parade traffic, road closures and reduced participation following prior scheduling changes.

The 2.5-mile course started at Davis Park, wound along the walking path to McCuddy’s Ridgefield Marina and looped back to the park. Proceeds supported the new Calapya Dragon Boat Team.
Organizers said adjustments were made this year that reflect both logistical realities and a renewed focus on community participation.

“It had been a qualifier for marathons, but with the traffic and boat launch access, we couldn’t close the roads we needed,” said Kristi Crusan, media and advertising director for the Ridgefield Fourth of July Celebration. “It’s gone back to a family-friendly fun experience.”

Alongside the run, participants joined Zumba sessions led by instructors Craig Brown and Rhiannon Anderson during the Ridgefield Street Dance on Friday, July 3, and the Fourth of July Celebration on Saturday, July 4. Songs included “Fireball” by Pitbull and “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” by Brooks & Dunn.

Crusan said keeping the celebration centered downtown helps preserve the city’s identity.

“Ridgefield is sort of a unique town because it’s growing so big. But because we keep the festival downtown, it keeps it feeling like this small, hometown celebration. That’s the heart of Ridgefield. It’s still a small town, no matter how big we get,” she said.