Hometown Heroes, Pioneer Pride and Patriotic Spirit to Shine in Forks’ Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Parade

Published 1:30 am Thursday, July 2, 2026

Nothing says Fourth of July in Forks quite like the annual Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Parade, and this year’s celebration promises to be extra special. Along with honoring the community’s traditional parade honorees, this year’s festivities will include a special tribute recognizing a pioneer family as part of America’s 250th birthday celebration. Always a highlight …the Tourists of the Day.

Leading the parade as this year’s Hometown Hero and Veteran Honoree is Char Carte, who recently retired after a career dedicated to helping others through the Olympic Area Agency on Aging/Information and Assistance. Char served as a Case Manager beginning in December 1991, assisting countless local residents. She is also a proud military veteran, serving in the U.S. Army on active duty from June 1977 through September 1984, attaining the rank of Sergeant, and later serving in the U.S. Army Reserve from October 1984 through December 1991, retiring as a Staff Sergeant.

Serving as this year’s Grand Marshal is longtime West End resident Robin Poole, a familiar face to generations of local families. Many know Robin as the friendly UPS driver who faithfully served the community for 33 years. Beyond his delivery route, Robin dedicated more than 20 years to Spartan Track and Field, recently retiring from coaching. He has also volunteered as a basketball referee, coach, and active member of both the Forks Lions Club and Elks Lodge, serving on scholarship committees for both organizations.

In honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary, the parade will also recognize a Pioneer Family. This year’s honor goes to the Maxfield family, represented by Donna Maxfield Hansen, who lives out of the area, and is a descendant of one of the first pioneer family to settle on the Quillayute Prairie. Jesse and Abigail Maxfield, Donna’s Great-grandparents, came to the area around 1875. Donna is also a proud graduate of Quillayute Union High School’s Class of 1953. Riding in the Fourth of July Parade has been one of her dreams, and this year that dream will become a reality.

Also joining the celebration will be the 2026 Tourists of the Day, Ryan and Kathryn from San Diego, CA.

With hometown heroes, community legends, pioneer pride, and patriotic spirit, this year’s Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Parade is sure to be one of the highlights of the holiday. Grab your lawn chairs, wave your flags, and come celebrate Independence Day, Forks-style!