Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski waves to well-wishers during the Ashland parade. (Mail Tribune / Denise Baratta)

Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski was serenaded by a smattering of cheers and boos while leading the Fourth of July parade before capping his day in Southern Oregon by serving ice cream at a retirement home.

Local Democrats were honored by the governor's decision to appear in Ashland on one of America's most hallowed holidays.

"We are grateful that the governor made an appearance down here," said the vice chair of Jackson County democrats Keith Quick. "He seems to care about Southern Oregon and he wants to represent us again."

For the most part, bystanders greeted the governor with applause, though some were vocal in their disappointment with his reign.

"Save the wilderness," was a common chant as the governor's car crept along Siskiyou Boulevard.

Leading the Democratic charge Tuesday was U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, who engaged the crowd wearing a Southern Oregon University baseball cap.

This Fourth of July marked the second anniversary of meeting his wife, Wyden said.

"We are absolutely honored to be here," he added. "This is a great parade. You hear a lot of talk about community, but here in Ashland, they don't just talk it, they live it."

Later that afternoon, Kulongoski addressed residents of the Mountain View Retirement Residence at 548 North Main Street.

He dropped in to highlight his efforts to expand Oregon's prescription drug program to enable more consumers to save money on their medications.

"I believe in the affordable health care ideal," he told the crowd of around 40 seniors. "I believe in a strategy that provides health care for every person in this country."

California-resident Lisa Chambers, 47, asked the governor why her mother, who lives in the retirement home, why is it so difficult for her to receive her late husband's retirement benefits.

"We have to pay about $9,000 a month for my mother to live here after she fell and broke her arm recently," Chambers said. "It's the pension we're concerned about. We're basically running out of money."

Wyden said he was concerned about the frustration of veterans and their spouses taking advantage of benefits.

"Just give me your name and we'll get started on that tomorrow," he told Chambers.

Later, Chambers expressed appreciation at the senator's promise.

"I think it's awesome that they're here," she said. "These World War II veterans and civilians deserve better. I hope they'll be able to help us."

The afternoon ended with the politicians taking their place behind a buffet to ladle ice cream, strawberries an pineapple.

"Now we're going to show you what elected officials are good for — to serve ice cream," Wyden said.

Reach reporter Chris Conrad at 776-4471, or e-mail cconrad@mailtribune.com.