By Mary Owen
Freedom rings with family, friends, fireworks and fun in Stayton! Organizers of the 32nd annual Stayton Old-Time Fourth of July Festival are eager for the festivities to begin.
“The theme this year is ‘Thank a Veteran for Your Freedom,’” said Suzi Kilby, parade co-chair. “The Loyal Order of Moose is proud to have E4 Specialist Jalem Weeks as the Grand Parade’s Grand Marshal. He is a member of the National Guard and a 2013 graduate of Cascade.”
Stayton’s festivities start off with the Fourth of July Fun Run & Walk, presented by Stayton Boy Scout Troop 50. The 3K walk/run, 5K trail run and 10K run registration and check-in begins at 8 a.m. with the race starting at 9 a.m. at the Stayton Community Center. Participants can pay the $15 entry fee at registration.
Hungry after the race? Kick off the day with a hearty breakfast at Habitat for Humanity’s annual fundraiser. The SLAMMS’ Chuck Wagon Breakfast will offer pancakes, sausage, eggs, juice and coffee, served from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Stayton Elementary School. Cost is $7 for adults, $6 for Fun Run participants, and $5 for seniors and children. A free-will offering will be accepted to help build the next Habitat home in Stayton.
The Grand Parade, presented by the Stayton Loyal Order of Moose, begins at 4 p.m. starting at and returning to Regis Street. All floats are encouraged to reflect the theme. Registration opens at 1 p.m. in front of Regis High School. The entry fee is $10. Request an application at stayton4thparade@wvi.com. Entries lined up by 2:30 p.m. will be judged and ribbons will be awarded.
The evening’s events take place at Stayton Middle School. Concession stands open at 6 p.m. From 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. music by The Free Whiskey Band and karaoke will be MC’d by Dale Young.
At 10 p.m., the Stayton Lions Club fireworks display promises to once again dazzle the crowd. The 30-minute display is funded by group and individual donations, collected at cans at Rotary Fireworks booths through July 4. Donations can be made at the parade registration desk or mailed to Stayton Lions Club, P.O. Box 98, Stayton, 97383.
No personal fireworks, alcohol or pets will be allowed on the Stayton Middle School grounds. Viewers are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets. The celebration is organized by the Stayton Fourth of July Committee, and sponsored by SCTC, Hillyer’s Stayton Ford, Stayton Lions, Stayton Moose, Stayton Rotary, Freres Lumber, North Santiam Funeral Services, NORPAC, Stayton Fire Dept., Sublimity Insurance, Roth’s Fresh Market, Slayden Construction and Power Chevrolet.
“A lot of real hard work and months of planning goes into this day, but we all love it,” Kilby said.
For information or to get involved, call Kilby at 503-910-7282 or e-mail stayton4thparade@wvi.com.
