SummerFest a neighborly celebration

There’s something about a summer celebration in a small town that calls to almost everyone. Maybe it is the “down home” friendliness and the feeling of truly belonging. Experience one of life’s simple pleasures at the Santiam SummerFest, Saturday, July 26.

The Stayton/Sublimity Chamber of Commerce event starts early with the Stayton Volunteer Firefighters’ serving up an all-you-can-eat breakfast from 7 – 11 a.m. at Pioneer Park. Also in the park, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., is the SummerFest Car Show.

The fun on Third Avenue begins with fast-paced action at the three-on-three basketball tournament at Third and Burnett and extend up the block to more than 130 craft, art, antique, farmers’ market, business and food booths, along with retail sidewalk sales, tempt with their extensive and varied offerings.

There’s a quilt show with its colorful display of handmade quilts and a photo exhibit featuring talented local artists at Quilt ‘n’ Stitch, 193 Third.

Activities are available for children of all ages with the KidZone located in the US Bank parking lot, and the Petting Zoo across the street. The popular Family Dog Show starts at 9:30 a.m. at Third and Virginia, displays of fire trucks, police cars, emergency vehicles and lots more will engage the little ones.

The Stayton Lions Club will get the bed races started at 10 a.m. Entry forms can be picked up at City Hall, 311 N. Third Ave.., or the North Santiam Community Credit Union.

After visiting all the booths and displays, visitors will be ready to sit down and relax at the Food Court and Entertainment Stage, with a large covered seating area located at Third Avenue and Florence Street. Also located there is the Silver Falls Vineyard wine-tasting booth.

The Santiam Heritage Foundation will offer Brown House tours 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. There will be a shuttle at Florence and Third over to to the house, which is on First and High.

There will be an exhibit of local photos at the YMCA building, 383 N. Third. Santiam Gallery is presented by Stayton Events.

Events such as SummerFest require many donated hours from area residents and sponsorships from community-minded businesses. Among this year’s sponsors are: Event Sponsor North Santiam Community Credit Union; Major Sponsors: Santiam Towing and Recovery, Pacific Power, Lakeside Assisted Living, City of Stayton, Washington Mutual, and Marian Estates. Media Sponsors: KENC, KCKX, Canyon Advertiser, Our Town, Wave Broadband, The Stayton Mail and MegAvail Cable Advertising; KidZone and Entertainment Sponsors: Blazer Industries, Key Bank, Slayden Construction Group, Sterling Bank, SCTC, Santiam Memorial Hospital, US Bank, White Water Signs, Stayton Rental and Stayton Self Defense.

For information, call the Stayton/Sublimity Chamber of Commerce, 503-769-3464, or visit their website.