Fourth of July in Stayton is back with a full slate of fun festivities!
“The Stayton Lions Club is happy to reorganize and bring back the full celebration after nothing in 2020 and only the fireworks display in 2021,” said Dave Nielson, who oversees marketing communications for the club. “We’re really looking forward to seeing the parade route lined with people and happy faced kids once again.”
Nielson said the event grounds will welcome back those coming for an up-close view of the fireworks with food trucks, live music and fun. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets.
“We are so thankful for the local business community that showed us a real commitment to keeping this tradition alive with their early and full sponsorships to fund the celebration,” Nielson said. “This will be the 49th anniversary of the first fireworks display organized by the Stayton Lions Club.”
This will be the 28th year for Pyro Mike (aka former North Santiam School District employee Mike Miller) who is the pyro technician in charge of setting off the display, Nielson added.
“We’re hoping to have some activities on the football field but are still in need of some volunteers to help with that,” he said.
The Fourth kicks off with a pancake breakfast hosted by the SHS senior parents at 8-11 a.m. at the Stayton Community Center parking lot. Pancakes, eggs, sausage links, juice and coffee are on the menu and will be cooked by Stayton firefighters. Adults are $10 per plate and kids $8. Proceeds benefit the Class of 2023 Senior All Night Party.
At 9 a.m. local Boy Scouts oversee the Stayton Fun Run/Walk, offering a 3K walk/Run, 5K trail run and 10K trail run. Runs start at the Stayton Community Center parking lot. Entry fee is $10 advance registration online, or $15 day of race. Registration is between 7:30-8:30 a.m. Sign up online at Stayton4thOfJuly.com.
The Oregon Air National Guard will fly over, time to be determined pending flight path confirmation.
“United We Parade!” is the theme for this year’s Grand Parade. Major General (Ret) Julie Bentz will serve as the Grand Marshal of this year’s parade. Bentz was born and raised on her family’s Blue Den Ranch between Jordan and Scio, where she has returned after retiring from a distinguished 33-year military service career. She is a 1982 graduate of Regis High School and a 1986 Graduate of Oregon State University through the ROTC program.
The parade starts at 4 p.m. with line up at 2:30 p.m. for judging. A porta-potty will be available near the check-in booth. Entry fee is $15 if received by June 30 after which it is $20. Parade entries will be judged for a “Best in Class” for each category with additional Honorable Mention ribbons.
Activities on the event grounds at Stayton High School begin at 5 p.m. Food vendors include Runaway Kitchen, Island Style Grindz and Suzy’s Taqueria. No alcohol, smoking, vaping, weapons, personal fireworks or pets are allowed on the event grounds and school property.
First appearing two decades ago, Tony Graham will again headline on stage from 7:30 to 9 p.m.
“It’s been 20 years,” Graham said. “Let’s party and have a good time!”
Rounding out the day’s events will be the annual Lions Club fireworks display at dusk around 9:45-10 p.m. Firework finale sponsors are Covered Bridge Café, Pacific Power and Santiam Hospital. Other sponsors include Stayton Rotary Club; Frank Lumber Co.; DeeAnne and Gerry Aboud; Freres Building Supply; Northwest Preferred Credit Union; HP Civil, Inc.; Republic Services; RedBuilt; City of Stayton Public Services; Jimco Fence; Power Chevrolet; Stayton Sports Store; Stayton Auto Wreckers; Weis & Associates, Inc.; and North Santiam Funeral Service.
Volunteers are still needed. To review a list of positions and descriptions, check the website link.
“Our webpage at www.Stayton4thOfJuly.com has full event information, maps and schedules,” Nielson said. “It also hosts information for the day’s morning activities put on by others. It will be kept updated with anything new as needed through the Fourth.”
