A couple of big milestones will be set at this year’s 4th of July celebration in Stayton, which kicks off a month of summer fun in the Stayton area.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of fireworks for the Stayton celebration and the 40th rendition of the annual fun runs.
Stayton Police Chief Gwen Johns will serve as the Grand Marshal of the Stayton 4th of July Parade, which was added in 1991. Sponsored by the Stayton Lions Club, the parade, which gets rolling at 4 p.m., runs south from its start at the corner of Regis and First to Washington, then heads west to Gardner and back north to Regis. The announcer’s booth will be on the east side of First between Locust and Washington. The staging area and check-in booth for parade entrants is on Regis west of First.
The holiday festivities begin with an 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. pancake breakfast at the Stayton Community Center parking lot. Firefighters will do the cooking, with the money raised helping pay for the all-night grad party for the Stayton High Class of 2024.
The community center also will be the takeoff point for the annual Stayton Fun Runs. Events kick off at 9 a.m. and include a 3K run-walk, a 5K trail run and a 10K trail run. Fees are $10 in advance or $15 on the day of the race. Go to https://runsignup.com/Race/OR/Stayton/StaytonFunRun/ through July 3 or register on the 4th (day of the race registration begins at 7:30 a.m.) The most patriotically dressed runner will win a Denali blanket, a $130 value.
At 5 p.m. the action shifts to Stayton High for food, kids games, face painting, music and a drawing for local gift certificates (proceeds benefit the Stayton Lions Club).
Families are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs and blankets to the grassy area east of the football-soccer stadium. At 9 p.m. a contest to select the ten best-dressed kids will take place, with A&W certificates going to the ten winners.
Fireworks are at 10 p.m., with organizers advising spectators that alcohol, smoking, vaping, weapons, personal fireworks and pets are NOT allowed on the event grounds and school property.
The fireworks will be launched from the grassy area west of the stadium and spectators are prohibited from entering that area.
Santiam Stampede: The Stampede, now in its 25th year, has National Professional Rodeo Association events set for Friday, July 21 and Saturday, July 22 at the Harvest Festival Grounds on Sublimity Road. Events start at 7 p.m. both nights, with tickets ranging between $10.50 and $15.50 in advance and $13-19 at the gate. Kids 5 and under are free. More information at https://scsrodeo.com/.
Santiam Summerfest: The downtown Stayton event is celebrating its 27th year on Saturday, July 30 on Third Avenue. The vendor street fair, family fun zone (petting zoo, sports and games) and the big boy toys area (construction, forestry and emergency services equipment) runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with food, beer and live entertainment going from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. No admission is charged, but a $5 donation for individuals or $20 per family is suggested.
Vendor and food booth applications still are being taken. Email [email protected] or call 503-769-3464.
