By Mary Owen
Canyon Pride is alive and well in Mill City.
“That’s the theme for this year’s Fourth of July events,” said Barbara Seales, who is in charge of parade entries this year. She hopes that the gas shortage won’t keep anyone from participating, and that this year’s numbers will surpass last year’s 30 or so entries.
wagon and floats from local businesses…
Mr. Fix-it will be there and the Shriners
with their bathtubs on wheels. We’ll
have some large logging trucks, too.”
-Barbara Seales
“So far, we have Clydesdales pulling an old wagon and floats from local businesses, including Santiam Memorial Hospital and SummerFest,” she said. “Mr. Fix-It will be there and the Shriners with their bathtubs on wheels. We’ll have some large logging trucks, too.”
Grand Parade entrance fees are $5 per entry and final registration will be at 11 a.m. at Kimmel Park. Judging will be at 11 a.m. sharp and the parade begins at noon.
“The kiddy parade will lead off, and kids under 12 are free. They just have to dress up and show up,” she said.
Kids marching in the parade will line up at 11 a.m. at the Mill City Fire Department.
Prizes for the entrants include: Sweepstakes, Mayor’s Choice and Queen’s Choice. “There will be second and third prizes in all categories – floats, equestrians, large trucks, cars, and walkers or unclassified,” Seales said. “It’s lots of fun!”
Grand Marshal of this year’s parade is Josephine Reid, wife of the late Dr. John Reid. The couple lived in Mill City for the past 50 years and were long-time contributors to the community.
The annual Queen’s Coronation Saturday, June 28, in the Santiam High School auditorium kicks off the festivities. The 2008 Queen’s Court includes Cille Davidson, Taylor Gonzales and Teryn Thomas. New to this year’s coronation is Mr. Mill City, a contest taking place at the time the queen scores are tallied.
Proud owners can show off their dogs at the Mutt Show on Sunday, June 29. Registration is at noon, with the show starting at 1 p.m. All entries are $1, and all dogs must be on a leash. The dog-a-tories are: Best Costume, Best Trick, Mutt Ugly, Mutt/Owner Look-a-like, Most Colorful, Portliest Pooch and Frisbee Champ.
Special awards include: Tiniest Dog, Oldest Dog, Largest Dog, and Farthest Traveled. And the Mutt of the Year will get to ride in the Grand Parade.
A street dance will take place from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. on July 3 at the Mill City Middle School covered area, with deejay music provided by Chad Dowling Productions.
On the Fourth, the Lions Club will host a breakfast 7 to 11 a.m. at the Santiam High School Commons. Cost is $6 for adults and $4 for ages 12 and under.
Vendors will be on the grounds at Allen Field during the day, which culminates with the Fireworks Extravaganza put on by the Mill City Fire Department at dusk. Donations will be accepted.
