News for those who live, work and play in North Santiam Canyon

Stayton plans to celebrate the Fourth in style

By Mary Owen

Hurray for the red, white and bursting-in-air blue that will light up skies over Stayton on the Fourth.

“With everything going on in the world, we need to honor our veterans and people who are in the service,” said Don Eubank, co-chair of Stayton’s Fourth of July Committee. “We all need to stand by what’s right for our country – and this is a good way to show it.”

Flags and patriotic music will permeate the day’s activities, which include a chuck wagon breakfast, fun run, kids’ games, old-fashioned barbecue dinner and the ever-popular fireworks display at a new setting this year.

“We had to move location for safety reasons,” Eubanks said. “Stayton Middle School fits perfectly, and we hope it lasts for a long time.”

Event organizers promise fun for all, leading off with the Stayton Road Runners 10k Run-3k Walk-Run. Runners will take to the asphalt at 9 a.m. for this 25th annual “event of fitness, fun and friendship.”

Registration begins at 8 a.m. at the Stayton Community Center, and the race begins at 9 a.m. Cost is $5 to enter. Ribbons will be awarded to the top finishers in five-year age groups in each race. Participants under age 18 will need a parent’s signature to enter. Proceeds will benefit the Santiam American Field Service.

Habitat for Humanity will host the pancake breakfast from 7 a.m. to noon at Stayton Elementary School. Cost is $5 per adult and $4 for children or Fun Runners. Funds raised will go to the building of a new Habitat House in Stayton.
Wave those flags while watching the Grand Parade, 4 to 6 p.m., to embrace the theme, “Freedom is Not Free.”

“We want everyone to bring his or her flags,” said Dinah Potter of the Stayton Fourth of July Committee. “If you’re in the parade, bring it, and if you’re watching the parade, then fly it. That was part of the theme we selected.”

Categories include cars, floats, horses and marching bands, all depicting love of country and freedom. “We’re planning to entertain the crowd before the fireworks,” Potter said.

Parade applications are available at the Stayton-Sublimity Chamber of Commerce, Stayton Printing and online.

The Loyal Order of Moose will again serve its barbecued pulled-pork dinner plate with all the fixings. Dinner will be served from 6 to 8 p.m. at Stayton Middle School.

While eating, listen to the efforts of budding singers on the karaoke stage. Gary Baker hosts the event at Stayton Middle School. He will also emcee the annual bubble-gum blowing contest for kids. Just prior to the fireworks, from 8 to 10 p.m., the Tracy Reynolds Band will entertain the crowd with selections from the ’50s through ’80s on stage.

The Stayton Manta-Ray Swim Team will run a concession stand featuring cotton candy, popcorn, soft drinks, hot dogs, Snow-cones, coffee and candy. Funds raised will support the team.

And then the crowd-pleasing fireworks! For more than 30 years, Stayton Lions Club has treated the community to a dazzling fireworks display, attracting thousands. The 45-minute show is funded by group and individual donations. The Lions have donation cans at Rotary fireworks booths, McDonald’s and Ace Hardware through July 4.

The Stayton Fourth of July Committee, which is made up of Stayton Lions, Friends of the Family, Stayton Road Runners, Stayton Rotary, Stayton Printing, Canyon Advertiser and community volunteers, is sponsoring the event with corporate sponsor Stayton Cooperative Telephone Co.

“It’s a great day of family entertainment,” Eubank said.

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