Contributing writer for The Canyon Weekly
The Mill City Fourth of July Committee is busy preparing for the festivities at Kimmel Park.
“All roads are open this year, and the parade will be back to 2019 form,” said Melinda Flatman, with the Mill City Fourth of July Committee. “Last year, we had an extraordinary turn out. I look forward to that again this year. It is the economy that may limit summer activity.”
To date, Flatman said some 30 craft, product and food vendors have signed up to sell their wares on the festival grounds, which open at noon and close at 10 p.m. on Sunday, July 3. Culinary delights so far include bacon-wrapped hot dogs, curly fries and drinks from Doghouse Concessions; shaved ice from Kona Ice; tacos, burritos, quesadillas, sodas and fruit cups from El Pique; and hotdogs, popcorn, pretzels, nachos, candy, snow cones, cotton candy, sodas and water from Diamondback Clovers 4H.
Flatman said the annual Mutt Show was canceled due to a lack of prize donations and a volunteer shortage.
Committee members are looking forward to adding the Mutt Show to next year’s festivities.
Still on the schedule is the Evolution of the Saw Exhibition noon to 7 p.m. in the park. The display will continue on the 4th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Beer Garden with live music opens at 3 p.m. with a performance a half hour later by A.C.T. 2 Duo who will play until 5:30. The Canyon All-Stars perform 7 to 10 p.m. Beverages are provided by Travelin Taphouse.
The Lions Club breakfast kicks of Fourth of July festivities 7 to 11 a.m. at the Santiam Jr./Sr. High School Commons. On the menu are pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, coffee, milk and orange juice. Cost is $6 for adults, $4 for children under 12, and free for youngsters 2 and under. Raffle items will be available. 
The Memorial Fun Run begins at 9 a.m. coinciding with the opening of the festival grounds. The run starts with registration at 8 a.m. at SE 4th Avenue and SE Fairview Street.
Parade line up is at Kimmel Park at 11 a.m. with the parade starting one hour later. There is no registration fee, but donations are appreciated. Categories include antique, classic and modern autos, motorcycles, floats, equestrian, and unclassified including ATVs, bicycles, skateboards and walkers. Parade director is Braeden Cook. Mike and Jan Long are the Grand Marshals for this year’s parade.
Monday’s music in the Beer Garden will begin with Sean Paul 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. and finish with a performance by CottonFoot at 7 p.m. just prior to the fireworks display sponsored by the Mill City Volunteer Fire Department.
“The generosity of sponsors allowed for the fulfillment of this year’s celebration along with the vendors who took the time to plan with us,” Flatman said. “Thank you!”
Sponsors are Freres Foundation, Bonebrake and Company, PacifiCorp/Pacific Power, Frank Lumber and Hennes Logging.
“Special thanks to Ken Cartwright, KYAC 90.1 FM, and Santiam Hearts to Art for sound, stage and lighting assistance,” Flatman said. “We couldn’t have done it without you!”
Visit the Mill City Fourth of July Celebration page on Facebook for more information.
