Mountain Communities Prepare for Fourth of July Celebrations
As the nation prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence next year, Fourth of July traditions continue much as they always have in the Mount Hood corridor.
By Marie Kennedy, The Mountain Times
As the nation prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence next year, Fourth of July traditions continue much as they always have in the Mount Hood corridor.
When asked about local Independence Day activities, Rhododendron resident Stacie Ford offered a practical answer.
"With fire danger, most people just go hiking," she said.
While many residents will spend the holiday weekend enjoying the outdoors, several long-running community traditions remain on the calendar, from the Mount Hood Lions Club's Chuckwagon Breakfast and Rib Shoot to neighborhood parades, historic church tours, and fireworks displays.
The Mount Hood Lions Club will host its annual Chuckwagon Breakfast and Rib Shoot from 7 a.m. to noon July 4 and 5, continuing a tradition that dates back to 1958. The event includes breakfast, a car show, and the ever-popular rib shoot competition.
The car show will feature classic and modern vehicles, awards, and community fun. Vehicle registration is $20 and runs from 8 a.m. to noon July 4.
Tickets are $14 at the door, $12 in advance and $6 for children 10 and younger. Advance tickets are available at Welches Building Supply, Coffee House 26, The Whistle Stop, Clackamas County Bank and Brightwood Tavern.
The Hoodland Farmers Market will also be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at its new location at Mount Hood Village, featuring local vendors, food, and live music. Holiday entertainment will be provided by Joevee and Maggie. Visitors who miss the market on July 4 can find it there every Saturday throughout the summer.
Visitors interested in local history can tour the 1937 Steiner Log Church on July 4. Built in 1937 by Henry Steiner and his sons, the church remains one of the mountain's most recognizable landmarks and a reminder of the area's pioneer heritage.
Tours are offered the first Saturday of each month and cost $10. Because of the historic flooring, visitors are asked to avoid high heels or other shoes that could cause damage. The church also discourages visits by young children.
In Government Camp, the Mount Hood Museum & Cultural Center will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering visitors a chance to explore the region's history.
If it's a fireworks show you're looking for, check out Sandy's annual display at Sandy High School. Sponsored by the City of Sandy and Clackamas County Bank, the free show begins at dusk on July 4.
More information is available at ci.sandy.or.us.
For those looking for other Oregon celebrations, Oregon250.org offers information about events and activities taking place around the state as preparations continue for the nation's 250th anniversary celebration.
Whether residents spend the holiday at a breakfast fundraiser, a museum, a church tour, or simply on a favorite trail, the mountain's Fourth of July traditions remain rooted in community and the outdoors.
ACTIVITIES SIDEBAR
Fourth of July Around the Mountain
• Chuckwagon Breakfast & Rib Shoot – July 4 – 5, 7 a.m. – noon
• Hoodland Farmers Market – July 4, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• 1937 Steiner Log Church Tour – July 4
• Mount Hood Museum & Cultural Center – Open daily, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Sandy Fireworks – July 4 at dusk
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