Educator, the recent high school graduate will be the grand marshals of the parade on Saturday, August 6th
The Gladstone Community Festival returns on August 5 and 6 for the first time since 2019, with five live bands at Max Patterson Park.
Celebrating the spirit of Gladstone, the festival has been a cherished tradition since the town’s first Chautauqua meeting in July 1894. Fun includes a beer garden, free viewing of “Encanto,” a parade, free bounce houses, bingo, food vendors and a market. , watermelon eating and pastry contests.
“Live music is the heart of our event,” said festival president Bryce Colson.
Friday performances include bluegrass band Fadin’ by 9 and indie pop band The Casimir Effect. Saturday features The Beat Goes On, Bridgetown Morris Men and classic rock bands Paradox and The Fabulous Badcats.
Other Gladstone events this weekend include the Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast, a three-day pickleball tournament, giant used book sale at John Wetten Elementary, Friday’s Gladstone High School multi-class reunion at Happy’s Bar & Grill and a classic car show Sunday in Portland. avenue
“Since its first Chautauqua in 1894, Gladstone has found fun ways to bring our community together,” Colson said. “After the isolation of the pandemic, this year we need that connection more than ever.”
Parade of grand marshals
The Gladstone Community Festival selected Lori Buchanan and Dy Sammis as Grand Marshals for the Gladstone Parade.
Lori Buchanan has been an educator in Gladstone schools since 1989. She was both a teacher and assistant principal at Kraxberger Middle School and most recently served as vice principal at John Wetten Elementary. Buchanan retired this year, beloved by students, families and school staff.
Dy Sammis is a 2022 graduate of Gladstone High School and won an Amazing Kids 2021 award from Pamplin Media Group. After the 2021 ice storm, Sammis volunteered countless hours to help neighbors with yard cleanup. Sammis has also been a strong advocate for fellow LGBTQ community members.
“These community leaders represent the strengths of Gladstone,” said Rotary President Leslie Robinette. “Supporting children and helping our neighbors is what we’re all about.”
Gladstone Community Festival
When: Friday-Saturday, from August 5 to 6
Where: The parade begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, starting at Gladstone High School and ending at the festival site, Max Patterson Park, 450 E. Exeter St.
Major Sponsors: Rotary Club of Gladstone/Oak Lodge, Water Environment Services, the Gladstone Seniors Foundation, Toyota of Gladstone, the Gladstone Education Foundation, Brian Sutton of Edward Jones and the City of Gladstone.
More info: gladstonecommunityfestival.org
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