Celebrate 250 years of independence as a community Community leaders, groups honor Fourth of July with fireworks, festivities, messages of hope

By Brit Allen, The Sandy Standard

With our country having experienced some particularly divisive times within the past decade, many seem to be looking to the upcoming 250th anniversary of our founding with hope for community togetherness. 

In that same spirit, the Sandy Mountain Festival, which returns July 9-12, will be themed “Party Like It’s 1776!” to honor the semi-quincentennial. 

For a look at this year’s festivities, check out the Sandy Mountain Festival park guide (inserted in this month’s issue of The Sandy Standard) or visit sandymountainfestival.org. 

On the Fourth of July, the City of Sandy, with sponsorship from Clackamas County Bank, will once again host its annual fireworks show. This year’s display is set to be even bigger and better to recognize the occasion. 

The show starts at dusk at the Sandy High gymnasium parking lot, thanks to the Oregon Trail School District allowing use of their facilities. A portion of Bell Street will be closed prior to the fireworks display, and will remain closed for approximately 10 minutes after the display is concluded. 

For more information about the show, visit ci.sandy.or.us/parks-rec/page/events. 

"Each year, the Fourth of July reminds me of the importance of community, shared vision, and commitment to creating a bright future,” City Manager Tyler Deems said of the occasion. “It is a time when the entire country comes together to support and celebrate our nation's independence. I'm grateful to be able to witness firsthand the commitment from our residents, businesses, and volunteers who strive for a strong, resilient community each day. While we celebrate our nation's 250th anniversary and all that has been accomplished, it's also important to remember our shared responsibility to build an environment that generates opportunity for future generations.”

Mayor Kathleen Walker, when asked about what the Fourth means to her, reminisced about being a “Bicentennial Senior,” who graduated high school in 1976, and also offered this message for the community.

“I will be gathering with fellow Sandy residents to appreciate the Clackamas County Bank-funded Sandy Fireworks Show on the Fourth,” she said. “While our town's June has been tragic, it gives Sandy another reason to gather with family, friends, and community and support each other. As we know from past wars, and the every-day sacrifices of our military and first responders: freedom isn’t free! I strongly believe in our Constitution and Bill of Rights. Our democracy depends on freedom of speech and a free and impartial press. We must have fair voting rights and the ability to protest peacefully. Those rights are what gave us historic progress in this country towards equal rights for all citizens. These rights are the first thing dictators try to shut down. As a young woman in 1976, I had far fewer rights than my daughters have now. Sandy is a diverse town that will once again gather together, to celebrate our freedoms and democracy. See you at the fireworks show!"