Sandy Mountain Festival returns July 9, 11-12. This year’s festivities to include carnival rides, a car show, and more!

By Active Media Staff

Over the years, Sandy’s longtime traditions have morphed and changed, and the Sandy Mountain Festival has not been exempt. Going into its 54th year, the festival boasts a larger and grander schedule of activities and features, with a few returning attractions not seen since before the pandemic. 

The festival is proud to announce the return of the Queen’s Court for the first time since 2019. This court features five generations of Sandy area residents who exemplify what it means to serve their community. 

This year’s court is presided over by Queen Shannon Montgomery — longtime festival coordinator and volunteer and daughter of festival founder Lynn Ellis — and comprised of four other members, including: 

• Lisa Snider, current Sandy Mountain Festival president

• Heather Ngoun, former Mrs. Sandy and Miss Oregon and community volunteer

• Ezra French, 18, Sandy High student and Key Club member

• Sofia Trimble, 13, committed athlete, student and community volunteer

Also back after a multi-year hiatus are the carnival rides, which will once again run in the lot next to the AntFarm Outdoor Building. 

“Our wonderful Carnival coordinator Kelly French worked so hard to bring the carnival back, and it was not easy,” said Festival President Lisa Snider. “It is hard to imagine the amount of work that goes on behind the scenes. A big thank you to Barlow Trail Veterinary Clinic for allowing the use of their parking lot to accommodate the carnival rigs for the duration of the festival.”

The festival has become one of Clackamas County’s largest summer events, raising an estimated $1 million for local non-profit organizations. It also provides financial contributions to arts organizations.

A newer aspect of the festivities, but a popular one — the Sandy Mountain Festival Car Show — will also return from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. July 11, in the Assembly Of God parking lot. 

Last year saw a turnout of 140 cars and Snider expects there could be more this year. Registration for the car show can be made on the website at www.sandymountainfestival.org. 

“This is the first year since COVID that we have a full festival,” Snider explained. “I feel like it’s come full circle. It was a lot of hard work.”

The festival is made possible every year not only by the artists, community members, and nonprofits who participate, but by an entirely volunteer board. 

The parade will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 9, in the heart of downtown Sandy, kicking off the event. Then artists, musicians, and food vendors will take over Meinig Park for the hours of 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, July 11, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 12. 

For more information on this year’s festivities, visit sandymountainfestival.org.