Summer Fun in House District 51

By Rep. Matt Bunch, For The Sandy Standard

One of the many reasons I’m proud to represent House District 51 is because we truly live in one of the best parts of Oregon. From Sandy to Estacada to Canby and the communities in between, summertime here means community celebrations, family traditions, local events, and the kind of small-town fun that reminds us why we love where we live.

If you’re looking for ways to enjoy summer 2026, you won’t have to go far.

First up is Estacada’s Fourth of July Celebration, celebrating America’s 250th birthday, one of the great community traditions in our district. There’s nothing quite like a hometown Fourth of July, and Estacada knows how to do it right. The parade kicks off in downtown Estacada, making its way down Main Street.  It’s a fun event for families, neighbors, and anyone who loves a good patriotic celebration. Then that evening, the Estacada Rural Fire District fireworks show lights up the sky near the high school. Gather with friends, and celebrate Independence Day the way it should be celebrated — with community.

The following week brings another local favorite: the Sandy Mountain Festival, July 9–12. This long-running tradition is one of Sandy’s signature summer events and always brings people together from across the region. The volunteer Mountain Festival Board, the Sandy Area Chamber, and many volunteers help make it happen. There’s something for everyone, including live music, a beer garden, local vendors, and plenty of family-friendly fun. Don’t miss the Thursday parade –  always a crowd favorite – and be sure to spend time at Meinig Park over the weekend, where vendors and activities keep the energy going Saturday and Sunday.

Then in August, we wrap up the summer with one of the biggest and best traditions anywhere: the Clackamas County Fair and Canby Rodeo, August 18–22.

As someone who has spent years involved with the Clackamas County Fair, I can tell you this event is something special. Since 1907, it has been a cornerstone of our community, bringing together agriculture, family entertainment, youth programs, and the spirit that makes this district so unique. The Canby Rodeo delivers nightly action with PRCA-sanctioned events, while the fairgrounds come alive with carnival rides, live entertainment, exhibits, livestock shows, and all the classic fair food you can handle. Whether you’re cheering on 4-H participants, watching the rodeo, or just enjoying the midway, there’s something for everyone.

What I love most about these events is what they represent. They’re not just things to do on the calendar. They're opportunities to gather, support local businesses, celebrate our communities, and make memories with family and friends.

We are incredibly fortunate to live in a district where small-town traditions still matter, where community pride runs deep, and where summer means getting outside and enjoying all that our communities have to offer.

So mark your calendars, invite your neighbors, and make the most of summer 2026. I hope to see you out there.