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Sandy Mountain Festival brings thousands together to ‘Party Like it’s 1776’

Sandy Mountain Festival brings thousands together to ‘Party Like it’s 1776’
The Sandy Mountain Festival parade was well attended and had several new participants this year. (Brit Allen)

By Brit Allen, The Sandy Standard

Sandy Mountain Festival has come and gone for another year, and those who made it possible are still riding the high of having an even bigger, better event this summer. 

Tina Hovey, owner of Mountain Moka, earned quite a few smiles when she brought her cows to the pet show. (Chris Brown) 

“For the first time in many years, we finally have a complete festival,” said Festival President Lisa Snider. “We had a carnival, car show, parade, queen's court, and our festival.”

The Sandy Mountain Festival Car Show was well attended in its second year. (Chris Brown) 
The festival’s own Lisa Snider was honored as a member of the Queen’s Court this year. (Brit Allen)

Though the theme was “Party Like it’s 1776,” this year’s event honored the legacy of the festival, and those who started the summertime tradition.

“This year, we honored our founders,” Snider added. “John Armstrong was our grand marshal.  John, along with Lynn Ellis, Florence Schmidt, and Ann Fenwick, started the festival. And Shannon Montgomery, whose mom was Lynn Ellis, was honored as the queen of the Five Generation Court. Without them and their families, we would not be where we are today. It was great to see thousands of people watching the parade and visiting the car show, carnival and festival."

Kids events, hosted by the city of Sandy throughout the week leading up to the festival, drew children of all ages. (Chris Brown) 

The festivities for 2026, included 120 vendors and 22 food booths (14 of which were run by nonprofit organizations).

More than 120 vendors sold their creations at Meinig Memorial Park July 11-12. (Chris Brown) 

“The money we raise goes to other nonprofit organizations in our community,” Snider explained. “It is an honor to be part of the festival team. I am thankful for each board member and volunteer who helps to make the festival a successful one-of-a-kind event.”

Participation in the parade on July 9 was as enthusiastic as ever, with the following groups taking home awards:

  • Mayor’s Trophy: Rich’s Tree Service
  • Joan Parker Memorial Queens Trophy: McCord Construction
  • Grand Marshal’s Award: Thunder Mt Mini’s
  • Florence Schmidt Memorial Award: Coffee Slingers
  • Darrell Dempster Memorial Award: Dirt Darlins
  • Lynn Ellis Memorial Award: FRC Team 10991
  • Best Float:
    • 1st Place: McCord Construction
    • 2nd Place: Geren's Farm & Landscape Supply
    • 3rd Place: FRC Team
  • Best Vehicle:
    • 1st Place: Greg Meir
    • 2nd Place: Steve Pettingil
    • 3rd Place: Glen Kendal
  • Best Band:
    • 1st Place: Dirt Darlings
    • 2nd Place: Power Pep Band
  • Best Equestrian:
    • 1st Place: Thunder Mt Mini’s
    • 2nd Place: Coffee Slingers
    • 3rd Place: JBH Plumbing
  • Best Marchers:
    • 1st Place: Rigert Elite Gymnastics
    • 2nd Place: Sandy Youth Football
    • 3rd Place: Mt. Hood Athletic Club
  • Special Mention
    • 1st Place: AntFarm
    • 2nd Place: Avamere
    • 3rd Place: First Class Gresham Homeschool Co-op Baton Twirlers
  • Best Commercial:
    • 1st Place: McCord Construction
    • 2nd Place: Geren's Farm & Landscape Supply
    • 3rd Place: Konell Construction + Demolition
  • Best Civic:
    • 1st Place: Sandy Transit
    • 2nd Place: Sandy Public Library
    • 3rd Place: Bull Run Electric