Two signature events of Hood River’s summer are about to take place.
    One is imminent: the July 4 celebrations in Hood River, Cascade Locks and Odell.
    The other is just one month away: Hood River County Fair.

Many of the July 4 festivities are comfortably familiar: the parade, the park program, the fireworks.

These things do not happen on their own; as you enjoy events thank the members of Lions for the fireworks shows and the parade, and folks with Heights Business Association for putting together the daytime events.

The parade committee took the correct and needed step of banning the throwing of candy in the Hood River July 4 parade. In doing so, they are calling on the community to eliminate a practice that, while it has its fun side, was wasteful, distracting and potentially hazardous.

With hope, parade participants will respect the policy, for the policy respects the fact that the parade has so much to offer besides airborne lollipops.

As the parade committee has recommended, money that might have been spent on thrown candy could instead be donated to the Eye Opener Lions’ fireworks fund. The pyrotechnic display relies on community support.

Also, when you see the Lions out and about over July 4, asking for donations, do what you can to support the annual fireworks show that is enjoyed by thousands.

n

It is not too soon to think about entering the Hood River County Fair, which runs July 28-31 in Odell, with the theme, “A Celebration of Farm Life in Hood River County.”

Full details on entering can be found in Fair premium books available at the Fairgrounds office, Little Bit Ranch Supply, Mid Valley Market, Odell Post Office, McIsaac’s and Jim’s Markets in Parkdale, Mt. Hood Country Store, Columbia Market in Cascade Locks, Chamber of Commerce, E.T.C., Juanita’s, and Columbia State Bank.

The event always has something for everyone. There are numerous things to see and do, beyond the midway. The display halls are like a canvas for the community: in art, horticulture, textiles, baked goods, hobbies and handicrafts, the fair provides an ample opportunity to show what you know and care about, and what you have learned.

Key dates to remember are July 26 and July 27, for Open Class judging. (And remember the premiums can earn you $1 to $3 for Open Class prizes, not to mention bragging rights.)

County fairs have changed in recent years; not every county even has one. But Hood River’s has remained a vibrant and accessible event that belongs to the community. Organizers work hard to ensure that anyone with an interest can find a way to participate and contribute.