JOHN DAY — Traffic was put on hold Saturday morning, Aug. 13, as the Grant County Fair Parade made its way down Canyon Boulevard and Main Street, but no one really seemed to mind.

A Grant County tradition that takes place annually, the event drew onlookers of all ages and children scurrying to scoop up candy thrown by parade participants.

The parade began about 11 a.m. at Grant Union Junior/Senior High School and proceeded down South Canyon Boulevard before making its way onto Main Street. The procession ended at the unpaved area east of Timbers Bistro.

Local businesses were well represented, with Chester’s Market, Old West Credit Union, Solutions Certified Public Accountants, Madden Realty and more having floats in the parade. Also prominently featured were an array of ATVs and UTVs that were driven by various local youths.

Ron Phillips and Denny Langford weaved through the procession in the black Ford Model T owned by Phillips that has become a crowd favorite and staple of parades throughout the county. The Oregon Department of Forestry sprayed parade watchers with squirt guns from their fire trucks in an effort to help patrons beat the heat.

Also present were 2022 Grant County Fair and Rodeo Grand Marshals Gibb and Gary Gregg, who rode in a green Ford Bronco and waved to the crowds.

The Whiskey Gulch Gang was also in attendance. They arrived with a bang by shooting their trademark cannon in the middle of Main Street to the surprise of many parade watchers.

The John Day Volunteer Fire Department was on hand in its famous vintage fire truck, complete with working lights and a siren. Smokey Bear made his second parade appearance in as many days (he was also at the Kids Parade on Friday), this time riding in a Forest Service fire truck.

Making an appearance on horseback were Princess Macy Carter, Princess Raney Anderson and Queen Riley Robertson of the Grant County Fair and Rodeo Court. Rowdy Israel of Dayville, the Oregon High School Rodeo Queen and Elgin Stampede Queen, also rode in the parade.

Area 4-H clubs were well-represented. A contingent of 4-H members rode on horseback led by a club flag bearer, and Dayville’s 4-H club rode in the back of a pickup truck.

The parade was led a Grant County Sheriff’s Office patrol SUV, followed by a rider on horseback carrying the American flag.

2022 Grant County Fair Parade Results

COMMERCIAL

First place: Solutions CPAs

Second place: Chester’s Market

Third place: Old West Federal Credit Union

SCHOOLS/ORGANIZATIONS

First place: Beavers Believers 4-H Club

Second place: Dayville Community 4-H Club

Third place: Boy Scout Troops 800 and 898

COMMUNITY

First place: Community Counseling Solutions

Second place: Grant County Search and Rescue

Third place: People Mover

MOUNTED MALE

First place: Daniel Palmer

MOUNTED FEMALE

First place: Jacey “Moe” Michey

RIDING ORGANIZATION OR FAMILY

First place: Rocky Top Riders

Second place: Grant County Fair Court

Third place: Long Ear Leathers Asses

COMMERCIAL RIDING GROUP

First place: John Day River Veterinary Center

ANTIQUE VEHICLE

First place: Ron Phillips

CLASSIC VEHICLE

First place: Eric Bush

VISITING ROYALTY

First place: Brook Parsons, Haines Stampede Princess

Second place: Rowdy Israel, Elgin Stampede Queen and Oregon High School Rodeo Queen

DECORATED ATV

First place: Grant County Fair staff

DECORATED COMMERCIAL ATV

First Place: John Day Polaris

SPECIAL AWARD PRIZE WINNERS

Solutions CPAs

SWEEPSTAKES WINNER

Beaver Believers 4H Club

Rocky Top Riders

Mt. Vernon Grange No. 659

John Day Elks Lodge No. 1824