Sage-n-Sun to honor troops

Traditional parade, festivities planned

The annual Sage-n-Sun festival will take over Ephrata again this summer, and organizers will use the event to honor U.S. soldiers.

The theme is "Freedom for All," and event organizers want to pay tribute to soldiers throughout the country, especially those at home, said Candy Erickson, president of the Sage-n-Sun Festival Association.

"We are highlighting all of the armed services at the Sage-n-Sun, but we will focus on the 1161st," Erickson said, referring to the Ephrata-based Army National Guard transportation company that was shipped to Iraq in 2003.

Organizers have made tribute banners with photos of nearly all of the troops from that unit, she said, and Purple Heart winners from the unit who are home will be included in the celebration.

Tributes will also take place for the Company C 1-161st Infantry Battalion, based out of Moses Lake, Erickson said.

The band from the 133rd National Guard will perform outside the courthouse after the parade, which will last between an hour and a half and two hours Saturday morning, she said.

The Sage-n-Sun Festival is in its 95th year of existence.

Thursday

Cascade Amusements (Carnival) at Raceway

7 p.m. Rotary Youth Parade starts

Friday

7:30 p.m. Book Sale at Library ^ Wheatland Whirlers 7:30 p.m.

Open Practice - Ephrata Raceway Park

Dance ~ Courtesy of the Christian Motorcyclists Association at parking

lot of Moore Furniture

Saturday

Lions Fun Run

10 a.m. Pre-Parade

11 a.m. Grand Parade

Central Washington Late Model Challenge @ Ephrata Raceway Park

Beer Garden sponsored by American Legion Post 183

Methodist Church Pancake Breakfast

Ephrata Senior Center Luncheon

Parking Lot Yard Sales — Horse Shoe Tournament

Columbia Basin Carriage Club

7:30 p.m. Wheatland Whirlers ^ (at their building up at the Port of Ephrata)

Saturday and Sunday

Food Circus and Arts & Craft / Commercial Booths

Special "Fatherhood Initiative" activities

Courthouse Lawn ~ Pony Rides, Jumping Fun LTD, Train Rides, Pacific Pedal Cars, Jail & Bail Live Entertainment

American Legion & Elks Lodge special Patriotic Ceremony

Grant County Historical Museum,s "Living Museum