By TIM HIRSCH

of the Sun

With our nation’s 250th birthday knocking at the door, revitalized Cloverdale will roll out the welcome mat for all at its annual celebration of the area’s dairy heritage — as well as a chance to exhibit a little patriotic spirit — when they host the 44th annual Clover’s Day Celebration, Friday, July 3.

With the theme of “Red, White and Moo!” (for the second consecutive year), the event will once again be centered around a downtown parade that will wind its way from Nestucca Jr./Sr. High School down to Highway 101 and the downtown core. The parade will begin its route at 11 a.m. This year marks the first year the celebration is being organized by the Cloverdale Business Association, a new business organization boasting 20-plus businesses. The festivities continue to be supported by Pacific City-Nestucca Valley Chamber of Commerce, which provides financial assistance via event insurance and banking services.

“Both (the Fourth of July and the local dairy industry) are at the forefront (of what the parade is all about),” said Jay Ylvisaker, event publicist.

Past parades have included a wide range of entries — from the shining red fire engines to classic cars to tractors; color guards to utility trucks to musical entries. Earning the spotlight this year will once again be Clover the Cow, grand marshals Gordon and Nancy Whitehead, and Tillamook County Rodeo Queen Piper Armstrong, of South Tillamook County.

“It’s rooted in local history (and) local families that have been here for generations. It’s grown into an event that all kinds of people associate with Cloverdale,” said Ylvisaker. “It really reflects local pride and community and people wanting to celebrate together.”

“It’s the epitome of small town America and so many people love it,” added Athena Paradise, co-chair of CBA.

DEDICATED TO THE AREA

After teaching in Idaho, Virginia, and Portland, the Whiteheads moved to the coast for jobs at Neskowin Valley School, then worked in Nestucca Valley School District schools. Between them, they taught in the educational system for 53 years.

The couple bought 5 1/2 acres in downtown Hebo in 1990 and have spent the last 36 years planting to shade the water for the salmon going up Three Rivers, and growing vegetables and ornamental gardens near the house, with an emphasis on native plants that support wildlife systems.

The Whiteheads have two sons and two grandsons and love seeing their children — and their students. Working as the South County Celebration of Language and Literacy since 2002, they give books to children at the Tillamook County Health Centers, the ESD, food pantries and community events — like Clover’s Day.

Nancy’s work with the Library Club and Library Foundation since 2012 has her excited about the upcoming library branch — and all the other improvements in Beaver. 

Ready to Race?

Adding some adrenaline to the festivities will be a pair of races that will begin on the Cloverdale Bridge. Runners and walkers can choose between a 5K and 8K that will begin at 8:30 a.m. The runs will take competitors on an out-and-back course along Old Woods Road. There is no registration fee, but donations will be accepted for this fundraiser for the Nestucca High School Track & Field and Cross Country programs. 

Vendors, Music & More

Also prior to the parade, there’ll be plenty of activities to get in the festive mood including a wide range of vendors selling food, crafts and local goods.

“We’ve got a great bunch of vendors,” Paradise told the Sun. “We’ve got lots of arts and crafts. We’ve got jewelry makers. We’ve got some wonderful food (including) cookies and cakes. And we’ve got a booth with 16 kinds of pastas — olive oils, balsalmic vinegars, and salts — (and) gluten free (pastas).”

And for a little energy, the first set of music by rockers Radio Riot will begin at 10 a.m. Comprised of lead guitarist Dan Polidori, drummer John Parman, bassist Troy Phipps, guitarist Steve Esnard and lead vocalist Leo Curry, the Radio Riot is a five-piece rock dance cover band that specializes in playing music from the past five decades 

Both prior to and after the march through the town’s core, attendees can visit the vendors and kids can get their face painted. Afterwards, the Radio Riots will fire up their amps once. As well, a petting zoo and ice cream booth will tempt all on the north end of town; and a milk chugging contest, next to Nestucca Bay Creamery, will give all-comers the chance to compete for top honors.

“(It’s all about) just bringing community together. That’s what I enjoy about it — seeing everyone come out of the woodwork to come together,” says Ylvisaker. “It’s great for kids. There’s lots of activities and vendors and fun things to do. It’ll be exciting for kids for sure.”

For more information about the 2026 Clover’s Day Celebration, visit https://cloverdaleoregon.com/clovers-day.

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