Sage‑N‑Sun festival draws crowds with parade, music and drone show

A drone show illuminated over the Grant County Courthouse.
HEATHER BOEN/COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD

A water truck sprays attendees Saturday during the Sage-N-Sun parade.

Ephrata High School band and cheerleaders march down Basin Street Saturday.
NANCE BESTON/COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD

Sage-N-Sun parade participants get ready for the event to start Saturday.

Vintage cars drive down Basin Street waving at parade attendees.

The Ephrata Baseball team throws candy to parade participants Saturday during the parade

A group of people roller skate down Basin Street Saturday during the Sage-N-Sun parade.

Ephrata Mayor Steve Oliver, right, and his son Brooks Oliver, left, participate in the parade together.

A mariachi band plays music for parade attendees Saturday.

Candy flies through the air Saturday during the annual Sage-N-Sun parade.

A dirt bike rider pops a wheelie during the parade Saturday.

A parade participant throws candy at young parade attendees Saturday during Sage-N-Sun.

A tractor rolls down Basin Street Saturday during the Sage-N-Sun parade.

| June 16, 2026 3:50 AM

EPHRATA — Under a clear June morning sky, the Sage‑N‑Sun festival unfolded in familiar rhythm Saturday, opening with the hum of early footsteps as runners gathered for the 8 a.m. fun run – the 36th in Ephrata’s history. The quiet determination of the course soon gave way to a day defined by movement, color and community.

Soon after, along the streets near Ephrata High School, the parade assembled in a mix of chrome, dust and anticipation. Cars, trucks, tractors and horses rolled forward before winding up C Street Northwest and down Basin Street, transforming the route into a corridor of celebration.

Candy arced through the air in bright flashes, bubbles drifted above the crowd and participants waved as families lined the sidewalks. For nearly an hour, the street belonged to the spectators – especially children darting forward to collect sweets and small treasures tossed their way.

For Mayor Steve Oliver, it was a milestone moment – his first Sage‑N‑Sun parade in office, shared alongside his son, Brooks Oliver.

“I had to talk him into it, but he did like it once we got started,” Oliver said. “He had a blast. All his friends were seeing him, and he was smiling – a little embarrassed – but having a great time.”

Elsewhere, the competition took on a different form. At nearby courts, the bounce of basketball and the echo of quick passes marked the 3‑on‑3 tournament, where local teams played through the midday heat in pursuit of a championship.

Throughout the day, Oliver said what stood out most was the level of participation across the festival.

“I thought it was better than it’s been in a long time,” he said, crediting parade organizer Susy Anderson and the Ephrata Chamber of Commerce. “They really outdid themselves this year. It was full all three days. Usually, people burn out after the first day, but everyone was there, experiencing it the whole time.”

Beyond the main events, Oliver spent much of the festival connecting with vendors and local businesses.

“I just spent time talking to people, asking how they liked it here, how their businesses were doing, if there’s anything we can do for them,” he said. “It never hurts to reach out and make sure they know they’re appreciated.”

As the afternoon softened into evening, Sage‑N‑Sun shifted gears again. Music spilled across the gathering crowd near the Grant County Courthouse, where Soul Siren opened with a set of 1970s and 1980s hits. 90’s Rewind followed, carrying the audience into the soundtrack of the 1990s and early 2000s. The performances drew people closer together, turning the space into a shared scene of memory and motion.

“The turnout was amazing, and the bands were all good,” Oliver said. “You didn’t see people leaving – everyone stayed, enjoyed themselves and kids were just having fun.”

By nightfall, attention turned upward. A drone show illuminated the sky, marking America’s 250th birthday with coordinated light displays – smiley faces, soaring eagles and bold red, white and blue “USA” formations hovering above Ephrata.

“I’m always impressed with those,” Oliver said. “It’s something newer for us, and I’m glad we’re bringing those kinds of attractions here. People really needed something fresh to keep the excitement going.”