This Parade is Legen-Dairy
Cloverdale Goes Red, White, and Moo
By By Chelsea Yarnell
A cow leading a parade is not something one sees everyday. And this is not just any cow, but “Clover,” an icon in the town of Cloverdale.
“I think that’s the thing that makes the Clover’s Day Celebration unique,” said Lead Volunteer John Seymour. “Clover the cow is the star of the show and the focus of the day.”
The cow-led parade is just one element of the 43rd annual Clover’s Day Celebration, traditionally hosted on the first Saturday in July. The upcoming event, with the theme of “Red, White and Moo!” will happen this Saturday, July 5.
“This year we have an emphasis on the Fourth of July, but also the town and area’s dairy heritage,” Seymour said. “So, you’ll see red, white and blue, flags and representations of cows and dairy farming.”
Kicking off the event will be the local fun run at 8:30 am. Hosted as a fundraiser for the Nestucca High School cross country team, participants will meet at the Cloverdale Bridge and have the option to join a 2 mile walk, or 5k or 8k run. The cost is by donation and no pre-registration is required.
At 10 am, the main festivities kick off with the opening of a vendor fair, with food, crafts and local organization information tables. Live music by Countryfied will set the downhome vibes.
“All the brick and mortar shops and businesses will also open at this time to showcase what they have to offer,” Seymour said. “Some will have samples or handouts; something different than they normally have.”
Family activities are planned throughout the day, including a petting zoo, face painting, ribbon wands, giant bubbles and a milk chugging contest.
At 11 am, spectators will line Parkway Road from Nestucca High School down the hill to Highway 101 for the parade, with Clover leading the way.
“We have 40 parade entrants ranging from walking brigades, cows, trucks, dory boats and all things in-between,” Seymour said.
The cow selected as “Clover” typically holds the role for several years.
“We pick a cow that is usually taken to fairs and is a little more trained to walk, be led and be around a lot of people and noises,” Seymour said. “This year’s cow is in her third year and is the granddaughter of one of our other Clovers from a few years ago.”
Being honored in the parade are Grand Marshalls Randy and Rose Wharton, lifelong residents of Cloverdale. Randy spent his career as a teacher and eventually principal of Nestucca High School. Rose worked in banking for 47 years and served on the Tillamook Bay Community College Board of Directors, where she was instrumental in establishing the South college building located at Nestucca High School.
“We select Grand Marshalls as a way to highlight either an individual or a couple that has gone above and beyond for the community in South Tillamook County,” Seymour said. “Whether it be an educator or business owner that has stood out as being impactful to people over a long period of time.”
At the conclusion of the parade, the live music, vendor fair and family activities will continue until 2 pm.
Commemorative Clover’s Day Celebration hats, sweatshirts and t-shirts will be for sale at the Rusty Cow in downtown Cloverdale. All proceeds from the sale will go towards supporting local celebrations.
Cloverdale is located 20 miles north of Lincoln City on Hwy 101. For more information and updates on the event, go to the Clover’s Day Celebration page on Facebook.