Hoppin’ to It: Hops, hot rods and happy memories

Summer is here! And that means it’s almost time for the Hubbard Hop Festival! The Hop Festival is celebrating its 51st anniversary this year and will include something for everyone: a parade, food and beverages, live entertainment, kids’ activities, a car show, bingo, and more!

This year’s Hop Festival takes place Saturday, July 19th, at Rivenes Park in the center of Hubbard. “We are thrilled to welcome back Mega Foods as our Title Sponsor this year,” says Hop Festival Board Member and Treasurer Andria Young. “Mega Foods is such a community-oriented business, and that’s what the Hop Festival is all about — coming together to celebrate our community!”

The annual parade, sponsored by Hubbard Chevrolet, begins at 10 a.m. Every year people line the streets to watch. “Everyone is welcome to be in the parade,” says Andria. “We love to see local businesses, churches, and community groups represented, as well as people driving cool cars, trucks, or tractors, or riding horses or bicycles.” Online preregistration is available, or you can sign up in person that morning.

After the parade, head to Rivenes Park where the main festival runs from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. The City of Hubbard is sponsoring the Kid’s Area, and there will be plenty to keep the little ones entertained, including inflatable games and slides, face painting, and more.

The Over the Hill Gang Car Club will be organizing this year’s Car Show, which is sponsored by 808 Automotive. Enter your car in the competition, or just walk through and marvel at all the shiny machines vying for first prize!

Across the park from the car show, you’ll find the annual Horseshoe Tournament, sponsored by Justin Stearns State Farm, where the best throwers from miles around will be competing to win the coveted championship hat.

Bingo, sponsored by Engelman Electric, will be played off and on throughout the day in the family-friendly, all-ages beer garden. There will also be raffle tickets for sale with lots of exciting prizes available to win.

Ratchet Brewing will be on hand to serve up some tasty beverages in the beer garden, and the Entertainment Stage will be sponsored by The Kennedy Group. All ages are allowed in to enjoy the live music and hit the dance floor. “There is no cover charge and we have some great bands lined up this year,” says Andria, including local favorite, Kelsey Bales. “It’s always such a treat to welcome Kelsey and her band to the stage. They all have ties to the Hubbard area and their music always has the crowd up on their feet!”

All these activities will have you working up an appetite, and the Food Court, sponsored by Hierba Buena, will be serving up some delicious food, including burgers and fries, corn dogs, Mexican food, coffee, Kona Shave Ice, and the famous Hubbard Firefighters sausage dinner.

There will be lots of fabulous vendors in the Marketplace area, sponsored by Boones Ferry Berry Farms. You’ll find everything from handmade jewelry, clothing, and crafts, to soaps, candles, pet supplies, and sweet treats.

“We are so thankful to be able to continue the tradition of Hubbard Hop Festival into its 51st year,” says Andria. “We couldn’t do it without the support of our sponsors, some of which have been with us for years, including Tacos Diana and Escape Salon, and some that are new, like NW Natural and Milburn’s Manor.”

“Come on out! Bring your family and friends! Hubbard is such a great community, and we have a lot to celebrate!”

Find us on Facebook @Hubbard Hop Festival for more information.