Wells Fargo stagecoach to roll in Madras parade

One lucky young artist will be among those riding inside a Wells Fargo historic overland stagecoach during the 100th annual Fourth of July Parade on Friday, July 4 .

The local Wells Fargo bank is holding a coloring contest for children up to age 16. The winner will ride inside the stagecoach, along with an adult.

Entry forms can be obtained at the Madras Chamber of Commerce or the local Wells Fargo branch at 14 S.W. E St. during business hours Monday through Saturday . The entry deadline is 5 p.m. on June 26 . The winner will be notified the next day. For more information call (541) 475-2204 .

Organized by the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce, the parade will start at 11 a.m. in front of Madras High School. The entries will travel around Sahalee Park and wind up back at the high school.

The parade’s theme this year is “Jefferson County: Celebrating 100 Years.” The event usually lasts about a half hour and is expected to draw up to 1,000 spectators.

The historic stagecoach is part of Wells Fargo’s storied western legacy. Riding inside the stagecoach on July 4 will be employees of Wells Fargo’s bank branch in Madras. District Manager James Weber will follow the stagecoach on foot and be in charge of horse cleanup.

“Our stagecoach is a symbol of coming through for our customers,” said branch service manager Caren Pilkington. “We are dedicated to providing excellent customer service and building strong partnerships with our customers. This is a business philosophy that has been a Wells Fargo tradition for more than 162 years.”

Wells Fargo has 21 stagecoaches that participate in community events. They are full-size replicas of the original stagecoaches that Wells Fargo used from 1852 through the turn of the century to carry passengers, mail, express material and gold throughout the West. Last year an estimated 29 million people a cross the nation viewed a Wells Fargo stagecoach at almost 790 community events.