Patriotic Spirit Fills Sutter Buttes Day

Jun 08, 2026 05:03PM ● By Shamaya Sutton

Two boys paddle a red, white and gray cardboard boat across the pool during the June 6 Sutter Buttes Day cardboard boat races. Photo by Chris Pedigo [3 Images] Click Any Image To Expand

Two boys paddle a red, white and gray cardboard boat across the pool during the June 6 Sutter Buttes Day cardboard boat races. Photo by Chris Pedigo

SUTTER, CA (MPG) - The 48th annual Sutter Buttes Day brought a patriotic celebration to Sutter on Saturday, June 6, with a parade, car show, vendors, barbecue, free swimming and cardboard boat races.

Presented by the Sutter Youth Organization, this year's theme, "Stars, Stripes & Splashes," recognized the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States while bringing families together for one of the community's longest-running traditions.

The day began with the Sutter Buttes Day Parade, which traveled through town with decorated bicycles, cars and community participants. Organizers encouraged parade participants to decorate within the patriotic theme, although all were welcome to take part. Spectators lined the parade route to cheer on entries as they made their way through town, helping create a festive atmosphere throughout the morning.

Children cool off in the spray from a fire truck during the Sutter Buttes Day parade June 6. Photo by Chris Pedigo

This year also featured the second annual car show, which appeared to draw a strong turnout and added to the classic small-town atmosphere. Visitors spent the day browsing vendor booths, enjoying food and activities, and connecting with friends and neighbors.

One of the day's most popular attractions came during the cardboard boat races, where children tested handmade boats built from cardboard, duct tape and other recyclable materials in the pool. The challenge was simple but unpredictable: make it across the water before the boat capsized, sank or fell apart.

The races produced plenty of laughs as some boats successfully reached the finish line while others quickly gave way to the water. Combined with swimming, community activities and family-friendly entertainment, the event once again offered a full day of summer fun for all.