by S. Donahue | Mar 23, 2015 | COMMUNITY, NEWS
WOODBURN, Ore.—
The Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival continues to draw hundreds of visitors each year. With numerous activities, including a run and walk, the family friendly event remains a Northwest favorite.
The farm family ‘s history actually precedes the tulips for which they are so famous. Ross and Dorothy Iverson married in 1950 and purchased a farm the same year. In 1974, the family began growing tulips.
It was not until 1985 that the family opened their tulip fields to public perusal. In 2001, the farm took on the name of Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm.
Wooden Shoe Farm introduced a new event this year: the festival’s first photo contest. Visitors can submit photos of friends, family, or even beloved pets amidst the tulip fields to compete for cash prizes.
The tulip fields will remain open through May 3.
by H. Whisman | Feb 12, 2015 | COMMUNITY
Looking for fun date ideas this Valentine’s Day? Below is a list of 14 events around Oregon held this Valentine’s Day weekend.
Love Letters
Stumptown Stages presents the Pulitzer Prize-nominated play Love Letters by A.R. Gurney, starring Jack Bannon and Ellen Travolta. This story is told through the reading of letters that demonstrate lifelong friendship and romance.
Thursday, Feb. 12 to Saturday, Feb. 14; Brunish Theatre; $25-35
Smokey Robinson Live
Smokey Robinson performs with the Oregon Symphony at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall for his “Smokey and Friends” tour.
Saturday, Feb. 14; 7:30 p.m.; Arlene Schnitzer Hall; $25-137
Portland Spirit
The Portland Spirit offers two days of Valentine’s Day cruises, including a four course dinner and entertainment from The Bylines.
Friday, Feb. 13 & Saturday, Feb. 14; 7:00-9:30 p.m.; The Portland Spirit; $99 per person
Romance on the Rails
Mt. Hood Railroad provides a scenic ride and four-course meal for Romance on the Rails special.
Saturday, Feb. 14; 4:30-8:30 p.m.; Mt. Hood Railroad; $85 per person
Sausage Fest
Mt. Angel Wurstfest offer their seventh annual sausage fest complete with beer, live German music, and sausage from Mt. Angel Sausage Co.
Friday, Feb. 13 & Saturday, Feb. 14; 10:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.; Mt. Angel Festhalle; $5-10
Dance for Romance
The Bossanova Ballroom hosts live music, a poetry slam, belly dancing, burlesque, and acrobatics for singles or couples—no experience necessary.
Saturday, Feb. 14; 6:00 p.m.-3:00 a.m.; The Bossanova Ballroom; $10-160
Mardi Gras Ball
Celebrate Valentine’s Day, New Orleans carnival-style at Portland’s Mardi Gras Ball.
Saturday, Feb. 14; 7:30; Wonder Ballroom; $25-41
Romance in the Cellar
The Eola Wine Cellars in Rickreall, Ore. hosts Romance in the Cellar, a dinner complete with a full wine selection.
Saturday, Feb. 14; Eola Hills Wine Cellars; $99
Cabaret Cupid
Hillsboro’s Bag & Baggage Productions hosts their annual showing of “Cabaret Cupid” featuring David Saffert.
Saturday, Feb. 14; 7:30 p.m.; The Venetian Theatre; $30-50
Classic Country Duets
Some of Portland’s best country musicians perform classic country duets by Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris, Johnny Cash and June Carter, Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner, and many more.
Saturday, Feb. 14; 9:00 p.m.; The Secret Society; $10-12
Festival of Dark Arts
Fort George Brewery features over 60 brews of dark beer on tap at the Astoria Brewery.
Saturday, Feb. 14; 12:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.; Fort George Brewery; $10-30
Doll and Teddy Bear Show
Crossroads Doll and Teddy Bear Show features collections of collectible antiques including dolls, bears, miniatures, and books.
Saturday, Feb. 14; 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.; Kleiver National Guard Armory; $4-8
My Muddy Valentine
The city of Tualatin hosts “My Muddy Valentine” 5k obstacle run, providing food, drinks, music, and even warm showers.
Saturday, Feb. 14 & Sunday, Feb. 15; Lee Farms; $70
Wine & Chocolate Weekend
Over 20 wineries in the Columbia Gorge host chocolate & wine tastings and giveaways
Saturday, Feb. 14-Monday Feb. 16; Columbia Gorge Wineries in Washington and Oregon
by S. Donahue | Dec 29, 2014 | COMMUNITY
This year, have a blast celebrating the New Year with the whole family. Check out a venue in your area and prepare to party until the New Year – or until bedtime.
Remember, all TriMet rides will be free on December 31 after 8 p.m. And if you don’t make it out on December 31, check out the dozens of free “First Day” hikes available around Oregon on New Year’s Day.
Portland Area
New Years at Noon at Portland Children’s Museum
“Greasy Kid Stuff” will hold multiple New Years countdowns throughout the day, complete with a dance party and noisemaker crafts.
When: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Countdown times: 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12 p.m., 12:30 p.m. and 1 p.m.
Cost: Free with museum admission.
ZooLights
Tour the Oregon Zoo transformed into a sparkling winter wonderland with more than a million LED lights. Moving sculptures, animal silhouettes, and lighted trees delight every age.
When: 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Cost: Adults: $10, Seniors (65+): $8.50, Youth (3-11): $7, Infant (2 and under) & Zoo Members: Free.
New Year’s Dance for Young Children at Northwest Library
A party for the littlest of tykes, this celebration is specifically for children ages 0-5 and their parents. The festivities include dancing, games, activities and snacks and ringing in 2015.
When: 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Cost: Free. First come, first served.
Ring in the New Year with Mr. Ben at Mississippi Pizza
Munch on a scrumptious dinner while enjoying live entertainment from children’s performer Mr. Ben and his new band.
When: 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Cost: $5/family
New Year’s Eve All-Ages Skate Party at Oaks Park
It’s a party for all ages at Oaks Park Roller Rink’s Annual All Ages New Year’s Eve Skate Party. Besides skating, the festivities will include a prize wheel, party favors at midnight, and more.
When: 7 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Cost: $20.00 per skater. Includes conventional skates. Specialty Skate Rental: $1.75 – $5.00
Downtown Portland
New Year’s Eve in the Pearl
Craving a downtown date night without the kids? WeVillage drop-in playcare is hosting a New Year’s Eve night bringing a safe party experience to children aged 6-weeks to 12-years-old. The event includes party favors, an apple cider toast, and watching the ball drop (New York time). Early registration is suggested.
When: 6 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Cost: This Party is based on WeVillage regular hourly rates, plus $8 for dinner.
See the lights on Peacock Lane
Take a driving tour to gawk in awe of the neighborhood of Tudor houses and their elaborate Christmas light displays. Since the 1920s, each house in this quaint southeast neighborhood has been decorating with lights, nativity scenes, rotating Christmas trees and stunningly life-like replicas of Santa and Frosty.
When: 6 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Cost: Free!
Wilsonville
Noon Years Eve at Wilsonville Fun Center
Entry to the fun center includes all day unlimited use of Go-Karts, Lazer Tag, Miniature Golf, Bumper Boats, Max Flight Cyber Coaster, 28′ Rockwall, Sky Trail Ropes Course, Kidopolis Playland, Frog Hopper, and Video Games. A “Noon” Year’s Eve Countdown Celebration occurs midday.
When: All-you-can-eat pizza and soda buffet served noon – 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Cost: $20 per person.
Mount Hood
New Year’s Eve Celebration At Skibowl
This celebration boasts 27 years of a legendary firework extravaganza. From the all day skiing and tubing to the evening torch light parade and live DJ entertainment, this will be one fun-filled event.
When: All day until 2 a.m.
Costs: Vary.
Hillsboro
New Years Eve Bash at Out of this World
The OOTW will be hosting their annual Family New Year’s Eve Party, including DJ hosted Stellar Play, unlimited buffet, dessert with Bingo and giveaways!
When: 9 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.
Cost: $12 in advance, $15 at the door. 2 and under free.
Beaverton
New Year’s Eve Dancin’ Party at John’s Incredible Pizza
Dance in the New Year with family favorites of Hokey Pokey and Chicken Dance with IncrediBear at 9 pm and midnight. Plus there are unlimited rides and non-ticket games all night!
When: 7 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Cost: Packages start at $15
by A. Prideaux | Oct 21, 2014 | COMMUNITY
Oregon is returning to its rainy-state and its trees are changing colors — fall is here, and there is plenty to do. October offers numerous local and inexpensive/free events.
Here are five diverse events located around Silverton, Salem, and Portland areas:
1. Bauman Farms Pumpkin Patch and Fall Festival
Bauman Farms offers festive activities for the whole family through October 31. The attractions include a pumpkin patch, mazes, slides, apple tasting, hayrides, cider demos, and an animal barn.
Open Monday–Saturday from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Located at 12989 Howell Prairie Road, Gervais, OR. Admission is $5 on weekends. For more price information visit their website.
2. Literary Discussion group
If you love to read contemporary and classic literature, and want a free space to discuss books and meet other fellow book lovers, this event is for you. The group meets in the Plaza room at the Salem Public Library, located at 585 Liberty St. SE. The next events are October 22 and 29 from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
3. Men for Hope and Safety Community Engagement
Men for Hope and Safety works alongside the Center for Hope and Safety, a Salem organization serving victims and survivors of domestic violence, to engage men in conversation and provide resources to prevent domestic violence.
On October 23 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. the organization will provide a presentation and discussion about capacity building opportunities. The discussion is open to teens and adults. The center is Located in downtown Salem at 605 Center St. NE.
4. The Oregon Garden
The Oregon Garden offers more than 20 specialty gardens and features, which include waterfalls, quiet ponds, fountains, the 400-year-old Signature Oak, a Northwest Garden, a pet garden, and art.
The garden is open daily through October from 10 a.m.– 4 p.m. Located in Silverton at 879 W. Main St. Tickets range from $11 to $5 (ages four and younger are free).
5. Macbeth at the Pentacle Theater
A rendition of one of William Shakespeare’s darkest and most powerful plays. The play runs through October 25 and begins at 7:30 p.m.
The theater is located in Salem at 324 52nd Ave. NW. For tickets call 503-485-4300.
Wooden Shoe Farm introduced a new event this year: the festival’s first photo contest. Visitors can submit photos of friends, family, or even beloved pets amidst the tulip fields to compete for cash prizes.
