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Albany Visitors Association
122 Ferry St SW
Albany, OR 97321
PO Box 965
Phone:
541-928-0911
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Celebrating 2017’s National Historic Preservation Month
Albany has long been synonymous with history and heritage. From our concentrated “collection” of Victorian Era architectural wonders to our seasonal tours of historic sites, graveyards, and living history displays, our city is passionate about retaining its roots to the past. National Preservation Month is an opportunity to celebrate Albany’s historical treasure with events (most of them free) throughout May.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation encourages cities across the nation to raise awareness about the month-long event, and states that “Preservation Month was designed to raise awareness about the power historic preservation has to protect and enhance our homes, neighborhoods and communities – the places that really matter to us. It provides an opportunity to celebrate the diverse and unique heritage of our country’s cities and towns, and enables all of us to become involved in the growing preservation movement.”
The following events are planned to show-off Albany’s historical attractions, instill community pride, promote heritage tourism, and showcase the social and economic benefits of historic preservation:
May 1st – May 22nd
Hidden History Scavenger Hunt Photo Tour (sponsored by the Natty Dresser). Information and entry forms are available at the Albany Downtown Association, 126 SW Ferry St, Albany. Return your entries to the ADA by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, May 22, to be eligible to win a prize. The grand prize winner will be announced at the Preservation Awards ceremony on May 24th at the City Council meeting, 7:15 p.m., Albany City Hall, 333 Broadalbin Street SW. For more information contact the Albany Downtown Association at 541-928-2469.
May 1st – May 31st
A Historic Albany Display will be on hand at the Albany City Hall and the Albany Public Libraries. The event is presented by the City of Albany Landmarks Commission. The City Hall, Main Library and the Historic Carnegie Library show-cases will be filled with displays that are viewable during their regular business hours. Hours of operation: City Hall: Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., 333 Broadalbin SW. Main Library: Monday – Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Thursday – Friday 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Saturday – Sunday, 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., 2450 14th Avenue SE, 541-917-7580. Historic Downtown Carnegie Library: Monday – Friday 10:00 a.mm – 6:00 p.m., 302 Ferry Street SW, 541-917-7585. Free admission.
Albany’s Old Fashioned Farmers’ Market is open every Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Purchase hand-picked produce, fresh flowers, baked bread, local eggs and meats, and many other wonderful items. Located at 4th and Ellsworth, in the City Hall parking lot. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.locallygrown.org.
May 5th (Friday)
Come participate in the Friday Wine Walk in Historic Downtown Albany from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Over 20 wineries are participating. Sponsored by the Albany Rotary Club. For more information, telephone 541-928-0911, or stop by the Albany Visitors Association on Third and Lyon for ticket purchases. Adults over over 21 please.
May 6th (Saturday)
The City of Albany Landmarks Commission presents a window repair workshop with Chris Gustafson of the Vintage Window; class runs from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. This comprehensive class will include how vintage windows work, basic window repair techniques and simple maintenance techniques for homeowners. Space is limited, reservations required. For more information, telephone Shawna Adams, 541-791-0176 or email shawna.adams@cityofalbany.net. The workshop is free.
Albany Tweed Ride Meet at Monteith Riverpark at noon for an hour-long tour of historic Albany. The ride and tour is held in conjunction with the Albany Vintage Bicycle Show that opens at 1:00 p.m. at the Deluxe Brewery (see below). Vintage attire is encouraged—celebrate bikes, beer, and tweed! For more information, visit the event Facebook page.
The 4th Annual Albany Vintage Bicycle Show is presented by Deluxe Brewing Co. and runs from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at 635 NE Water Ave. Register online at www.deluxebrewing.com. View a collection of interesting, rare, and memorable vintage bicycles, and vote for your favorite to win the People’s Choice Award. 2017 Categories: Best Original Condition, Best Restored Condition, Best Custom Build, Best BMX (Freestyle or Race), Most Unique/Rare Bicycle. All ages welcome in the main brewery area. Tasting room open to 21 and over. Non-alcoholic drinks are available for purchase and there will be a local food truck on site. For more information email: albanybikeshow@gmail.com. Free Admission.
May 10th (Wednesday)
The Albany Regional Museum presents its brown bag lunch series “History Bites.” May’s presentation is on the Albany Fire Department, from 1862 to present day. Darrel Tedisch, a former Albany Fire Chief and current Board Chair of the Albany Regional Museum, is the featured guest speaker. This ongoing series is being offered the second Wednesday of each month at noon. Bring your own lunch. Beverages and light snacks provided. Regular museum hours are Tuesday – Friday, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., and Saturdays 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. The museum is located at 136 Lyon Street S. Visit their website at www.armuseum.com or telephone 541-967-7122 for more information. Admission to both History Bites and the museum is free.
Historic Downtown Walking Tour of 1st Ave. The event starts at 7:30 p.m. Meet at Burkhart Square (Lyon and First Ave). Learn about Albany’s historic architecture and history. Sponsored by the Natty Dresser. Telephone 541-979-9108 or visit www.monteithhouse.org for more information. Admission is free and donations can be made to the Monteith Historical Society.
May 12th – June 3rd (various dates)
Albany Civic Theater (ACT) is one of the oldest, best-known community theaters in Oregon. ACT is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization that takes pride in producing top-quality comedies, dramas, and musicals, as well as providing creative opportunities for local actors, technicians, and theater lovers. In the month of May, ACT presents “Sweeney Todd” (the musical), directed by Ken Long. ACT is located at 111 First Avenue W, in downtown Albany. For more information on ticket prices, performance dates and times, visit www.albanycivic.org
May 13th (Saturday)
Monteith House Museum’s Pre-Season Clean-up, is a community-driven effort. It runs 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., at the Monteith House on 518 2nd Ave SW. The Monteith Society will lead volunteers in some clean up and light maintenance of Albany’s oldest home. An Open House will follow the clean-up event from noon to 3:00 p.m. Telephone 541-928-0911 for more information.
The Albany Regional Museum presents the Historic Albany Railway Tour, at three times on Saturday: 10:00 a.m.,11:00 a.m., and 1:00 p.m. Assemble at 136 Lyon St S, and hop aboard Albany’s vintage trolley with Bill Maddy (Albany Regional Museum railroad historian) for a narrated ride on historic Albany railways. Guests are also invited to step inside the museum to see the expanded train station display. The story of how the railroad came to Albany is instrumental in the growth of our town. Reservations are recommended, so please telephone and reserve your ticket to board: 541- 967-7122. The tour is free.
The City of Albany Landmarks Commission presents a Walking Tour of Riverside Cemetery. Located at the west end of 7th Ave SW, meet at 6:30 p.m. at the main entrance. The 30 minute tour will feature the burial plots and markers of prominent locals, interesting stories, and examples of tombstone art and interpretation. The tour will take place if weather permits. Interested parties please RSVP k.kolkow@icloud.com. Admission is free.
May 17th (Wednesday)
The Historic Downtown Walking Tour of 2nd Ave will start at 7:30 p.m. Assemble at Burkhart Square (Lyon and First Ave). Learn about Albany’s historic architecture and history. Sponsored by the Natty Dresser, telephone 541-979-9108 or visit www.monteithhouse.org for more information. Admission is free, however, donations can be made to the Monteith Historical Society.
May 20th (Saturday)
The Masonic Cemetery Clean-up will take place from 9:00 a.m.- noon. Snacks will be provided. Assemble at 700 Broadway Street SW (west end of 6th & 7th Ave SW).
A Kitchen Talk and Tour will be presented by the City of Albany Landmarks Commission from 12:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Tour the kitchens of four historic Albany homes. Kitchens represented vary in time-period, originality, and style. Owners will give an overview, answer questions, and touch on the intelligent layouts of historic kitchens, difficulties in historic kitchen design (and how to overcome them), and styles and materials that are appropriate for the timeframe. Space for the tour is limited. Reservations are required and can be made through the City Planning Department at Albany City Hall, 333 Broadalbin Street SW. Telephone 541-791-0176 or email shawna.adams@cityofalbany.net. The tour is free.
May 21st (Sunday)
The Linn County Historical Society presents Stories from the Santiam Wagon Road. The event starts at 2:00 p.m. USFS volunteer and SWR advocate Marcia Morse will conduct the presentation at the Lakeside Center, located at the Mennonite Village, 2180 54th Avenue SE in Albany. All programs sponsored by the Linn County Historical Society are free and open to the public. Telephone 541-926-4680 for more information.
May 24th (Wednesday)
The Preservation Awards will take place during the Albany City Council meeting at 7:15 p.m., at the Albany City Hall, 333 Broadalbin Street SW. Telephone 541-791-0176 or email shawna.adams@cityofalbany.net for more information. The event is free.
May 28th – May 29th (Sunday and Monday)
Albany Masonic Cemetery Memorial Weekend Recognition. This self-guided cemetery walking tour starts at 700 Broadway Street SW. Information will be available on site. Questions? Contact jkgrif@comcast.net or telephone 541-967-1941. The tour is free.
What to do in Oregon in 2017
Get ready for an Oregon year to be remembered! Many travelers will visit Oregon for the very first time—particularly in late August when a Total Solar Eclipse will occur on the 21st. Oregon’s Willamette Valley is prime TSE viewing territory, and many locales along the eclipse route will feature special viewing activities, food, celebration, and drink, including Albany.
The new 2017 Oregon Events Calendar, published by Pamplin Media Group, can help you plan your vacation—whether you hail from New York or Newberg. The Albany Visitors Association will have a supply of the publication at their office soon, but until we do, check out the digital edition.
In addition to the eclipse, Oregon is home to numerous annual music festivals, cycling and paddling relays, brew smackdowns, winery and culinary tours, and other venues to taste and experience our state in an entirely new way throughout the year. So come on, join us this year in Albany, Oregon.
*For print copies, please contact AVA at 541-9288-0911. Copies can be mailed, or you can stop by the office at 3rd and Lyon Streets in Downtown Albany, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Food and Farms this April in Albany
Planting classes, farmer’s market, and a whole week of restaurant deals? It’s clear April is the foodiest month of the year in Albany. And if you’re not into food, don’t worry, we’ve got parades and acrobats too! Read on to find activities and events in and around Albany, Oregon this April.
Albany Farmers Market Opens for the Season
The 32-week farmers’ market season starts with fewer than 20 vendors with spring greens, radishes, rhubarb, honey, eggs meat cheese, baked goods, cut flowers, vegetable starts and other nursery plants
Saturdays 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., 4th & Ellsworth, City Hall parking lot, Albany, OR
Albany Restaurant Week
Come down to the 1st Annual Downtown Albany Restaurant Week. Don’t miss your chance to try out a new restaurant or get reacquainted with one you haven’t been to in a while. Ten outstanding locally owned restaurants are participating. Each one will have 3 $10.00 specials for you to try.
April 18th-24th, 2016, locations vary
Fun for kids and adults alike
Little Sprouts Create a Fresh Herb Planter at Garland Nursery
A great way to encourage a child to explore new foods is to have them take part in their growth. At this month’s Little Sprouts, we are creating yummy herb planters for each young gardener to take home, care for, and to spice-up family meals. Registration required call 541-753-6601. Cost is $7.00 per child.
Saturday April 9th, 2016
Procession of the Species Parade
Come and watch or participate in this annual parade, held in Historic Downtown Albany, at 4th and Broadalbin Streets, starting at the Courthouse steps. Calling all parade entrants! Celebrate Earth Day by signing up for the Procession of the Species Parade! Create a costume and come join the celebration.
Saturday April 23rd, 2016. Assemble 9:30 a.m. on the Court House Steps
Chinese Acrobats at Heritage Mall
Join us for a spectacular display of acrobatics from a group of traveling Chinese Acrobats! 541-967-8238 Ext. 202
Saturday April 23rd, 11:00 a.m. at Albany’s Heritage Mall
History Bites Brown Bag Lunch Series
Learn the fly-fishing history of western Oregon and find out about local fishing opportunities and how they fish them. You’ll also receive information about the necessary equipment and local resources for fly-fishing instruction.
Light Refreshments. Free Admission.
12:00 on Wednesday April 13th, 2016 at the Albany Regional Museum
Don’t see what you’re looking for this April? See all Albany events.
Albany is packed with interesting things to do and see. Check out these gems to enjoy anytime.
Albany Regional Museum
Open Tuesday through Friday: 11am to 4 pm. Saturday: 10am-2pm. A fun collection of Albany memorabilia, photos and artifacts make the museum a must see. 136 Lyon S, Albany. (541) 967-7122, armuseum.com.
Donations encouraged, free for members.
Albany’s Historic Carousel and Museum
Open Monday through Saturday: 10am to 4pm, Wednesdays till 9pm. 503 First West, Albany. (541) 791-3340, albanycarousel.com. Free
Antique & Collectable Shopping
Enjoy shopping antique & collectible shops in Historic Downtown Albany, albanydowntown.com
Covered Bridge Tour
Step back in time as you travel through the covered bridges of Linn County. Pick up a self-guided driving tour at the Albany Visitors Association.
Downtown Movie Night
Enjoy a movie in the atmosphere of the restored Pix Theater, one of the finest examples of commercial Queen Anne Architecture in the city of Albany. Open 7 days a week.
Pix Theater, albanypix.com, 321 2nd SW, (541) 967-SHOW. $.
Albany Civic Theater
Located in the Historic Regina Frager Auditorium. 111 West 1st Ave. PO Box 82, Albany, (541) 928-4603, albanycivic.org. $
Linn County Genealogical Society
An extensive assortment of historical and genealogical holdings are available for members and the general public in the Albany Public Library. 2450 14th Ave, Albany. (541) 791-1618, lgsoregon.org. Free.
The Linn County Historical Museum
Open Monday through Saturday from 11am to 4pm and on Sunday from 1pm to 5pm.
It is well worth several visits. It is housed in the relocated railroad depot and railroad cars at
101 Park Avenue in Brownsville. $
Did you know that two of world’s most famous magicians lived in Albany? Have you ever wanted to learn the stories behind the fancy tombstones in Albany’s historic graveyards? Do you simply love everything vintage, antique or retro? You’re in luck this May–it’s National Historic Preservation Month, and Albany is celebrating in a big way.
Don’t miss our May newsletter and check out our website for fun history-focused events coming in May.
For information contact the Albany Visitors Association
www.albanyvisitors.com
March 2016 springtime events in Albany, Oregon
Springtime in Oregon can be tricky. Sunshine tempts you one minute, showers soak you the next. No matter what the weather is, true Oregonians celebrate the imminent return of the sun pretty much non-stop in March, April and May. Read on to find our top picks for spring and Easter events in and around Albany, Oregon:
- Meet the Easter Bunny
If you have a kiddo in your life who would love to get a picture taken with a friendly, fuzzy bunny, visit the Easter Bunny at Heritage Mall between March 12th-13th and 17th-26th 2016, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sundays 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- March Kids Club at Heritage Mall, March 19th at 11 a.m.
Nothing says spring like the combination of kids + baskets + their favorite furry friend. Join in on the fun at the Easter Bunny for Breakfast.
- 6th Annual Easter Egg Hunt, Saturday, March 26th, 2016 at 10:00 a.m.
Team INSPIRE, Albany Parks & Recreation and the Albany Downtown Association are partnering to bring the 6th Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Monteith Park. On-site registration for children ages 0-12 will begin at 10:00 a.m. with the egg hunt beginning at 10:30 a.m. The fee is $5 per participant for the egg hunt.
For $10, you will also get your picture taken with the Easter Bunny and have lunch (hot dog, a side, and a drink). For more information about the event contact Ashley Custis or call 541-990-2194.
There will also be an old-fashioned egg roll for kids 3-12 beginning at 10:45 a.m. It’s amazing what fun you can have with a wooden egg, a paint stick, and duct tape! The top winner in each age group (3-5, 6-9, 10-12) will receive a ribbon and a prize. All participants will get a filled plastic egg. All money raised from the event goes to the American Cancer Society through Albany Relay For Life Team INSPIRE who is pairing up with the Albany Gems Dance Team to raise the funds.
Don’t wait until Easter to enjoy spring activities in and around Albany. Check out these offerings fit for the whole family.
- Family Night at the Albany Regional Museum, Wednesday, March 23rd, 4 – 7 p.m.
Fun for the entire family! See an illusionist, join in on the Easter egg hunt, play dress up and have your picture taken. There will also be crafts, a virtual train ride and you can play I SPY. Plus don’t miss the movie. “Night at the Museum” will be shown. For members and non-members alike.
Admission and refreshments are FREE!! For more information call 541.967.7122.
- I Run for Kids 5K/10 Mile
I Run for Kids is an annual fundraiser for the Albany Public Schools Foundation classroom grants program. Each year, teachers apply for grants for innovative projects in their classrooms. Funded projects have ranged from electronics, robotics, music instruments, as well as materials for art, school gardens, theatrical performances, and more.
$35-$45 Race Entry. For more information or to register for the race visit www.albanypsf.org or call 541-979-2773.
- Silver Falls State Park “Owl Prowl”
Practice your “Hoo-hooting” and enjoy an evening of feathered fun at Silver Falls Old Ranch. There will be fun hands-on owl activities and a dusk hike where you can try your luck at calling owls in the forest surrounding the Old Ranch. The event is free, but the usual $5 day-use parking fee applies. Visit their blog for more information or call (503) 874-0201
- Linn County Flea Market, Saturday, March 5 at the Linn County Fairgrounds
Don’t miss Linn County largest Flea Market. Early admission from 7:30-9am, $6.00 or regular admission from 9 a.m.- 2:30 p.m., $2.00. 3700 Knox Butte Rd E, Albany, Oregon (541) 619-5708.
- Northwest Race Car Show, March 19-20 at the Heritage Mall
View race cars displayed throughout the mall all weekend long.
- Northwest Fly Tyer & Fly Fishing Expo, March 11-12, 2016 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Learn from 200 Fly Tyers, see 50 exhibitors and observe casting demos. Plus, attend free daily fly fishing classes. Linn County Expo Center. $10.00 general admission.
If you’re planning a trip to Albany this spring or have family coming in to town for Easter, check out our listings of hotels, motels, and B&Bs! Some are offering special rates for Easter. Call the Albany Visitors Association staff at 541-928-0911, or e-mail info@albanyvisitors.com, and we’ll help you plan a spring trip to Albany, Oregon.
