Find Us
Albany Visitors Association
122 Ferry St SW
Albany, OR 97321
PO Box 965
Phone:
541-928-0911
Newsletter
Explore Albany, Discover your story
An Oregon truffle feast
A festival of intersecting food trails
What do wild Oregon grown and harvested truffles have in common with James Beard and Albany, Oregon? Quite a bit as it turns out—and the recent Oregon Truffle Feast at Sybaris Bistro illustrates the connection perfectly.
Master cook James Beard was a writer, teacher, and champion of American cuisine. Born in Portland, Oregon, Beard was a big fan of Oregon’s truffles that at times, are dismissed by European chefs as “false truffles.”
Beard was still a young cook when he established his home and career in New York City. He authored cookbooks, became a television cooking show personality, and opened a cooking school in Manhattan (as well as Seaside, Oregon). In the 1950s he was dubbed “… the face and belly of American gastronomy,” as noted by David Kamp in the book The United States of Arugula.
Beard’s legacy for cooking with fresh local and seasonal ingredients was handed down to many a talented chef after he passed away in 1985. His personal home in New York City became part of a working foundation that showcases talented chefs and regional American cooking.
To cook at James Beard House is an honor for chefs—and Sybaris Bistro’s owner, Matt Bennett, is no exception.
An Oregon Truffle Feast
Chef Bennett was invited for his third appearance at Beard House this January, where he served his unique interpretation of Pacific Northwest Cuisine—building a seven course menu featuring wild Oregon truffles.
In preparation for the New York dinner, Bennett and his team prepared and hosted two Albany, Oregon-based suppers to coincide with Oregon’s Truffle Festival. Both dinners were sold out almost as soon as they were announced.
Menus for the Albany and James Beard House dinners were similar with minor variations. They both featured a series of gastronomical delights such as hazelnut foie gras with black truffle, black truffle miso marinated black cod, double white truffle pheasant breast with truffle buttered cabbage, and the pièce de résistance: a black truffle pot de creme with hazelnut oil gelato and truffle and hazelnut streusel.
All ingredients, including wine pairings, were sourced by Bennett, his wife Janel and staff. They were transported by the Sybaris team in a series of coolers shipped in place of personal luggage. Carefully watched over and guarded, the truffles, black cod, pheasant, Dungeness crab, and Oregon grown vegetables safely arrived in New York.
A local culinary genius
AVA was lucky enough to have a seat at Sybaris’ truffle feast. Chef Bennett regaled diners with tales about Oregon truffles, the reasons behind the menu he created, and a bit about James Beard’s gastronomical history and the famous house where his truffle feast will be served.
We delighted not only in Sybaris’ ambience, with its enormous fireplace and cozy crackling fire, exposed brick walls, plank tables, starched napkins and stellar tableside service, but in chef’s creativity and delicious sense of humor.
A sometimes overlooked ingredient (pig’s foot!) was used to construct a sausage-like croquette with wild mushrooms and white truffle verjus. Bennett’s unusual selection was a tongue and cheek homage to the French method that utilizes pigs to harvest truffles. Bennett is known for playing with ingredients and creating dishes that are metaphors for their inspiration.
Sybaris Bistro’s dinner menus change monthly, featuring locally sourced fresh ingredients in season. It’s no wonder Bennett captured the attention of the James Beard Foundation—he warm-heartedly embraces the core Beard value to cook with what is available within reach.
If you want to experience Sybaris in a Beard-like manner, stay tuned to their Facebook and website. Bennett and his culinary team create special themed dinners to celebrate holidays with limited dining events such as “A Dickens Dinner” or Valentines Day. These menus typically feature multiple courses with additional wine pairings. They’re a great way to jump into Bennett’s “style de cuisine” and either celebrate the end to an extended weekend or start one out.
Whatever draws you to Albany, a visit to Sybaris Bistro should definitely be part of your travel itinerary.
*Blog content copyright 2019 by AVA, written by Maddie MacGregor
What to know if you go
Although not required for regular dinner service, reservations are advised. Sybaris is enormously popular with the locals as much as with culinary travelers. Specially themed dinner events almost always sell out ahead of time, so reserve early for holidays or farm-to-table or Thanksgiving benefits.
Sybaris is located at 442 First Ave W, in Albany, Oregon. The bistro is closed Sundays and Mondays, and open from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Telephone 541-928-8157 for reservations. Check out the monthly menus (gluten-free included) on their website at https://sybarisbistro.com
Winners – 2018 holiday light contest
Albany Visitors Association is proud to announce the winners of our 2018 Annual Night Time Magic Holiday Light Program. The winning displays can be seen at the following addresses:
“Traditional & Eclectic,” 2110 Geary St SE, Albany, OR 97322
“Christmas Joy,” 3849 Oakmont Loop NE, Albany, OR 97322
“Animals’ Christmas Party,” 531 Fairmont Drive NE, Albany, OR 97322
“Candy Cane Come Back,” 3522 Pacific Blvd SW, Albany, Oregon 97321
“Holiday Greetings in Historic Albany,” 401 Main St SE, Albany, OR 97321
“Sharing Holiday Cheer Inside and Out,” 503 West First Ave, Albany OR 97321
“Traditional Christmas,” 222 4th Ave SE
Winners receive an awards certificate and a $50 gift card to Albany’s first-run movie house, The Pix Theatre. Photos of the winning homes will also be on display at the Pix. Download a PDF of the locations map or stop by AVA at 110 3rd SE (on the corner of 3rd and Lyon) and ask for a printed copy.
Selected winning entries to the Night Time Magic Program are determined by a panel of judges who conduct drive-by sightings between December 10th and 15th. Homes must have been formally entered into the contest.
This is the 31st year that Albany Visitors Association has helped to make the holidays bright with this community-wide contest. If you are interested in being a part of the 2019 contest next December, contact the Albany Visitors Association, 110 3rd Ave SE, 541-928-0911 or sign up for our e-newsletter to receive future announcements.
Thank you to all the homeowners who participate in this program, without your efforts, this wonderful community tradition would not be possible.
Don’t forget to visit some of the winners from last year (list below) to see what they might be up to this year. We heard that the Piedmont Avenue cul-de-sac isa study in motion and color!
Holiday Light Award winners 2017
2017
- Piedmont Christmas Cul-de-sac, 6127 Piedmont Pl SW, Albany, OR 97321
- It’s the Most Magical Time of the Year, 3849 Oakmont Loop NE, Albany, OR 97322
- Let There be Light, 797 Fairmont Drive NE, Albany, OR 97322
- Candy Cane Colored Cape Cod Colonial, 1122 11th Ave SW Albany, Oregon 97321
- Holiday Greetings in Downtown Albany, No Dinx Inc., 139 SE 1st Ave, Albany, OR 97321
It’s huge – Christmas Storybook Land
What exactly is Christmas Storybook Land? Recently, Alex Paul, Linn County Reporter for the Democrat Herald, wrote this article about the 2018 show. The free family event takes place every year at the Linn County Fair & Expo Center in Albany, Oregon. Read on to discover more and plan your next holiday trip to the Willamette Valley.
The 42nd Christmas Storybook Land
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the Linn County Fair & Expo Center, because hundreds of volunteers have been working like Santa’s elves to create the 42nd annual Christmas Storybook Land.
Thousands of colorful holiday lights have been strung on cables 10 feet in the air, some 1,300 Christmas trees donated by Weyerhaeuser are standing tall and more than 450 bears of all sizes and shapes have emerged from hibernation to welcome more than 40,000 guests over the next two weeks.
“We keep growing every year,” said volunteer and board member Joyce Moreira. “We’re working against the clock right now, but we’ll make it by Thursday night when we have a special viewing for volunteers and sponsors. We call it our VIP night. We open for the public Friday at 6:30 p.m.”
Moreira said she became a volunteer in 2005 after she retired from a 35-year career in the business division at Linn-Benton Community College.
“I live down the street and I used to bring my son to Christmas Storybook Land every year,” she said. “We are seeing third-generations coming now.”
For many years, Jim Stinson of Corvallis spent Monday through Friday in the cab of a semitruck hauling lumber products to southern California and glass back to Oregon and Washington.
But now the bearded Stinson is more grounded in the mid-valley and says he enjoys seeing the faces of children light up when they see the colorful Storybook Land displays. And, since the man with the white beard looks good in a bright red suit and cap, he gets to see those faces up close.
“I just love kids,” said Stinson, whose wife Linda also volunteers.
“Of course, Santa’s House is my favorite display. I think kids make the world go round.”
On Wednesday afternoon, he was busy “sweeping up,” just one of many daily chores needed to keep progress moving forward.
Volunteer Faye Creecy said this year’s overall theme is “Star Wars” and will feature a new display: local kids dressed as characters from the franchise and a visit by the Cloud City Garrison of the 501st Legion and Kashyyyk Base, with the help of Concordia Clan of the Mandalorian Mercs Costume Club and Astromech R2 Builders Club.
The Star Wars re-enactors will be at Christmas Storybook Land from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec. 9.
Creecy said children will especially enjoy the Grinch scene, the new moving saw at the Paul Bunyan display, and the numerous costumed characters walking around.
“The Our Town display is really coming together,” she said. “It’s really good-looking.”
Creecy said volunteers are especially proud of a new 9-foot train covered with lights and features moving wheels. It sits in the courtyard.
Tuesday through Friday, children through third grade (with their parents) are encouraged to come visit Santa and Mrs. Claus from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Last year, nearly 4,000 children took part.
Volunteer and former board member Monte James was busy setting up Christmas trees Wednesday and said he has been a volunteer for about 15 years. He became one at the suggestion of Christmas Storybook Land co-founder Don Albright.
“I used to attend Christmas Storybook Land when I was a kid at the old fairgrounds,” James said.
James said he put up about 500 trees and helped string the row-upon-row of metal cables that hold lights for all of the displays.
“He’s an all-around helper,” Creecy said of James’ skills.
She also reminded families to bring their cameras.
It takes 11 semitrailers to hold all of the scenery, costumes, lights and other equipment used to make Christmas Storybook Land come to life.
Last year, more than 27,000 food items were donated to Fish of Albany and 40,280 people attended the event over its two-week run.
The all-volunteer organization is headed up by a board of directors including: President: Carol Wood; Vice-President: Bonnie Brown; Secretary: Joyce Moreira; Treasurer: Teresa Stout; Brian Baker, Marcie Barksdale, Bonnie Brown, Terry Burke, Tami Chaput, Faye Creecy, Karen Dahlinger, Sara Frazer, Tia Gilbert, Brad Hamlin, Derral Hunt, Kymberly McPhie, Joyce Moreira, Linda Morris, Lisa Muller, Richard Muller, Kimberly Samard, Paul Schmierer, Patty Skinner and Teresa Stout.
The Linn County Fair & Expo Center hosts the annual event at no charge.
*From an article by Alex Paul (abbreviated) published November 29, 2018
What to know if you go
CHRISTMAS STORYBOOK LAND
Where: Linn County Fair & Expo Center, 3700 Knox Butte Road
Admission: Free, but non-perishable food items; toys for Marine Corps Toys For Tots, accepted
Hours: Nov. 30-Dec. 14: Monday through Thursday, 6:30-8:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m; Fridays, Dec. 7 and Dec. 14: 2 to 8:30 p.m. Wheelchairs and assistance can be provided.
More information: www.christmasstorybookland.org.
Holiday Night Time Magic Light Contest – 2018
Once again, the Albany Visitors Association is helping to make the holiday season bright by sponsoring the 31st Annual Night Time Magic Holiday Light Program. Residents are encouraged to enter this contest for the best home/business light displays.
Three winners will be selected and one group entry will be awarded the “Best Neighborly Effort.” Winners will be entitled to bragging rights for the entire year, and one of three fabulous prizes as determined by the prize committee. Be a part of Historic Albany’s “Magic!”
The contest is an annual tradition to help the city celebrate the season and create holiday lights for residents and visitors to enjoy. Participants are encouraged to share the source for their inspiration such as: family tradition; favorite holiday book, movie or special; music, dance or art; special collection; just lights, lights and more lights—the more the merrier!; or your own idea or inspiration for creating the display.
Rules
- Entries must be within the city limits of Albany.
- Homeowners are encouraged to use lights to illuminate their yard decorations.
- Lights need to be on from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. December 1, 2018 – January 1, 2019. (If entry form submitted after Dec 1st, you have until December 9th to display lights.)
- Entries for “Best Neighborly Effort” must have three or more partners in a concentrated area.
- Entry/Nomination Deadline: 5:00 p.m. on December 9, 2018.
Entry forms can be picked up (or requested via e-mail: info@albanyvisitors.com) and returned to Albany Visitors Association at 110 3rd Ave SE, Albany, OR 9732.
Winners will be announced by December 15, 2018 and prize distribution made soon after.
People wishing to drive the route to look at the entries can pick up a list of participants and a map at the Albany Visitors Association beginning December 15, 2018. Lights will be up through January 1, 2019.
Thank you to all the homeowners who participate in this program, without your efforts this wonderful community tradition would not be possible.
Previous Holiday Light Award Winners
2017
- Piedmont Christmas Cul-de-sac, 6127 Piedmont Pl SW, Albany, OR 97321
- It’s the Most Magical Time of the Year, 3849 Oakmont Loop NE, Albany, OR 97322
- Let There be Light, 797 Fairmont Drive NE, Albany, OR 97322
- Candy Cane Colored Cape Cod Colonial, 1122 11th Ave SW Albany, Oregon 97321
- Holiday Greetings in Downtown Albany, No Dinx Inc., 139 SE 1st Ave, Albany, OR 97321
2016
- 3849 Oakmont Loop NE, Albany, OR 97322
- 2035 Jefferson St SE, Albany, OR 97321
- 255 Country Club Ln NW, Albany OR 97321
- 1327 NW North Albany Rd, Albany, Oregon 97321
2015
- 222 Fourth Avenue SE, Albany OR 97321
- 1000 Lincoln St SW, Albany OR 97321
- 2905 Lawnridge St SW, Albany OR 97321
- 140 First Avenue West, Albany, Oregon 97321
2014
- 627 Broadalbin SW, Albany OR 97321
- 4160 Evergreen Street SE, Albany OR 97322
- 2110 Geary Street SE, Albany OR 97322
- 2670 Kingston Way NW, Albany OR 97321
- Washington Street houses, block 600
2013
- 514 NE 13th Ave.
- Santa on the rooftop view from Bridge & Water Ave.
- 5th Avenue SW, block 800
- 630 Seventh Avenue SW
History, Holidays, and Horses
Are you a romantic soul yearning for a Victorian Christmas? If so, you really need to know about the Albany Annual Christmas Parlour Tour of Historic Homes and Buildings. Coming up on Sunday, December 9, 2018, from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., the 39th annual tour will feature beautifully decorated historic houses, museums, churches, historic library, and a downtown loft. This is one of only two tours offered per year that include interiors of historic homes.
(*Win tickets to this event; see below in the “Win free tickets” section!)
Father Christmas will be out with an enormous bag of treats and the Monteith House and Museum will be lit by oil lamp and fire-light, warming your spirit.
Chafin Farms’ beautiful draft horses will merrily transport you around the historic districts with sleigh bells jingling, and the antique trolley will transport you back to a different era. Tour participants will be encouraged to ring the church bell at Whitespires Church and the fireplace will be crackling at the Carnegie Library.
While the tour is considered “self-guided,” you can ride either the trolley or the horse and wagon around to each stop (this is included in the ticket price) or drive your own car, trek by bike or two legs, or any other mode of alternative transportation. A map will be provided the day of the tour.
This jolly holiday event includes refreshments and loads of happiness, all for the ticket price of $15. Tickets can be purchased ahead of the tour online or the day of the tour, at Albany Visitors Association.
Win free tickets
We will be giving away three pairs of tickets ($30 value) to the tour! Simply subscribe to our monthly events e-newsletter between November 20th and December 1st to be entered in the drawing. Current subscribers are included. We will contact winners on December 4th.
A Dickens Christmas Dinner Benefit at Sybaris
After the Parlour Tour, you have an opportunity to attend an absolutely divine benefit supper. Sybaris Bistro will host a “historic” dinner at their restaurant on December 9th at 5:00 p.m. This dinner is the fourth “Let Kids be Kids,” event, and will raise funds for local underprivileged children to ride the Albany Historic Carousel.
The menu includes chilled pheasant pie with wassail jelly, goose “ham,” pease porridge, mock turtle soup, smoked trout kedgeree, roasted pork loin with sugar plum gravy, roasted potatoes, plum pudding with hard sauce, real English Stilton, fruits and nuts, and oat biscuits.
The cost is $50 per person, $75 with wine pairing; gratuity not included. Please, don’t be a Scrooge, raise your glasses for kids who need passes! Telephone Sybaris for the all important reservation: 541-928-8157.
The Thriller Month of October in Albany
20 things to do in and about town
October 5th – First Friday at Gallery Calapooia From 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Gallery Calapooia will hold an artists’ reception for Susan Bourdet (watercolors) and Pat Spark (hand-dyed felt imagery). Come enjoy the evening with refreshments and old and new friends in Downtown Albany. The gallery is located at 222 W 1st.
October 6th – Albany Fire Dept. Treasure Hunt Save the date for a day of family fun at the Albany Fire Department Treasure Hunt. The fun begins on Saturday at 9:00 a.m. and runs until 1:00 p.m. Get in on engine rides, station tours, firefighter challenges, snacks and treats. Visit the AFD Facebook page for more info at Albany Fire Department.
October 6th and 7th – RaSani Body, Mind, and Spirit Fair Tranquil sounds, fragrances and moments are coming via practitioners of the healing and meditative arts at the Linn County Fair & Expo Center, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more info, visit the RaSani Fair Fall Expo Facebook page.
October 10th – History Bites at the Albany Regional Museum Come take a break on Wednesday the 10th at noon at the free monthly History Bites presentation. This month author Jeff Davis, military historian and paranormal researcher will discuss “Haunted Oregon.” Jeff will have copies of his books Ghosts, Critters, and Sacred Places of Washington and Oregon, and A Haunted Tour Guide to the Pacific Northwest available for purchase. Although History Bites is free, donations are greatly appreciated. Refreshments will be served. The museum located at 136 SE Lyon St. If you would like more information on Jeff Davis, visit http://www.ghostsandcritters.com/aboutjeffdavis.html
October 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, and 18th, 19th, 20th – “Once Upon A Mattress” Check out the new fall community theater production at the Albany Civic Theater This classic musical is an adaptation of the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale “The Princess and the Pea.” Set in a fictional medieval kingdom ruled by the devious Queen Aggravain, a mute king Sexitmus suffers from a curse. Head over to ACT’s website for the full performance schedule and ticket information at http://www.albanycivic.org
October 12th – All Ages Pumpkin Decorating From noon until 5:00 p.m. at the Albany Art Studio. Cider, decorations, and gourds—OH MY! The studio provides the decorations and pumpkins. If you have a special gourd, feel free to bring it along, but don’t worry if you don’t have one, pumpkins will be available for purchase. This event is free (except for pumpkin purchases). Register online at: https://www.albanyartstudio.com/events/pumpkin-decorating
October 13th – Annual Oregon Mennonite Festival Come see the absolutely drop-dead gorgeous quilt display at this annual festival that benefits the World Relief Fund. Starting at 7:30 a.m., feast on a delicious egg casserole or baked goods. After you shop at the vendor fair featuring books, fair trade gifts, quilt supplies and more, enjoy a taco salad, pulled pork sandwich, sausage dogs and soups for lunch. The fair is held this year at the Linn County Fair & Expo Center on Knox Butte Rd. For more information, visit the event website .
October 13th and 27th – Cider Pressing at Thompson’s Mills Ready for sweet apple cider? Come squeeze your own on a historic press for a small donation. Thompson’s Mills State Heritage Site brings back their popular fall event from last year. The two Saturday hours run from noon until the apples run out, so come early. Take a short drive from Albany to Shedd, 32655 Boston Mill Dr. For more information, telephone 541-491-3611.
October 18th, 19th, 20th – Oktoberfest at Three Sheets Brewery The brewery and pub will be outfitted in festival decor and boast a new food menu special for this event. There will be raffle drawings with prizes, and for every beer you buy, you’l be entered into the drawing. If you wear lederhosen or dirndl to the festival, you’ll receive an extra raffle ticket and $1 off your first beer. Hours: Thursday, 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.; Friday, 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.; Saturday, 1:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Three Sheets is located at 136 SW 1st Ave in Downtown Albany. For more information telephone 541-791-7311.
October 19th, 20th, 21st, 26th, 27th, 28th, 30th, 31st – Morningstar Grange Haunted House The grange is hosting a fun and spooky fundraiser for the Jefferson Fire Department Christmas Basket Program and the Albany Gleaners. Admission is $5 per person or five cans of non-perishable food. The Haunted House hours are: Oct 19th and 20th: 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.; Oct 21st: 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Oct 26th and 27th: 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.; Oct 28th and 30th: 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.; October 31st: 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Visit the event Facebook page for more info: https://www.facebook.com/hauntedhouseatmorningstargrange/
SOLD OUT!!! Trolley of Terror Albany’s most popular Halloween activity is fast approaching sold out status! The dates noted are the only nights with time slots still available for the family to enjoy a fun-filled trip on the decorated trolley through historic downtown. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children age 12 and under. Pre-paying is the only way to make sure you are added to the tours. Please call our office to reserve your spot now or stop in to see us at 110 3rd Ave SE; we are open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
SOLD OUT!!! October 20th and 29th – VIP Ghost Hunt The tickets to this VIP event benefit the non-profit Monteith House Museum. Only 10 brave ghost-busters will be admitted (to the reportedly haunted house) for the nearly three-hour hunt each Saturday, from 10:30 p.m. until 1:00 a.m.—featuring professional paranormal researchers with recording equipment. Tickets to the exclusive hunt are $50 each. Come join this spooky adult only event—tickets are sold entirely online with our new secure ticketing plug-in.
October 20th – Boo Boogie Bash and Rodeo Get ready to party! Bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, barrel racing, Mexican dancing horses, and mutton busting will all take place at this Halloween-themed rodeo event. Join the party after at Larry’s Lounge. Advance tickets: $13.00/$15.00 at the door. Kids 5 and under FREE. All held at the Linn County Fair & Expo Center on Knox Butte Rd. For more information: http://www.wildwesteventsinc.com
October 26th and 27th – The Annual Mid-Valley Brewfest is back again, and bigger and better than ever! The new venue at Two Rivers Market in Downtown Albany will feature live bands, food trucks, plus all the locally made micro-brews, ales, hard ciders, wine, mead, and spirits you can imagine. Admission is $20, adults only. The tickets entitle you to 5 drinks of your choice and a great 2018 Brewfest mug. Ticket sales day of event only (no pre-sales). For more info visit the event website at https://midvalleybrewfest.com
PLEASE NOTE EVENT CHANGES – DATES, TIMES, AND LOCATION – October 26th – 28th, and 31st – Coffin Park Cemetery Haunted Attraction This event will run from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. the 26th and 27th; the 28th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.; and on the 31st, 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. It’s guaranteed to thrill the entire family. Costumed actors, refreshments, and a gently spooky atmosphere will “haunt” the space. A suggested donation is a can of food that will be given to FISH of Albany. The attraction is located at 2942 Mount Vernon St SE in Albany.
October 27th – Annual Albany Downtown Trick or Treat Come visit your favorite downtown businesses in disguise! Bring the family and the little “ghouls and boos” for treats and a few surprises. The free event runs from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and is organized by the Albany Downtown Association. For more information telephone 541-928-2469.
October 27th and 28th – The Pacific Northwest Reptile and Exotic Animal Show is the largest such shown the PNW. Visit with creature vendors and the critters themselves at the Linn County Fair & Expo Center. Admission is $10 adults, $5 kids (6 to 10), and free for tiny tots 5 and under. Saturday hours: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For more information and a full list of participating vendors visit the event Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/PACNWRS/
October 31st – The Haunted Carousel Get ready to be spooked at the Albany Historic Carousel & Museum on Halloween Eve from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Gather your trick or treats through the ‘Wizard of Oz’ maze. Admission is $5.00 and includes 2 ride tokens. Appropriate for all ages. The carousel is located at 503 1st Ave SW in Downtown Albany. Telephone 541-497-2934 for more information.
October 31st – Trick or Treat at the Heritage Mall Looking for another safe place to take the littles for trick or treat? Head on over to the Heritage Shopping Mall at 1895 14th Ave SW from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Visit the mall website for more information: https://www.heritagemall.com
12 Things You Want to Do in Albany This September
Albany is joining in on First Friday activities. On September 7th, make it an afternoon and evening out in historic downtown. Our restaurants and brew pubs will be hopping, serving a variety of specialties from cheese platters to Hungarian food—plus local spirits, wines, and beer. Walk along the Willamette River and meander back to the Commercial District for a bit of art-gazing and shopping. Many downtown businesses will participate in First Friday extended shopping hours. So don’t be a stranger, make a great start to your September.
September 7th Come paint rocks with local artists and the Linn County Rocks Facebook group. Start your First Friday out in the afternoon at the Albany Historic Carousel Rock Painting Party. This is a free, all-ages event, taking place from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Take a ride or two on the carousel and enjoy the day. Make it a date and plan on dinner at one of our great downtown eateries.
September 7th Start your First Friday night out by experiencing the exhibits and history of our city at the Albany Regional Museum. Extended hours on First Fridays run from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Museum admission is free to all. The museum is located at 136 SE Lyon St.
September 7th Why not check the vintage clothing and antique shops or the Albany Antique Mall for a funky felt fedora or a beaded flapper dress, and then head over to the First Friday “Speak Easy Party” at the Natty Dresser from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. It’s a prohibition era inspired party with live music by Lonna Capaci and cocktail samples by Vivacity Spirits (all legal for those 21 and over of course). Use the password “moonshine” for a special treat (while supplies last). The shop will show new fall fashions as well. Natty Dresser is located at 425 W 1st Ave.
September 7th Celebrate Gallery Calapooia’s 5th Anniversary (an artist’s collective and gallery) from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on First Friday. Enjoy wine, munchies, live music, and the work of gallery members. The cooperative will be filled to the rafters with fiber art, jewelry, sculpture, paintings, prints, photography and ceramics. This is a free event. Gallery Calapooia is located at 222 W 1st Ave in downtown Albany.
September 7th Thinking about your fall garden or some great presents for earthy friends on holidays? How about stopping in at Albany’s local garden and urban agriculture store for their first First Friday event. The shop will be open for extended hours from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Urban Ag Supply is located across the street from Little Wuestens (where you can nab great desserts, coffee and German food) and the Albany Antique Mall, at 124 SW Ellsworth St.
More great September events
Following close on the heels of First Friday, there’s plenty to keep you busy. From antique shows and remodeling expos to beer races and live theatrical performances, we’ve got a little bit of everything to fill up your calendar.
September 8th Come on downtown to a free and fun annual event, Antiques in the Streets and Classic Car Show. The show starts on Saturday at 8:00 a.m. for all early-bird treasure hunters and winds down at 3:00 p.m. There will be food carts, live music, and booth after booth of cool vintage finds. Antique and classic cars will be on display for automative buffs.
September 8th As we move firmly into harvest season, the Albany Farmers’ Market is going to be filled with prime ingredients for salsa, soups, and other baking or canning projects. Bins of heirloom tomatoes, garlic, onions, peppers, squash, and fresh greens are brought in from nearby farms. Honey, cheese, baked goods, jams, and coffee from local producers wait to tempt you. So stop by the market between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on the corner of Ellsworth and Fourth Ave.
September 8th Love craft brews? Wanna get some exercise too? Well save the date for the Albany Beer Run, coming up on Saturday September 8th, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The 0.3K (no excuses couch taters) run starts at Calapooia Brewing Company and ends at Deluxe Brewing. $25 preregistration, $30 day of event, telephone 541-497-1512 for more information.
September 14th through 16th Plan on heading out to the Linn County Fair & Expo Center at 3700 Knox Butte Rd E, for Blackberry Junction, a shabby chic and up-cycled lover’s dream-show. The show starts with a buyer’s special pre-sale on Thursday, Sept 13th at 4:00 p.m., with regular starting hours over Friday and the weekend. Check all hours and other information on the show’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/Blackberry-Junction-131375245675/
September 22nd The annual Craft Brew Smackdown takes place on Saturday, Sep 22nd from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in downtown Albany. This is your opportunity to sample beverages from 24 breweries, cider houses and distilleries, who will offer tastings at downtown businesses. For $20 you get 10 tasting tickets, a pint glass, a map of the locations and a beer passport for your chance to win a prize. Additional tickets are available at the tasting locations, five tickets for $5. This fundraiser is organized and sponsored by the Greater Albany Rotary Club and the Albany Downtown Association. For more information, contact Jessica Pankratz at 541-740-1466.
September 28th and 29th: Check out the new fall production at the Albany Civic Theater, Once Upon a Mattress. This is a musical comedy written as an adaptation of the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale “The Princess and the Pea.” The performance is set in a fictional medieval kingdom ruled by the devious Queen Aggravain and a mute king Sexitmus who suffers from a curse. The musical runs through October 20th, so head over to ACT’s website for the full performance schedule and ticket information http://www.albanycivic.org/shows/once-upon-a-mattress/
Rose remodel by Powell Construction
September 28th through 30th Albany’s premier fall remodeling and fix-it event bursts at the seams with home improvement ideas and tips from local experts. If you are considering hiring a pro or even doing the work yourself, the Albany Home Show is a must visit for you and your family. The event is held at the Linn County Fair & Expo Center on Knox Butte Rd. Get thousands of home decorating and improvement ideas at the largest ‘hub’ of building and remodeling resources in the area. For more information, email info@wvpevents.com
Make sure to check our full events calendar on the Albany Visitors Association website at albanyvisitors.com. There are many more family oriented activities to enjoy during September. Stop by and see us for a free visitors guide and a copy of “Seems Like Old Times,” a publication that highlights self-guided tours though our three national historic districts. Or, if you like to read info on the fly, check out the free “Albany Explorer App” on Google Play or the Apple App Store. You’ll find restaurants, hotels, interactive maps, digital postcards and ways you can qualify to win special “explorer” swag.
2018 Albany Farm to Table Benefit
AVA sends out gratitude to Sybaris Restaurant and Springhill Cellars Winery for their gorgeous Farm to Table dinner along Albany’s historic 9th Street Canal. This beautiful evening was a benefit for the Albany Regional Museum, who provides educational and historical presentations, collections, and exhibits for free to the public. We hope you enjoy the slideshow and stay tuned to AVA for the 2019 farm-to-table dinners! (*Images provided by Knoher Photos and Katie Knower.)
The 2018 Albany geocache hunt is on
It’s time once again, to join a fun day of discovery through geocaching. Local geocacher and enthusiast Don Bacher has organized the 2018 Albany Coin Challenge that takes place for one day only, Saturday, August 25th.
This year’s event will start at 10:00 a.m. at Allann Bros warehouse, 1852 Fescue St. SE, Exit 233 going north or south on I-5 (N 44 37.497 W 123 03.645). There is plenty of parking.
A new series of Albany locations—homes from the National Historic Districts—have been added to this year’s challenge. As in previous years, the course has been determined, and each geocaching household will be issued a challenge passport. The course has been carefully laid out so that you will also have the opportunity to find caches in the area.
Completed passports can be brought to Ciddici’s Pizza, 133 SW 5th Street (N 44 38.066 W 123 06.229) between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. the day of the event. One-hundred and fifty coins have been ordered, so everyone who receives a passport is guaranteed a coin.
Along with the hunt, there will be great door prizes handed out during the coin distribution. These prizes are donated by local businesses, and drawings will be held on the half hour.
This is a family event and we encourage you to bring your kids and grandkids. There’s something for all ages.
The 2018 coin was created by Jessica Dilbone, and features a design that includes Mary’s Peak, the Willamette and Calapooia Rivers running through Albany, and the fir tree from Oregon’s license plates. Another one-of-a-kind coin that you will be delighted to add to your collection.
We hope to see you at Allan Bros. on the 25th. Happy hunting!
Albany Carousel’s first birthday
It’s hard to believe that one year has passed since the Albany Historic Carousel & Museum opened its doors to happy crowds in August 2017. (See the carnival anniversary event information below the blog post.)
Thousands from across the US have walked into the carousel’s impressive building and experienced its unique brand of enchantment. Visitors often find themselves instantly drawn to a particular animal—be it a giraffe or bulldog, horse or frog—each creature is a work of art and love that resonates. Albany’s carousel creatures are hand carved and hand-painted by community volunteers and individually take several years to complete.
Recently, I took out-of-town family to the carousel and we concluded that you are never too old to soak up magic. The “kids” I brought were in their 40s and as we looked around, we noticed that many riders were twice that age. Smiles were universal as the carousel began to move. Given that carousels were introduced to America in the late 1880s, it’s no surprise that many of us remember “merry-go-rounds” as part of our childhood experience.
The Gustav Dentzel family is credited with bringing European carousel production to the US during the Victorian era, and it is one of their original antique mechanisms that drives the Albany carousel today. The 100-year old fir and cast iron gears were donated by Dentzel descendants. It took local volunteers and laborers over a decade to rebuild and refurbish the antique motor, readying it for the grand opening. Long-range planning and organizing by community member Wendy Kirby is one reason the carousel project succeeded. Her determination and spirit was the primary driver behind spinning dreams into reality.
What you’ll discover when you go
Entering through the Albany Carousel doors is an act steeped in whimsy. The door handles are carved fantasies—animals spiraling around a branch, entwined with leaves. As your fingers curl about the handles, you’re touching the work of local artisans.
The great carousel room is filled with light from enormous windows and gentle breezes from overhead ceiling fans. The domed interior is bathed in a soft glow from amber-hued and arched wood beams. Starry-eyed riders eagerly wait their turn, peering through the wrought iron gate.
Smiling volunteers accept your $2 ride token and help you clamber aboard. Everyone can ride this carousel, as it is accessible to both wheelchairs or those needing a bit of assistance. A step stool is readily available for anyone who’d appreciate an extra boost for climbing onto a tall animal.
After you take a ride (or two or three!), make sure to visit the carving and painting room. A number of animals are still in production, and repairs to the current roster take place downstairs. Visit the in-house museum that includes 100-year old animals, signs, and other memorabilia—many donated by the Dentzel family. Don’t forget to visit the carousel gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs, toys, postcards and presents to take back home.
Blog post by Maddie MacGregor
Celebrate the Carousel’s One Year Anniversary
On Saturday, August 18th, the Albany Carousel is hosting a family event—an old-fashioned carnival to celebrate the first birthday of its grand opening. The carnival is a fundraiser and will feature game booths, photo booths, a bounce house, face painting, shaved ice and kettle corn, and other activities and snacks. The event runs from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Albany Carousel & Museum is located at 503 W 1st Ave. For more information, visit www.albanycarousel.com or telephone 541-497-2934.
