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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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AVA partners win award from Travel Oregon
During the Sunday night awards ceremony at the 2018 Oregon Governor’s Conference on Tourism, AVA’s partners at the Willamette Valley Visitors Association (Oregon Wine Country) were honored by Travel Oregon.
The Outstanding Overall Oregon Marketing Program Award recognizes the best integrated domestic or international marketing program or campaign that attracted visitors to Oregon. The award was presented to the Willamette Valley Visitors Association for their promotional campaign that began at the San Jose airport, where a custom acrylic design was formed in the shape of an Oregon Pinot noir bottle spanning 14 feet.
The display was strategically positioned in a heavy traffic area in San Jose Airport’s Alaska Airlines terminal. and reached 660,000 travelers during the eight-week activation. It was a tangible way to bring the Oregon Wine Country Experience to life for travelers.
Congrats to the WVVA Team!
2018 Photo Contest Winners
We had a truly amazing time this year, at the 2018 AVA Photo Contest Awards Ceremony.
The Pix Theater graciously welcomed the public and our entrants for a real treat—viewing nearly 200 photo entries on the big screen.
AVA staff, including Executive Director Jimmie Lucht and Historic Resources Liaison Rebecca Bond, handed out ribbons and awards.
The full list of winners is below the featured video.
Winning Photos
2018 Winners
Champion, Cathy Webb, “Honoring the Brave, Vet Parade”
Reserve Champion, Dan Bateman “Sun Kissed Waverly Duck”
People’s Choice, Oliver J. Anderson “River Boy”
Staff Choice, Camron Settlemier, “Last Light”
Category Winners
In addition to the overall winners, 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners were announced in the following categories:
Scenic 1st Place, Dave Maestas “Heavenly Rays”; 2nd Place, Stephanie Low “Tulips and Horses”; 3rd Place, Katrina Wilson “Riverside Church”
Landmarks 1st Place, Barry Hoffman “Train Station”; 2nd Place, Stephanie Low “Shimanek Bridge”; 3rd Place, Dave Maestas “Timely Sunset”
Open 1st Place, Pavla Zakova-Laney, “Sunset at Crater Lake”; 2nd Place, Melissa Pothakos Slyter, “Fun in the Sun”; 3rd Place, Anna Davidson, “Spring Cheer”
Events 1st Place, Oliver J. Anderson, “Antique St. Car Show 1”; 2nd Place, Stephanie Low, “Launching the Duck”; 3rd Place, Camron Settlemier, “Ready to go Caroling”
Life in the Community 1st Place, Oliver J. Anderson “Reel People”; 2nd Place, Dan Bateman, “Enjoying the Sun”; 3rd Place, Simone Marslee, “That Duck Life”
Historic Albany 1st Place, Pavla Zakova-Laney “Christmas Spirit”; 2nd Place, Oliver J. Anderson, “Albany’s White House”; 3rd Place, Stephanie Low, “Monteith House”
Culinary 1st Place, Dan Bateman “Self-serve Honey”; 2nd Place, Oliver J. Anderson, “Paddle Food”; 3rd Place, Cathy Webb, “Stuffed Bread”
Our heartfelt congratulations to everyone who entered!
About the AVA Photo Contest
The contest is open to photographers of all skill levels and this year 12 talented photographers entered 197 beautiful and creative photos. Prizes this year included ribbons for each winner, Champion, Reserve Champion Staff Choice, and People’s Choice received Pix Theater gift cards.
Winning photos in this year’s photo contest are on display through March at the Albany Visitors Association at 110 3rd Ave SE. All of this year’s entries can be viewed on the Albany Visitors Association Flickr page: https://www.flickr.com/photos/90531885@N07/albums
Ride the 2018 NW Tandem Rally
Get your gears spinning for the 2018 Northwest Tandem Rally (NWTR) coming up June 29th through July 4th. Hosted by the Mid Valley Bicycle Club (MVBC), the NWTR has been an annual event since 1986. The MVBC was founded in 1974 and has hosted this family friendly event four times previously.
If you’ve biked the Mid-Willamette Valley before, you’re most likely familiar with our abundance of quiet country roads through farmland and forests and up into the foothills of both the Cascades and Coast Range.
If this will be your first time in the Albany area, you’re in for a real treat. As all of the NWTR routes start in the Valley, there are lots of options for mostly flat rides, as well as hilly rides, and even a short climb or two into the mountains if your legs are up for it!
Albany, Oregon – 2018 rally’s home away from home
The 2018 Northwest Tandem Rally will be centered in the historic town of Albany, the “Gem of the Willamette Valley.” Albany is the eleventh largest city in Oregon and is located at the confluence of the Calapooia and Willamette Rivers. Founded in approximately 1848 the town has the most varied collection of historic buildings in Oregon.
While you are in town, make sure to visit the pioneer-era Monteith House and regional museums. Take the family to the Historic Albany Carousel & Museum or attend a River Rhythms outdoor concert on a Thursday summer evening.
Surrounding Albany is one of the most diversified agricultural areas of the state, featuring miles of quiet country roads, historic covered bridges, and a burgeoning wine, hops, and spirits industry. Schedule a visit to one of Albany’s incredible restaurants and vibrant coffee houses during your stay.
Stop by the Albany Visitors Association for maps, a visitors guide, and recommendations for family-friendly places to visit while you’re in town for the rally. AVA is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Mondays through Fridays, and on Saturdays (9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.) in the summer, and is located at 110 3rd Ave SE. Telephone 541-928-0911 for more information.
Accommodations and registration
Since the Fourth of July falls in the middle of the week this year, an extended rally is possible. You can stay an additional two days beyond the regular four-day schedule, and enjoy six days of riding through the scenic Willamette Valley. There’s even a bonus three or four day tour following the rally if you just can’t stop peddling.
For a full list of the NWTR accommodations, including the campgrounds at South Albany High School and rally hoteliers, and registration information, visit the 2018 NWTR website.
See you in Albany!
Your Grandmother’s Cookbook
The Linn County Historical Society will host an illustrated talk by Richard Engeman, “Your Grandmother’s Cook Book: A Century of Oregon Eating, 1880-1980.” It will take place on Sunday, March 18th, at 2:00 P.M. in the Lakeside Center at Mennonite Village, 2180 54th Avenue SE in Albany. The presentation is free and open to the public.
Oregon was a well-settled agricultural state in 1880, and women of that era had both a range of foods to work with, and many sources of information on how to prepare it—so, what did we eat back then? How did our foods and our food preparation change over the next century? Engeman will look at a variety of historical sources to answer these questions, including community cook books, newspaper recipes and advice, home economics training, restaurant menus, and manufacturer’s leaflets. It promises to be a well-illustrated and appetizing performance.
Richard Engeman is a Pacific Northwest historian with a professional background in archives and historical photographs. The author of The Oregon Companion: An Historical Gazetteer of the Useful, the Curious, and the Arcane, he has also written a cookbook and numerous historical articles, and given presentations on regional topics ranging from food history and railroads to architecture, alternative medicine, and musical theater. Born in Albany, Engeman grew up in Portland and Warrenton; two years ago, he moved to an 1889 house in Albany.
Albany wins travel destination award
Congratulations are in order to our fair city! Albany was included in Northwest Travel & Life magazine’s “52 Getaways” issue in January 2018, and has been named one of the publication’s 2018 Top Travel Picks.
Albany Visitors Association contributed to content developed for the feature article, and Albany businesses are highlighted, including The Pix Theater, Sybaris Bistro, and the Albany Historic Carousel & Museum.
Read the article “Dreamers and Doers” in NW Travel & Life’s ’52 Getaways for 2018.’
Wish Oregon a Happy 159th Birthday
Valentines Day is the perfect time to express your love for Oregon! The Monteith House Museum will host a free public Oregon birthday bash from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 14th, at the museum. at 518 2nd Ave SW.on February 14, 2018.
Have a slice of cake, tour the museum, and visit with like-minded historic Oregonians. The Monteith House was built in 1849, and is the oldest building in Albany. The Museum’s exhibits include information on the Monteiths and their contributions to early Albany as well as the State of Oregon.
The house was also integral to the formation of Oregon’s statehood: in 1856, the Monteiths hosted a meeting of the Free State Men in their home to discuss state formation. The following year, the group met again at the Monteith House and Oregon’s Republican Party was founded.
We hope to see you there! For more information, telephone 541-928-6375.
The 2017 Night Time Magic Holiday Light Winners
The Albany Visitors Association is proud to announce the winners of The 2017 Night Time Magic Holiday Light & Decorating Contest
And the winners are …
- 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
Winners will receive a Winner Award Certificate and a $50 gift card to Albany’s downtown first-run movie house: The Pix Theatre. Photos of the winning homes will be on display at the Pix Theatre and on the Albany Visitors Association website along with a list of locations to see. Winners will also be entitled to bragging rights for the entire year! Thank you to all the homeowners who participate in this program. Without your efforts, this wonderful community tradition would not be possible.
Get your map
Want to take a drive with the family and see the lights in person? Download the PDF of the winners’ map, or pick one up from our office at Third and Lyon.
What to do in Albany for the holidays – Part 1
Have you been naughty or nice? Why nice is the best of course, so make plans to participate in all of Albany’s Christmas and Holiday magic! We think the following events will get you in the holly-jolly spirit.
Horses, Horses, Carriages, Wagons and Rides
Albany’s Heritage Mall is hosting holiday horse-drawn carriage rides with Chafin Farms’ gorgeous draft horses. The rides run though December 22nd, so come get in the spirit! Use the link below to connect with the mall on their Facebook page, and learn more about how your entire family can ride the carriage and visit Santa. https://www.facebook.com/heritagemall/
Albany Christmas Parlour Tour On Sunday, December 10th, from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., enjoy the sights and sounds of an old fashioned holiday celebration in Historic Albany, Oregon. This year the tour will feature six historic homes decorated for the holidays. Ride in Chafin Farms’ beautiful horse drawn carriage through downtown Albany. Special shopping events, light refreshments, and entertainment await. Get your online tickets ahead and avoid the lines! Tickets: https://albanyvisitors.com/2017/10/09/tickets-for-2017-christmas-parlour-tour/
Christmas Caroling by Horse-Drawn Wagon The Monteith Historical Society and Chafin Farms are offering Christmas caroling by horse-drawn wagon through the Monteith Historic District. The tours take place on Saturday and Sunday December 16th and 17th, beginning at 5:00 p.m. and leaving every 45 minutes. Song leaders, books and bells will be provided. Proceeds are dedicated to the Monteith House Museum. Telephone the Albany Visitors Association at 541-928-0911 for more information. Or, stop by our office, M-F, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and pay for your tickets ahead of time with check or cash.
Song and Dance
Singing Christmas Tree Love traditional Christmas carols? Then don’t miss the 36th Annual Sweet Home Singing Christmas Tree performances. The show runs from Friday, December 1st through Sunday, December 3rd at the Sweet Home High School auditorium. Friday and Saturday, the show starts at 7:30 p.m., and on Sunday,the performance begins at 3:00 p.m. For more info, use the link: https://www.facebook.com/Sweet-Home-Singing-Christmas-Tree-189693289088/
Nutcracker Ballet tickets make a wonderful holiday gift! Get yours today before they sell out. Legacy Ballet returns to the Russell Tripp Performance Center for “The Nutcracker” ballet, Dec. 7, 8, 9 at 7pm, Dec. 9 at 2pm. Tickets available anytime online with the more info link: http://linnbenton.edu/current-students/involvement/performing-arts/buy-tickets
Families and Children
The Downtown Twice Around Christmas Parade rolls through Downtown Albany on Sunday, Dec. 3rd, 2017. The parade starts promptly at 5 p.m. The parade route starts at the corner of Broadalbin Street and First Avenue, heads west down First to Calapooia Street, heads south on Calapooia to Second Avenue, heads east on Second to Broadalbin, heads north on Broadalbin to First, and then around again, ending at the Two Rivers Market parking lot at the corner of Second and Ferry. Immediately following the parade is the Community Tree Lighting Ceremony. If you have any questions please call the Downtown Albany office at 541-928-2469 or visit the Albany Downtown Association: http://www.albanydowntown.com/ada-event/twice-around-parade-and-community-tree-lighting/
Children’s Pioneer Christmas Party Celebrate the Christmas season the way the pioneers would have done in the 1800s by joining the festivities at the Monteith House. Children ages 5-16 are invited to join the Monteith Historical Society for a Christmas party on Sunday, December 3rd at 3:00 p.m. Children will make pioneer Christmas crafts to decorate the House tree, sing carols, eat Christmas cookies, and have the option to ride on the horse drawn wagon in the Twice Around Downtown Christmas Parade at 5:00 p.m. The cost is $15 per child, and $10 per additional sibling. Reserve your child’s spot today by calling the Albany Visitors Association at 541-928-0911. Space is limited and fills up fast!
Free Holiday Movie On Saturday, December 9th, Downtown Albany and the Pix Theatre partner to show a classic Christmas movie for the whole family. This year we’re showing “White Christmas.” Doors open at 9:30 a.m. and the movie starts at 10:00 a.m. Come early, especially if you are a large group as the theater fills up quickly. This is a free event, so first come-first seated. Please bring a non-perishable food item if you can for our local food pantry. Call the ADA, 541-928-2469, if you have any questions.
Christmas Storybook Land welcomes families to enjoy its free 41st year presentation. See an enormous indoor Christmas forest wonderland with over 100 scenes of characters from Mother Goose rhymes, children’s fairy tales and family movies, two elaborate model train displays, a Victorian Village and the North Pole with Santa & Mrs. Claus. Canned food donation is gladly accepted for local food bank. Learn more at: http://christmasstorybookland.org
Shop Small ’til You Drop
YMCA Holiday Market On Saturday, December 2nd from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. enjoy our one stop shop. Find holiday gifts, enjoy great company, and support small business. Admission: $1 per adult or 2 cans of food. A portion of the proceeds from sales will benefit the Y’s scholarship fund. For more information, contact Kim at resourcedirector@ymcaalbany.org
Morning Star Grange Holiday Crafts Bazaar On December 8th through the 9th, head to Millersburg for home baked goodies, seasonal and hand-crafted products and gifts. The sale begins at 10:00 a.m and runs util 4:00 p.m. Lunch is available both days. 38794 Morningstar Rd NE, Millersburg. For more information, contact Sandy at dshdeck@aol.com
Santa’s Bag Located at Roddy Ranch, this holiday sale on December 8th and 9th features unique hand-made gifts and decorations, homemade breads and candies, antiques and fun finds! Hours are 10:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m. both days. For more information, contact Mary Beth at roddyranch@gmail.com The ranch is located at 33281 Dever-Conner Dr NE, Albany.
The 30th Annual Night Time Magic Program
Holiday Light Contest 2017
Once again, the Albany Visitors Association is helping to make the holiday season bright by sponsoring the 30th Annual Night Time Magic Holiday Light Program. Residents are encouraged to enter a contest for best use of lights in decorating the exterior of their homes.
Three winners will be selected to win great prizes and one 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 theme is “Holiday Night Time Magic.”
Participants are encouraged to share the source for their inspiration such as:
- A family tradition.
- A favorite holiday book, movie or special.
- Music, dance or art as inspiration.
- A special collection.
- Just Lights, Lights and more Lights.
- Or another favorite idea or inspiration (you fill in the blank!) _______________________.
RULES:
- Entries must be within the Albany City limits.
- Homeowners are encouraged to use lights to illuminate their decorations.
- Lights need to be on from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm, December 1, 2017 – January 1, 2018.
- Entries for “Best Neighborly Effort” must have three or more partners in a concentrated area.
- Entry/Nomination Deadline: 5:00 pm on December 10, 2017.
Decorations can be any style and lights can be white, clear or colored.
Entry forms can be picked up, printed out by using the following PDF: Night Time Magic Holiday Light Contest Entry Form, or requested via e-mail at info@albanyvisitors.com. All forms should be turned into the Albany Visitors Association at 110 3rd Ave SE, Albany, OR 97321.
Winners will be announced by December 15th, and presentations made soon after.
People wishing to drive or walk through the historic districts to look at the displays can pick up a list of participants and a map at the Albany Visitors Association beginning December 15th. Lights will be on through January 1, 2018.
Thank you to all the homeowners who participate in this program, without your efforts this wonderful community tradition would not be possible.
Fun over Thanksgiving weekend
Looking for Thanksgiving Day and holiday weekend activities? You might already have your time scheduled, yet there’s always last minute company to entertain and you just might want to escape Great Aunt Mary’s turkey bone soup! We’ve put together a few ideas of what you can do over the long weekend in the Albany area.
Thanksgiving Dinner
Have you decided that tangling with the turkey isn’t much fun? How about chucking the pots and pans and letting someone else do the work, including the clean-up! Here’s a short list of local restaurants that will be open and serving traditional Thanksgiving dinners with all the trimmings.
Elmers Restaurant, 2802 Santiam Hwy, Albany, 541-928-4227, open on the holiday from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Cascade Grill, 110 Opal St NE, Albany, 541-928-3388, open on the holiday from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Cellar Cat, 211 1st Ave W, Albany, 541-704-0304. Fantastic Thanksgiving feast: telephone for holiday meal hours.
Sybaris Bistro, benefit dinner for ABC House, please contact for reservations: 541-928-8157.
SweetWaters, 2390 Santiam Hwy, Albany, 541-812-9222, open on the holiday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wine Tasting
Since Albany’s very own Springhill Cellars Winery is located in picturesque North Albany, it’s the perfect weekend to take a short drive and experience their annual Federweisser Festival. 
The festival begins the Friday after Thanksgiving and runs through the entire weekend. This harvest fest is German in origin and pairs new, still fermenting Riesling (the Federweisser) with specially made bratwürst and Zwiebelkuchen, a sweet onion tart. The oom-pah-pah music drifts through the air during the day for a German flavor, and at night, a floor-stomping barn dance with a live rock-n-roll band sets it up for the fun crowd. For more information, contact Springhill Cellars at 541-928-1009. They are located at 2920 NW Scenic Drive.
Cider Pressing
Nothing says autumn like fresh apple cider! Pro-tip: It tastes best when you make it yourself. Bring the family to Thompson’s Mills on Friday after Thanksgiving (11/24) and help press a half gallon to bring home. The circa 1860 Mill is open from 9 to 4 for free tours and exploration. Cider pressing will begin at 1:00 p.m. Take home a half-gallon or more for a contribution to help create a fire suppression system that will preserve the last remaining water powered gristmill in Oregon. Thompson’s Mills is located at 32655 Boston Mill Drive east of Shedd. For more information: 541- 491-3611.
Shopping
Along with the usual Thanksgiving “midnight madness” at big box stores, why not schedule some “you-time” at the annual Shop Small Saturday in Downtown Albany? This nationally recognized day is set aside to encourage customers to shop local for the holidays and support small businesses. Many of our downtown and city-wide stores will offer special sales and events. So bring your shopping bags and join your neighbors in some major Thanksgiving week fun. It all happens on Saturday, November 25th. For more information, contact the Albany Downtown Association at 541-928-2469.
Holiday Crafts and Workshops
Thanksgiving officially marks the time of year that non-profit and local businesses run holiday themed workshops and craft shows. It’s a great opportunity to pick up unique and locally made gifts. Although our list is not complete, we’ve found a couple of activities centered around Thanksgiving weekend that you might be interested in.
Christmas in the Barn is located in Shedd, a short drive from Albany. The show runs Friday, November 24th through Saturday, November 25th. Featured items include antiques, French/vintage inspired home and garden decor, fresh greens and wreaths, baked goodies, and much more. Located at 29722 Roberts Rd. in Shedd, the show is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Albany Art Studio is opening their doors for Black Friday and Small Business Saturday on November 24 and 25. Preview their space and be the first to sign up for classes. You’ll be able to purchase merchandise, buy art and other goodies at a (drastically!) reduced rate available on these two days only. This will only be a peek, not all items will be displayed. Items will go fast! The studio is located at 131 NW Montgomery St in Albany. Telephone 541-231-7922 for hours.
Make Your Own Wreath is a workshop held at Garland Nursery, on Saturday and Sunday, November 25th and 26th. Learn how to make your very own holiday wreath from just a wire wreath ring and cut greens. This workshop is fun and messy! Class is held in a lightly heated house so wear layers for warmth and bring gloves. Garland will provide the materials, tools and hot cider. Pre-registration is required, so telephone 541-753-6601. Garland Nursery is located at 5470 US Hwy 20, between Albany and Corvallis.
Oil Painting Demonstration Daniel Bourdet will demonstrate his safe, solvent free oil painting technique at Gallery Calapooia on Saturday, November 25th at 11:00 a.m. Learn to use walnut oil to thin paints and clean brushes. Eliminate hazardous waste material by using this fun and easy technique. Telephone 541-971-5701 for more information. Gallery Calapooia is located at 222 1st Ave SW in Albany’s downtown district.
