Northwest Small Towns – Visit Albany

Stained glass window at Whitespires Church, by Nancy Zaffaro

Travel writer Nancy Zaffaro recently visited Albany and wrote an in-depth blog post about our city’s vibrant scene. From culinary delights to architectural history and heritage, Zaffaro leads her readers on a journey through Albany’s historical roots to the present day.

Here’s a a preview of Zaffaro’s blog on Confetti Travel Cafe:

“Today, Albany is a delightful travel destination, with interesting history and architecture and a culinary scene that far exceeds what’s expected for a town of 52,000. Albany, an hour and a half south of Portland, provides a chance to enjoy small town life at its best. The Willamette Valley town sits at the confluence of the Willamette and Calapooia Rivers, and offers a full calendar of outdoor concerts, arts fairs, movie nights, bike tours, wine walks, brew fests, historic home tours, and antique fairs. Nearby Corvallis, home of Oregon State University, only extends the offerings of things to do.

Leave behind big city traffic and tensions. Albany’s close proximity to Portland, Eugene, and coastal towns make it a great day- or weekend-trip, but truly, spend even more time if you can. My recent four-day trip left me knowing there was more to see and do.”

Read the entire blog post on Confetti Travel Cafe’s website.

Be a part of a worldwide eclipse broadcast

Graham Jones of Global Communication and Science will present live coverage of the Total Solar Eclipse during a live streaming broadcast.

The five-hour live coverage will include telescope feeds, maps and animations, and interviews with people on the ground. The goal is to present the eclipse as a scientific and cultural event that will inspire tens of millions of people across the US and beyond.

Albany Visitors Association will participate in the broadcast and AVA Executive Director Jimmie Lucht will present real-time TSE reporting from the Willamette Valley.

Jones is a British astrophysicist and university teacher based in Japan. His Global Communications program focuses on solar eclipses as teachable moments to inspire young people around the world.

If you are planning to film or take photos of the eclipse, Global Communications would like to hear from you in advance of the big event so they can feature your footage in their eclipse live stream. Connect to their website for more information on how to submit your work.

Grand Opening – Albany Historic Carousel

Guest article by Jenny Bouman

20170710_165735Carousels bring out the kids in all of us, and on Tuesday August 15th, 2017, starting at 10:00 a.m., children of all ages will enjoy a fun-filled Grand Opening of the Albany Historic Carousel & Museum. The press and public are invited to celebrate the completion of the long awaited, 22,000 square foot, state of the art facility which is located at the corner of 1st Avenue SW and Washington Street SW.

The Carousel Board will be hosting the celebratory ribbon cutting event as a means of acknowledging and thanking the community for their tireless support towards the completion of this spectacular project – and to officially “open” the Carousel facility as a much anticipated local amenity, tourist attraction and event venue for residents and visitors to Albany.

“This is not just about the carousel,” said Carl Baker, lead engineer of the mechanism. “It’s about the community – so many people working together – that’s what this carousel is all about!”

The building will open immediately following the ribbon cutting and stay open until 7:00 p.m. Guests will be treated to a free ride (a boarding pass will be given out to each guest the day of the event, and is needed in order to get on the carousel this one day only). Free snacks, outdoor entertainment and kid activities will be available from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

20170623_151633Overseen by a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to building a traditional carousel in Albany’s downtown historic district, this project is the centerpiece of the downtown revitalization effort. The grassroots project has been serving as an anchor for the Historic Downtown Commercial District and has gained attention and support each year with over 200,000 volunteer hours documented. Sponsors, donors and grantors continue to show their support through financial contributions, bringing this community project to fruition. Over 2,000 visitors on average visit the carousel project every month.

carousel-kid-for-webThe carousel project began in 2002. Carving officially began on June 7, 2003.  It has taken over 14 years to complete, all work has been done by hand by volunteers of all skill levels. The tradition will continue with additional animals to complete and repairs that will certainly be needed. No experience is necessary to volunteer and volunteers over the age of 14 are welcomed to fill out an application.  Volunteers are still needed for all phases of the project, including carvers, office helpers, gift shop sales, concession sales, carousel operators, painters, sanders, fundraising and organizers.

Albany Historic Carousel carving studioFor additional information on how to become a volunteer for the Albany Carousel please contact the Volunteer Co-ordinator at albanycarouselvolunteers@gmail.com. To learn more about the Albany Historic Carousel & Museum visit our website at www.albanycarousel.com.

Hours

The Carousel Building is open five days per week (Closed Mondays and Tuesdays) with varied closing times — Wed – Thurs: 10AM – 7PM; Fri:i 10AM – 3PM; Sat: 10AM – 7PM; Sun: 10AM – 3PM.

According to Wendy Kirbey, whose dream sparked this project, “This is a place you can come to, where you don’t need a lot of money. You can bring your family and see something really spectacular and just spend an afternoon having fun. You don’t see a carousel like this everyday!”

Fireworks and beyond – July 4th

While the City of Albany has no fireworks display in July (our big bang comes in August), Linn County communities hold several family-oriented Independence Day celebrations complete with food, music, and good old-fashioned fireworks. We’ve listed three below as well as a couple of “after-the-Fourth” events held the same week.

fireworks over water

Brownsville Breakfast and Fireworks – July 4, 2017
On the Fourth of July, Historic Brownsville kicks off the celebration early with an old fashioned pancake breakfast fundraiser cooked up by the Brownsville Fire Department. At dusk, the fireworks create a multi-colored spectacle in the sky.
Learn more about this event

Harrisburg Old Fashioned Fourth of July – July 4, 2017
The biggest event in Harrisburg is the Old Fashioned 4th of July celebration. Get a good nights rest on July 3rd so you can be ready for activities that begin in the morning and do not end until the glow of fireworks fades. It doesn’t matter what day the 4th of July falls on. We always celebrate the 4th of July, on the 4th!
Learn more about this event

Lebanon Star Spangled Celebration – July 4, 2017
Fireworks over Cheadle Lake! Celebrate Independence Day with music and fun for the entire family, all on July 4th, starting at 6:00 p.m. at Cheadle Lake Park. Admission is $10 per carload or $3 pp for walk-ins. Games and prizes for children. Food booths, jugglers, face-painting and magicians. Please, no pets. For more information and contact email, use the link below.
Learn more about this event

Other fun things to do

pancakes2East Albany Lion’s Club Lumberjack Breakfast – July 1 – 4, 2017
Get your sausage, eggs, pancakes, and coffee on at Timber Linn Park. The breakfast starts each day at 6:00 a.m. and lasts until the last pancake is flipped at 11:00 a.m. All proceeds from the four day event go to local charities and the Lion’s sight and hearing program.
Learn more about this event

Albany Civic Theater “Red, White and Tuna” – July 6, 7, 8, 2017
The much anticipated third installment in the Tuna trilogy takes the audience through another satirical ride into the hearts and minds of the polyester clad citizens of Texas’ third smallest town. It’s been several years since we left Bertha and Arles dancing at the end of A Tuna Christmas. Did the romance blossom? Has Didi Snavley received any cosmic communications from R.R.’s UFO? Did Stanley make his fortune in the Albuquerque taxidermy business? These and other burning questions will be asked and answered in the side-splitting spoof of life in rural America.

PabloCruiseWRiver Rhythms – Pablo Cruise Concert – July 6, 2017
Spread out a blanket and enjoy music under the stars at Monteith Riverpark. Groove to the music of major stars from across the US. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. There are children’s activities prior to the concerts, an adult beer garden, food, a bike valet, and trolley rides around downtown. Thursday evenings, 5:30 – 9:00, at Monteith River Park. July through August.
Learn more about this event

Crazy Daze – July 6 – 8, 2017
You don’t want to miss Crazy Daze, July 6th – 8th, Downtown Albany’s oldest event. Originally called Bargain Days in 1898, the name was changed to Crazy Daze after WWII. Merchants will be setting out their merchandise on the sidewalks throughout Downtown, offering them at crazy reduced prices. Merchandise changes daily so you might want to come down all three days. Grab your sunscreen or a hat and stroll our sidewalks for crazy deals and crazy delicious food at our fabulous Downtown eateries.
Learn more about this event

The Big Blend Radio Show – Albany’s Culinary Treasure

Welcome to Albany! Home to national award-winning chefs and their farm-to-table cuisine. In this BigBlend Radio interview, AVA Executive Director Jimmie Lucht and Sybaris Bistro Chef Matt Bennett discuss why Albany is the perfect location for innovative culinary style.

The 9th Annual Mid Valley Brewfest

brewfest_vert_fullCome check out the 9th Annual Mid Valley Brewfest in downtown Albany. This event keeps getting bigger every year. Over 50+ beers on tap plus wine, cider, and spirits. Games on multiple screens, food carts, and entertainment.

Dates
Friday, October 20, 2017 – 5 to 9pm
Saturday, October 21, 2017 – TBD

Location
Downtown Albany on NW Water Ave between Broadalbin and Ferry Streets under the big tents. Entrance into the event is on the corner of Water and Broadablin.

Admission
$20 – 2 day pass
$12 – 1 day pass
All proceeds go to a local non-profit.

For more information, connect with the Albany Brewfest Facebook page.

Linn-Benton Farm to Table Series

Visit Corvallis and the Albany Visitors Association are pleased to produce a series of farm-to-table dinner parties this summer.

Guests will be able to meet local chefs and learn about the food they prepare and how they source it. They’ll also sample fine vintages from local wineries and learn about their wines and vineyards. These experiences will pair to create an intimate gathering and a memorable culinary experience at a beautiful location.

A portion of the proceeds from these events will be donated to charities and nonprofit organizations, as well as great food and wine for great causes!

September10

September 10, 2017: SOLD OUT!!! THANK YOU ALL. SEE OCTOBER BELOW.

Let Chef Matt Bennett of Sybaris Bistro delight you with Albany history while you dine. Each course Chef Bennett creates will be based on an historical menu from restaurants of Albany’s past, while Eugene winemaker J. Scott Cellars pairs with southern Willamette Valley sourced wines.

Part of the proceeds from this event will benefit Albany’s Regional Museum.

  • Location: A private garden overlooking the Willamette River in historic Albany.
  • Time: 4pm-7pm
  • Price: $90/per person
  • Seating limited to 50 people.
  • Purchase tickets at the bottom of this page.

October 2017: Exact date TBA
You’ll meet the executive chef from
Forks & Corks Catering and learn how she sources local foods. You’ll also drink and learn about Cardwell Hill Cellars‘ wines.

Part of the proceeds from this event will benefit Community Outreach, a non-profit organization dedicated to serving children, adolescents and families who are working to overcome a severe life crisis or trauma.

  • Location: Garland Nursery (map)
  • Time: TBA
  • Price: $90/person
  • Seating limited to 50 people.
  • 21+ only, valid ID required.
  • Purchase tickets by telephoning Visit Corvallis. This dinner has been rescheduled from June 18. Tickets purchased prior to June 13 can either be transferred to the October dinner, or refunded. Contact us by email or call us at 541-757-1544 or 800-334-8118 to let us know your preference.

Wine glass against rural landscape, flower collection. Spring begin. purple flower field

Five things to do in Albany Memorial Day Weekend

For those popping in for a quick visit to our city and for those of us that live here, here’s a short list of things to do over the long weekend. As always, you can visit our what to do and see other ideas, but we thought maybe you’d like to grab some information and go!

Marks-Ridge-Winery-deck_view1) Visit a Willamette Valley winery for some great tasting opportunities all weekend long. If you love our award winning Oregon wines and plan on having a few free days around Memorial Day Weekend, explore the tasting experience at a local Willamette Valley winery.

If you’re staying close by, Marks Ridge Winery in Sweet Home (pictured above) boasts the best views in the Willamette Valley at their high ridge-top tasting room. They’re offering a special weekend of tasting on the holiday weekend, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, from noon to 5:00 p.m. The winery is located at 29255 Berlin Rd in Sweet Home. 

vintage_roost2) Get a jump on the weekend and visit “Springtime at the Roost” on Friday and Saturday, May 26 and 27, at 10:00 a.m. This is a delightful short trip into the countryside of North Albany for a shopping paradise at the Vintage Roost. Antiques, collectibles, baked goods and hand-fashioned home and garden decor by 30 local crafters. Located in a charming restored 100+ year old barn at 935 NW Scenic Drive. Parking available on Scenic Dr, driveway available to drop off customers. Call 541-990-4191 for more information.

3) Do old coins and tokens fascinate you? It’s a great pastime to introduce the kids to. The Mid-Valley Coin, Currency, and Token Show will run on Saturday and Sunday May 27 and 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with free admission. Early admittance is offered for $25 at 8 a.m. Saturday only. It will be held at the Linn County Fair and Expo Center: 3700 Knox Butte Road, Albany Oregon. For more information, call Monte at 503-769-7183.

hero-half-picture-20134) For those competitive athletes, how about the Sweet Home Hero Half Marathon? Held on Saturday, May 27, at 10:00 a.m. Bring your family, camp in the Willamette Valley, and spend your memorial day honoring our Military Heroes. Register to run a half marathon, 8K, or mini half (1.3 miles). Registration now available at GetMeRegistered.com.

 

5) On Sunday, May 28, why not take in a matinee at the Albany Civic Theatre? The musical Sweeney Todd is sure to fascinate and entertain. Performances run through the weekend but the Sunday matinee starts at 2:30 pm. Visit www.albanycivic.org for ticket information. The theater is located at 111 First Ave SW.

 

Celebrating 2017’s National Historic Preservation Month

PosterAlbany 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.

Help save Albany’s iconic Waverly Duck

duck01Remember the giant Albany duck? For many of us, the Waverly Lake Duck is an Albany icon.

On a personal note, I always took visiting friends and family to see the duck… and if you have fond memories too, now is your opportunity to bring the duck “back to life.”

The City of Albany has started a Go Fund Me campaign to repair the duck and get her (or him) back on the water. If you can’t donate, Mayor Sharon Kanopa is organizing a volunteer work party.

You can sign up to volunteer or donate on the Go Fund Me Duck Campaign page. Let’s get the work done in time for summer!

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