March 2016 springtime events in Albany, Oregon

Easter Egg Hunt - web

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 EAlbany, 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.

New Year’s Eve 2015 and New Year’s Day 2016 in Albany

500 px Vault 244 Bar 1

It’s time to welcome 2016! Whether you’re looking to ring in the New Year with a cowboy party, a decadent multi-course meal, or something in between, you’ll find a fun celebration in Albany, Oregon this New Year’s Eve.

Don’t forget to make your plans for a place to stay after the party. Take a cab to one of Albany’s comfortable hotels for a safe and relaxing end to your evening. Best Western Prairie Plus Inn, Comfort Suites, and Holiday Inn Express are all offering discounts and special rates during the holiday season.

Keep reading for details on New Year’s Eve in Albany, and some ideas for what to do the first day of 2016 as well.


Albany 2015 New Year’s Eve Celebrations

New Years Cocktail Celebration | 7 p.m. Dec. 31, 2015. Enjoy live music, creative cocktails, appetizers and a dessert bar. The New Year’s Eve Cocktail Celebration is held at the Boys & Girls Club of Albany, 1215 Hill Street, and proceeds help support the club. Tickets may be purchased the day of the event. 21 and over only. Info: 541-905-4713

Hoof N Holler Bull Riding and Cowboy Party | 6 p.m. Dec. 31, 2015. Celebrate New Year’s Eve with bull riding and a cowboy party at the Linn County Fair and Expo Center on, Dec. 31 2015. Gates open at 6 p.m., bull riding starts at 7:30. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Info: 503-589-2999 or www.hoofnholler.com

New Year’s Eve Casino & Cocktails at Boulder Falls Inn | 8 p.m., Dec. 31, 2015. Dance the night away at the new Boulder Falls Inn in Lebanon. Enjoy live music from Fate 55, dancing, casino games, spectacular raffle prizes, specialty cocktails, plus mouthwatering appetizers and desserts. Tickets: Boulder Falls Inn New Year’s Eve

Cellar Cat New Year’s Eve | 1 p.m.-close, Dec. 31, 2015. Special bar menu beginning at 1 p.m., New Year’s Eve dinner from 5-midnight, with or without wine pairings; live music from 9-midnight. Info: 541-704-0304 or www.cellarcat.com

Frankie’s Restaurant New Years Eve | Dec. 31, 2015. Multi-course dinner, fine wine, and cocktails. Call for reservations: 541-248-3671. www.frankies-oregon.com 

Vault 244 Bistro | Lounge New Year’s Eve |  4 p.m.-close, Dec. 31, 2015. Four-course dinner featuring tapas, salad, entree and dessert, including sparkling Spanish cava or sparkling French cider. Info: 541-791-9511 or www.vault244.com 

Novak’s Hungarian Restaurant New Year’s Eve Buffet | Dec. 31, 2015. Experience Novak’s authentic Hungarian recipes at their New Year’s Eve Buffet Extravaganza; reservations strongly encouraged. Call: 541-967-9488 or www.novakshungarian.com 

Sweet Red Bistro Masquerade Banquet | Dec. 31, 2015. Ring in the New Year with a multi-course masquerade banquet at Sweet Red Bistro. Call: (541)704-0510

The Day After: New Year’s Day options in Albany

Sybaris Hangover Brunch | 11 a.m. Jan. 1, 2016. Start the new year by enjoying a unique take on the ultimate hangover foods. Info: 541-928-8157 or sybarisbistro.com/

New Years Day at Frankie’s | 3 p.m.-close, Jan. 1, 2016. Come watch college ball games on the big screen at Frankie’s Restaurant. 541-248-3671,  www.frankies-oregon.com.

First Day Hikes | Jan. 1, 2016. Start the new year off like a true Oregonian: with a hike. Oregon State Parks is offering free guided  First Day Hikes at 28 parks on Jan. 1, 2016, including seven different locations in the Willamette Valley. Click for details: First Day Hikes

We’ll add to this list as we learn of more! If you know of a public New Year’s dinner, event, or party to add to our guide, send details to info@albanyvisitors.com.

Photo: Vault 244 by W Design

Holiday Events & Christmas Dinners | Dec. 21-26, 2015

500 px Santa in downtown

For families with kids at home, it’s officially Christmas vacation! If you’re looking for fun things to do in the final few days before December 25, here are details of holiday events this week in Albany. PLUS: looking for delicious Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinners in Albany? Keep reading for details!

Here are our top picks for the fourth week of the holiday season, Dec. 21-26, 2015. For even more things to do in Albany, Oregon, visit our full event calendar.

Calapooia Brewing Holiday Ale Sale | Dec. 18-24, 2015. Calapooia Brewing’s annual Holiday Ale Sale is going on now–pick up a full case of 22-ounce bottles for $20/case, incuding their popular holiday seasonal, Kringle Krack. Details: Calapooia Brewing

Sweet Red Winter Solstice Dinner Party | 4:48 p.m. Monday, Dec. 21 2015. Celebrate the darkest day of the year with a flambe-themed dinner party. Cocktails start at sunset, 4:48 p.m. Details: Sweet Red Bistro

Storytime with Santa | 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2015. Visit Heritage Mall and sit with Santa while his helper reads a holiday story to get you in the Christmas spirit. Details: Storytime with Santa

Visits with Santa | daily, until 6 p.m. Dec. 24, 2015. If the little ones in your life haven’t had a chance to meet Santa Claus yet this year, he’ll be at Heritage Mall every day until Christmas Eve for visit and photos. Details: Heritage Mall

Whitespires Christmas Eve Sing-a-Long | 7 p.m. Dec. 24, 2015. Gather at the beautiful, historic Whitespires Church (510 SW 5th Ave.) in downtown Albany to sing all your favorite Christmas carols. Details: Christmas Sing-a-Long

Christmas Meals in Albany

Christmas Eve Dinner at Frankie’s | Dec. 24, 2015. Frankie’s is open and taking reservations for Christmas Eve Dinner. The regular menu will be available, plus the chef is preparing Anderson Valley Rack of Lamb and Roasted Duck. Reservations recommended. Details: Frankie’s Restaurant

Christmas Day Dinner at Cellar Cat | 4-8 p.m., Dec. 25, 2015. Cellar Cat will be open Christmas Day, and offering a special menu that can be enjoyed a la carte or in a four course prix fixe. Optional wine pairings are also available. Reservations recommended. Details: Cellar Cat

Christmas Day Dinner at Elmer’s Restaurant | 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Dec. 25, 2015. Elmer’s is open Christmas Day and will be serving a ham dinner, turkey dinner, or combination ham and turkey plate. Prime Rib dinner will be served starting at 11 a.m. No reservations. Details: Elmer’s Restaurant

Still to come: stay tuned later this week for details of New Year’s Eve celebrations in Albany, Oregon!

Albany’s 2015 Night Time Magic Winners

 

The Albany Visitors Association is proud to announce the winners of The 2015 Night Time Magic Holiday Light & Decorating Contest! And the winners are …

222 Fourth SEBest Dressed Historic Home: 222 Fourth Avenue SE, Albany OR 97321. The J. Meyers House is a Queen Anne Cottage with East Lake elements (circa 1898). Many white lights highlight the architectural details of this house beautifully and bring a nostalgic feeling with classic red & green trim throughout their decorations.

 


1000 LincolnMemories of Christmas Past (Candy Cane Comeback): 1000 Lincoln St SW, Albany OR 97321. Remember those glowing candy canes that adorned the poles on Pacific Blvd in Albany? Well, a few of them still shine bright during the holidays, thanks to folks like these who bring them out to share this special time of year. This beautiful light display has been shining each year for the past 15 and we absolutely agree it is award worthy!


2905 LawnridgeFamily Traditions from One Generation to the Next: 2905 Lawnridge St SW, Albany OR 97321. So much to see. There is really no photo that could do this display justice, so you’ll just have to drive by to see for yourself. Every bush, building and pole, lit up to create a bright and awe-inspiring display. So much flair for the younger generation continuing the family tradition. They certainly have the knack for sharing that holiday spirit.


Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow! –Sid Stevens Jewelers, 140 First Avenue West, Albany, Oregon 97321. We whole-heartedly agree because everything is more magical when it snows! Every year residents and visitors are welcomed into the downtown shopping district by the warm glow of the c. 1925 Bikman Block dressed in style with lights and garland. Sid Steven’s gorgeous windows serve as an enticement to slow down, perhaps even stop and browse for a while in the not-so-hectic pace of Historic Downtown Albany, Oregon. (photo coming soon)


 

maps for  NTM 2015Map to award winners: click image to the left for a larger view, or click link to download a PDF:  map to 2015 award winners

Even more lights: Check out these past award winners, which are still gorgeously decorated and fun to visit!

Previous Holiday Light Award winners

2014:
1. 627 Broadalbin SW, Albany OR 97321
2. 4160 Evergreen Street SE, Albany OR 97322
3. 2110 Geary Street SE, Albany OR 97322
4. 2670 Kingston Way NW, Albany OR 97321
5. Washington Street houses, block 600

2013:
1. 514 NE 13th Ave.
2. Santa on the rooftop view from bridge & Water Ave.
3. 5th Avenue SW, block 800
4. 630 Seventh Avenue SW

2012:
1. 1001 Washington SW
2. 1830 12th Avenue SW
3. 3407 Pacific Blvd SW
4. 6127 Piedmont Pl. SW
5. 4295 Clay Place SE

2011
1. 730 Washington SW
2. 425 6th Ave SW
3. 2893 E Mountain View Dr SE
4. 1340 NE Mayview Dr.
Multi-time repeat nominees that are always well worth a drive: Christmas Village at the Piedmont Neighborhood. This neighborhood pulls out all the stops! A delightful way to pass the time while waiting for the big day. Once through is just not enough.

Directions from Albany Visitors Association (110 3rd Avenue SE) to the Piedmont Neighborhood:
1. Head west on SE 3rd Ave. toward Ellsworth St. SW 50 ft.
2. Take second left onto US-20 W/? Ellsworth St. SW 50 ft
3. Turn right onto Pacific Blvd SW 0.5 mi
4. Turn right onto Belmont Ave. SW 2.9mi
5. Turn right onto Piedmont Pl. SW. 0.4mi


 

Prizes: 2015 Winners will receive a Winner Photo 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!)

Judging: The winners of the Night Time Magic Program are determined by a panel of judges who conduct individual random drive-by sightings between December 7 and 13. Homes must be nominated to win.

History: This is the 28th year that the Albany Visitors Association has been helping to make the holidays bright with the Annual Night Time Magic Holiday Light Program. All nominations receive recognition for participation in Albany’s Night Time Magic program. The reward for participation: Your holiday spirits will be lifted, your home brightened, your neighborhood enlightened and your community enlivened. If you are interested in being a part of Historic Albany’s “Magic,” contact the Albany Visitors Association, 110 3rd Ave SE, or call (541) 928-0911 to receive future announcements. People wishing to look at the participating locations can pick up a list of winners and directions at the Albany Visitors Association or find it online at albanyvisitors.com. A special thanks to Burcham’s Metals for helping to make the season bright.

 

Albany Holiday Events | Dec. 14-Dec. 20, 2015

500 px Christmas Storybookland by Ann Kinkley

Make some holiday memories in Albany, Oregon this week! It’s the final week of Christmas Storybook Land for 2015, plus a visit from Santa’s reindeer, a chance to ride the Candy Cane Express, and still 10 more days of holiday shopping before Christmas. Keep reading to find out what’s happening in Albany this week.

Here are our top picks for the third week of the holiday season, Dec. 14-20, 2015. For even more things to do in Albany, Oregon, visit our full event calendar.


Final week of Christmas Storybook Land 2015 | 5-8:30 p.m. Dec. 14-17, 1-8:30 p.m. Dec. 18, 2015. If you haven’t done it already, this week is the last week of 2015 to take your kids to this magical Albany tradition. Walk through a winter wonderland of storybook scenes, Christmas trees, model trains and dollhouses, including a chance to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Details: Christmas Storybook Land

Storytime with Santa | 9:30 a.m. Dec. 15, 2015. Come visit Santa at Heritage Mall and hear a classic Christmas story. Details: Storytime with Santa

Holiday Light Winners announcement | Dec. 15, 2015. Winners of the 2015 Night Time Magic Holiday Light Contest will be announced this week. Stay tuned for the winners and then plan an evening outing to visit Albany’s favorite Christmas light displays.

Meet Santa’s Reindeer | 3-7 p.m. Dec. 18, 2015. Come see live reindeer at Heritage Mall! Details: Live Reindeer Visit

Hoodoo Ski & Recreation Opens | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 18, 2015. Hoodoo Ski & Recreation kicks off its 2015/16 season on Friday, Dec. 18, and will remain open until at least 4 p.m. every day through Jan. 4. Check the official website for updates and mountain status: Ski Hoodoo

Holiday Sleigh Rides | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 19, 2015. Visitors to Heritage Mall can enjoy free sleigh rides around the parking lot in a beautiful horse-drawn carriage. Details: Sleigh Ride

Holiday Nosh Tour | 4-7 p.m. Dec. 19, 2015. Ride on a vintage trolley and taste your way through town, enjoying tasty bites from half-a-dozen chefs at stops along the way. UPDATE: Regular tickets are sold out for this event, but until Dec. 15 new subscribers to Albany Visitors Association’s e-newsletter are entered to win the final pair of tickets. Click to subscribe to the newsletter and be entered to win: E-newsletter sign-up

Willamette Valley Concert Band Christmas Concert | 2-4 p.m. Dec. 19, 2015. Treat your ears to a festive celebration featuring traditional and popular Christmas songs, at the Russell Tripp Performance Center at Linn-Benton Community College. Details: Willamette Valley Concert Band

Christmas Caroling Wagon | 5-8 p.m. Dec. 20, 2015. Ride through Albany’s historic districts in a horse-drawn wagon, singing Christmas carols along the way. Tours every 45 minutes between 5-8 p.m.; by reservation only. UPDATE: Spots on these tours are full; names are being added to a waiting list. 541-928-0911.

Candy Cane Express Train Ride | 1-2 p.m. and 3-4 p.m., Dec. 19 and 20, 2015. Take your kids for a ride on the Candy Cane Express with Santiam Excursion Trains. Details: Candy Cane Express

Shopping: Find unique gifts for the folks on your list when you visit Albany! Browse through charming shops in downtown Albany, and find great seasonal specials at Heritage Mall throughout December.

Still to come: the Whitespires Christmas Eve Sing-a-Long and more! Check back for next week’s events and check our full event calendar for additional holiday happenings.

Photo: Christmas Storybook Land by Ann Kinkley


Need a place to stay in Albany for the holidays? Have friends and family coming to town? Check out Albany’s hotels, B&Bs, and RV Parks for holiday rates.

 

Albany Holiday Events: Nov. 30-Dec. 6, 2015

horizontal-Christmas-in-Albany-by-Dan-Bateman

Albany is the perfect place to celebrate an Oregon Christmas. This friendly little town goes all-out during the holiday season, with historic homes decked in lights, great seasonal boutiques, community parades, and plenty of ways to experience the spirit of an old-fashioned Christmas.

Here are our top picks for the first week of the holiday season, Nov. 30-Dec. 6, 2015. For even more things to do in Albany, Oregon, visit our full event calendar.


Holiday Light Contest: Do you go all-out when it comes to Christmas decorating? Do you know someone who does? Nominate yourself (or your friends or neighbors) for a prize in our annual Night-Time Magic Holiday Light Contest. Nomination deadline: Dec. 7, 2015. Details: 2015 Albany Holiday Light Contest.

Christmas Storybook Land opens: This beloved holiday tradition transports visitors to a winter wonderland full of Christmas trees, toy trains, fairy tale scenes, and a chance to visit with Santa Claus himself. Storybook Land runs from Dec. 4-18, 2015.

Pioneer Christmas Party: Bring your kids to the Monteith House and celebrate like it’s 1859. Kids will learn what a pioneer Christmas in Albany would have been like, and will have a chance to ride in a horse-drawn wagon in the Downtown Twice Around Christmas Parade at 5 p.m. Party starts at 3 p.m. and costs $15/child ($10 for additional siblings); call the Albany Visitors Association  at 541-928-0911 to reserve your child’s spot.

Downtown Twice Around Christmas Parade: Anyone can join in this zany Christmas parade, which circles downtown Albany twice. Expect to see horse-drawn wagons, holiday lights, an umbrella-twirling brigade, and more. The only rule: the parade has just one Santa Claus, arriving at the end of the procession! Parade starts at 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, 2015. Details: Downtown Twice Around Christmas Parade.

Albany Community Tree Lighting: Immediately after the Christmas parade, gather in the parking lot at Two Rivers Mall (corner of second and Ferry) to sing carols and light the community Christmas tree. (Approximately 6 p.m., Dec. 6, 2015).

Shopping: Get your holiday shopping off to a good start this week with the Town & Country Christmas Bazaar, Dec. 4-6; Christmas at the Roost, Dec. 4-5 and 11-12, Pumpkin Hollow Christmas at the Mill, weekends through Dec. 20; charming shops in downtown Albany, and great seasonal specials at Heritage Mall throughout December.

Visits with Santa: The big guy in red will be at Heritage Mall every day throughout the holiday season for visits with children and Christmas photos. Special dates this week include kids’ storytimes with Santa Dec. 1 and pet photos with Santa Dec. 6 & 13.

Still to come: 36th Annual Christmas Parlour Tour on Dec. 13, the Holiday Nosh Tour Dec. 19, and more! Check back for next week’s events and check our full event calendar for additional holiday happenings.


Need a place to stay in Albany for the holidays? Have friends and family coming to town? Check out Albany’s hotels, B&Bs, and RV Parks for holiday rates.

Albany’s Night Time Magic Holiday Light Contest 2015

Albany Christmas pix

Once again, the Albany Visitors Association is helping to make the holiday season bright by sponsoring the 28th Annual Night Time Magic Holiday Light Program. Residents are encouraged to enter a contest (or submit your friends and neighbors) 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.

Contest Rules:

  1.  Entries must be within the city limits of Albany.
  2. Homeowners are encouraged to use lights to illuminate their decorations.
  3. Lights need to be on from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. December 1 – January 1st
  4. Entries for “Best Neighborly Effort” must have three or more partners in a concentrated area.
  5. Entry/Nomination Deadline: 5:00 pm on December 7, 2015.
  6. Decorations can be any style and lights can be white, clear or colored.

How to enter: Entry forms can be picked up and turned in at the Albany Visitors Association: 110 3rd Ave SE, Albany, OR 97321. You can also click here to request an entry form by e-mail.

Deadlines: Entry/nomination deadline is 5 p.m. Dec. 7, 2015. Winners will be announced by December 15th and presentations made soon after.

Touring Albany’s lights: People wishing to drive or walk through the town to look at the participating locations can pick up a list of participants and a map at the Albany Visitors Association beginning December 15. Lights will be on through January 1, 2015.

A special thanks to Burcham’s Metals for helping to make the season bright. Thank you to all the homeowners who participate in this program, without your efforts this wonderful community tradition would not be possible.

Photo: by Dan Bateman

Ghost touring in historic Albany

small-Halloween-Faces-by-Kathy-HawthorneLooking for a fun and spooky historical experience? Choose from two options this October: a ride on the Trolley of Terror followed by a candlelit ghost tour of the Monteith House Museum; or a VIP ghost-hunting experience at the Monteith House. Both are sponsored by the Monteith Historical Society.

Trolley of Terror and candlelit ghost tour: The Monteith House is the oldest building in Albany, and was built in 1849. Through the years, ghost stories have been shared about this building, but very few people have had a chance to hear the stories from the inside of its walls, and even fewer have had a chance to seek out the spirits that dwell within. Take a ride on the Trolley of Terror followed by a candlelit ghost tour to hear the ghost stories of downtown Albany and those of the Monteith House that have chilled its inhabitants to the bone.

Ghost hunting: A separate tour — a VIP ghost hunt experience — will take place on Friday, October 30, from 9 p.m. to midnight. The VIP experience is limited to 10 people. VIPs will be joined by experienced paranormal investigators and learn how to use various pieces of ghost hunting equipment. VIPs will then get to help conduct a paranormal investigation of the Monteith House.

Details: The Trolley of Terror will take place on October 23, 24, and 30. Tours on October 23 and 24 will begin at 6 p.m., 7 p.m., 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. Tours on October 30 will begin at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m., with the VIP experience beginning at 9 p.m. and running until midnight.

Tickets: The cost of the Trolley of Terror and candlelit ghost tour is $10 per adult and $5 per child. The VIP experience is $25 per person. Reservations are highly recommended as space is limited. Call the Albany Visitors Association at 541-928-0911 to reserve your seats today.

Photo: “Halloween Faces” by Kathy Hawthorne

Mid-valley 4th of July Celebrations

Photo by Cathy Flowers

Have a fun-filled Fourth of July by attending any of these events being held in Albany and its surrounding areas.

Albany

River Rhythms Concert and Fireworks Show, Thursday, July 2

Start your 4th of July celebrations a little early this year by attending the first River Rhythms Concert of the season.  The concert features the soulful-rock band, Jelly Bread, and is followed by a spectacular fireworks show over the river.  The music starts at 7 p.m., and is free for everyone.

Lumberjack Breakfast, 6-11 a.m., July 2-5

Get ready for your 4th of July festivities with an all-you-can-eat breakfast in Timber-Linn Park, hosted by the East Albany Lions Club. Entry costs $7 per adult, and $4 for children 12 and under.  All proceeds benefit Lions Club charities.

Brownsville

Pancake Breakfast, 7-10 a.m., July 4

Hosted by the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce, the annual Pancake Breakfast is a 4th of July tradition you don’t want to miss. For just $7 per adult, or $4 per child, you can eat as much food as possible, and spend the day exploring historic Brownsville.

BBQ, Beer Garden, and Music, 5:30 p.m., July 4

In the afternoon, head to Randy’s Main Street Coffee for a delicious BBQ and live music.  There will be a beer garden, hosted by Kirk’s Ferry Trading Post, opening at 4 p.m., followed by the BBQ at 5:30.  Music starts at 6 p.m., and is free to all customers.

Fireworks in the Park, after dusk, July 4

Just after sunset, pay a visit to Pioneer Park to watch a spectacular fireworks show over the Calapooia River. The show is one of the best around, and is completely free.

Find details about Brownsville at www.historicbrownsville.com

Corvallis 

Red, White, and Blue Riverfront Festival, all day, July 3-4

This downtown Corvallis festival is a great way to spend Independence Day. With live music, crafts, kids’ activities, great food, and local wine and microbrews, there is something for everyone to take part in as they wait for the sun to set.

Corvallis Jaycees Fireworks Show, after dusk, July 4

Watch beautiful fireworks burst over the Willamette River from your seat at the downtown riverfront.  The show is free for everyone.

Harrisburg

Harrisburg July 4th CelebrationJuly 4

Harrisburg puts on its biggest event of the year on the 4th of July, and this year’s celebration is no exception! Events include food, games, a parade and fireworks over the Willamette River. Parade begins at 11 a.m., and fireworks are at dusk (about 9:30 p.m.) in Riverside Park. (Click the link above for schedule and details).

LebanonFireworks at Cheadle Lake by Nancy Hunt

Star-Spangled Celebration, 6-10:30 p.m., July 4

Pack your picnic basket and pay a visit to Lebanon’s Cheadle Lake Park for a family-friendly 4th of July event. There will be plenty to do, including great food, games, live performances, and more.The firework show starts at 10 p.m., and the entry fee is $10 per carload, or $3 for walk-in groups.

Photos by Cathy Flowers(upper) and Nancy Hunt(lower).

Do you know of any events we haven’t mentioned? Let us know by commenting below! 

 

 

 

 

Albany Christmas Favorites: Week 1

Christmas blog collage

Chances to get into the holiday spirit abound in Albany, Oregon! Here are some of this week’s top holiday events:

Tuesday, Dec. 2:

  • Storytime with Santa: Heritage Mall kicks off December with the first in their series of Storytime with Santa events. Every Tuesday at 10 a.m., from Dec. 2-16, bring kids to Santa’s workshop in Heritage Mall for a chance to meet the big guy in red and hear a holiday story. Storytime is free; photos with Santa are available for purchase.

Thursday, Dec. 4:

  • “Peace and Wonder” Choral Concert: Hear Linn-Benton Community College’s award-winning choirs in concert at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4 at the Russell Tripp Performance Center. Call 541-917-4531 for tickets and info.

Friday, Dec. 5:

  • Christmas Storybook Land: This annual hand-crafted winter wonderland opens its doors on Friday, Dec. 5. Take the family out to the Linn County Fair & Expo Center to wander past dozens of storybook scenes, detailed doll houses and exquisite model trains. Stop at the end to get a candy cane and visit with Santa. Free. Open Dec. 5-19, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on weeknights and 10-8:30 p.m. on weekends. Don’t miss this classic Albany family tradition.
  • “Trails, Tribulations and Christmas Decorations” at Albany Civic Theater: Go see opening night of this Christmas comedy at the Albany Civic Theater downtown. 541-967-8140 for tickets and info.

Saturday, Dec. 6:

  • Free Family Movie at The Pix: The Albany Downtown Association and the Pix Theatre are teaming up to offer a free holiday movie this Saturday, Dec. 6. Grab your loved ones and some tissues and head downtown to see the classic, heartwarming 1947 version of “Miracle on 34th Street,” about a little girl who doesn’t believe in Santa Claus and the real Kris Kringle who sets out to change her mind. Doors open at 1:30 p.m., showtime is 2 p.m. Free.

Sunday, Dec. 7:

  • Downtown Twice Around Christmas Parade: Bring the whole family to Albany’s fun and quirky downtown Christmas parade this Sunday evening, Dec. 7, at 5 p.m. Anyone who wants to can join in the parade, which loops around Albany’s historic downtown twice. Expect to see drill teams in Santa hats dancing with umbrellas, floats decked out in holiday lights, and Santa himself at the end of the parade.
  • Albany Community Tree Lighting: Immediately after the parade, gather with the community at the corner of Ferry and Second streets, in the parking lot of the Two Rivers Market, for the lighting of the giant fir tree on the corner.

For even more holiday events–yes, there are even more what’s described above!–check out the Albany Visitors Association’s full events calendar. It’s the best place to find out everything happening in our community. Don’t see your favorite holiday event? Comment and let us know! Stay tuned for next week, when we’ll give you a second edition of Albany Christmas Favorites.

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