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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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2024 Photo Contest
The Albany Visitors Association (AVA) is proud to sponsor Albany’s 17th Annual Albany
Photography Contest. It is open to photographers of all skill levels. First-, second- and third-place awards will be presented to winners in each category: Downtown, Culinary, Events, Historic Albany, Landmarks, People and Scenic. A first-place prize will also be awarded in the Youth category.
The purpose of this contest is to find images suitable for use in our marketing of Albany, Linn County and the Willamette Valley.
Photo Contest Information & Rules for Entering
FEE There is an entry fee of $2 for each photo submitted.
Photograph Subject We ask that your work be original, not previously submitted to this or any other contest, be taken in 2022, 2023 or 2024 and specifically feature Albany and surrounding Linn County.
To see examples of the kinds of images we use most, scroll through our Instagram, Facebook, website, and calendar of events.
Photograph Subject Categories
Downtown: Shine a spotlight on your favorite downtown sights. The category is NEW this year!
Culinary: Visit a local restaurant or a unique foodie or drink venue and let people know what delicious rewards await them. Attend the Albany Farmers’ Market and capture the bounty.
Events: Antiques in the Streets, Twice Around Christmas Parade, Mid-Winter Dance and so much more!
Historic Albany: With four nationally recognized historic districts and architectural styles from the mid- 1800s to the 1950s, Albany has a plethora of historic buildings!
Landmarks: A landmark is unique to Albany and lends itself to the quintessential identity of our city. A Victorian painted advertisement on a brick wall or a statue could be a landmark.
People: Visitors love to see people enjoying themselves, but we know it can be hard to get the shot right and get strangers to sign release forms. Consider enlisting your family and friends!
Scenic: Our area is lovely in all seasons! Find something you think will make someone want to come visit us and represents the unique charm of our region. Rustic barns, farm stands, bountiful gardens, wildflowers and wildlife, the Willamette Valley with distant snowcapped mountains.
Youth: For young photographers ages 18 and under.
Judging A committee of judges will (anonymously) assess photos for subject and composition. Judges will consider some of the following criteria: is the subject appropriate for the category, is it a really good/unusual example of that subject, is the composition in focus, does it draw you in, is it original? Judges will determine Champion and Reserve Champion winners. The People’s Choice award will be judged by the public who can view all of the photos on the AVA Flickr site and then submit their choice to the AVA.
Winners will be announced in April 2024. Winning photographs will be showcased in a professional video shown at the Pix Theatre before feature films, on the AVA website and YouTube, and displayed at the Albany Amtrak Station.
Prizes Champion, Reserve Champion, and People’s Choice awards will be $300, $150 and $75, respectively. All first-place through third-place winners will receive a certificate and a gift card to the Pix Theatre to see their photos on the big screen.
Who can enter? The contest is open to all ages, all levels: from amateur to professional or hobbyist.
How to Enter
- There is an entry fee of $2 for each photo submitted except for students/youth whose fees are waived.
- Entrants must complete a release allowing AVA to use their photos for promotional purposes although photographers retain all rights to their photos. PDF of the Use and Reproduction Release Form.
- Photos must be a minimum of 300 dpi and 1MB in size. Photos should be standard rectangular portrait or landscape; square, panoramic or custom ratios are more difficult to place within our ads. Photos must be in JPEG format.
- Photos may be color or black & white.
- Photos may be digitally enhanced for contrast, color, hue, etc., but not digitally manipulated. Images that have digitally applied effects (such as montages, double exposures or vignettes) cannot be used in AVA publications or national advertising.
- There is a limit of 15 photos per photographer, 10 for Students/Youth.
- All photos depicting water recreation must be compliant with Oregon regulations regarding life jackets.
- For any photo that features a recognizable individual’s face (or group of individuals) photographers MUST complete a signed photo release. We will not accept such photos without a model release! Here is PDF of the Model Release Form.
Please use the following format for the file name of each of your photos. Please do NOT use all caps or punctuation!
title (no duplicates please)
location, if not mentioned in title eg. Albany or Linn Co
your name
- Email info@albanyvisitors.com and give us your email address. We will email you the link to a ‘survey’ in which you can upload your photos (with file names as above) and complete all your contact information.
- Mail your check for the entry fee, your completed photographers release form, and any model release forms necessary to the AVA (address below) before March 8. Paperwork may also be placed through mail drop slot after hours.
DEADLINE All entries, fees and releases must be submitted by 5pm Friday, March 8, 2024.
Albany Visitors Association
541-928-0911
122 Ferry St SW, Albany, OR 97321
Love from Albany!
You’re gonna love your visit to Albany in February! It’s Valentine’s month, and we have some ideas to help you plan a special day with your sweetheart and fill your calendar all month. Here are some more ideas to get you started:
1st Friday Downtown Chocolate Walk on February 2 in Historic Downtown Albany. Get some treats and take advantage of sale prices on a gift for your special someone. See AlbanyDowntownAssociation.com or call 541-928-2469.
“The Miracle on First Avenue” Book Signing at Albany Historic Carousel & Museum Authors Jennifer Moody and Wendy Kirbey with editor Dianne Neglay will be on-site to answer questions and sign copies of the new book about the true story of a tenacious woman and the people who supported her to bring a carousel to Albany. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on February 4 at 503 1st Ave. W. See AlbanyCarousel.com for more information or call 541-497-2934.
The Great Gatsby at Albany Civic Theater This adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic draws the audience into themes of equity and privilege and showcases Daisy’s strength and character. This show is a World Premiere performance by Portland playwright Maeve Z O’Connor. Albany Civic Theater is located at 111 First Ave W. Performances on February 2- 4 and February 8-10. See AlbanyCivic.org or call 541-928-4603 for showtimes and future plays.
Valentine Open House The Vintage Roost will open its charming seasonal gift shop in the picturesque countryside of North Albany. Shop for hand-made gifts, antiques, collectibles, fresh-baked goods and more. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on February 2, 3, 9 and 10 at 935 Scenic Dr. N.W. See The Vintage Roost, LLC on Facebook or thevintageroostllc on Instagram for more information.
Lambentine’s at Iron Water Ranch Fun for the whole family and one of the sweetest events available for Valentine’s Day. Snuggle, bottle feed and hang out with adorable baby lambs and learn about all the care that goes into raising them. 11 a.m. to p.m. on February 10 and 11. Reservations are required for one-hour sessions, $20 per person. Purchase tickets online at IronWater.com or call 541-928-5180. 35179 Riverside Dr. S.W.
Crab Fest Hosted by the Greater Albany Rotary Club, the dinner will be held at Calapooia Brewing from noon to 7 p.m. on February 10. Tickets will be available soon at RotaryCrabFest.org for $55 and at the door the day of the event for $60. Calapooia Brewing is located at 140 NE Hill St. N.E.
Greyhound Tavern Grand Opening Be the first to experience this great new hangout on February 22. The Tavern is located at 220 2nd Ave S.W. Keep checking their Facebook for more information.
Outdoor Fun for Wintertime
Wintertime is a great time to enjoy the outdoors in and around Albany, from viewing 100’s of species of birds, to hiking past raging waterfalls, to hitting the mountains for some fun in the snow: Whatever your choice, Hub City is a great place to start.
Covered Bridges
There are eight covered bridges in the Linn County, five of them clustered around the town of Scio and several more to the east of Lebanon. Read our article about covered bridges to get a map of the route to drive or bike through picturesque country and travel through these historic landmarks.
Winter Adventures Around Oregon
Recommendations courtesy of The Oregon Challenge.
If you haven’t visited McDowell Creek Falls County Park in the wintertime, then you are missing out. This time of year the falls are flowing full with water from the Santiam River. With over three miles of hiking trails, the park offers viewing decks and wooden bridges to The Royal Terrace and Majestic Falls, a few smaller cascades and breathtaking scenery.
One of the more diverse hiking areas is in McDonald-Dunn Forest. Located near Corvallis, the forest has trails fit for anyone from beginner to advanced hiker to families, bicyclers and more. There are almost 30 miles worth of trails in the Forests, meaning you can visit countless times and always have a new experience.
Talking Waters Gardens in Albany is a great location for a scenic stroll, and even during winter the area is teeming with a variety of wildlife. Many of the ponds are drained in colder months as well, exposing features like “the weeping wall,” a former loading dock left over from an old mill that has water flowing over it in abundance during warmer months.
There are endless sights to see in the South Santiam River area. If you’re looking for a family-friendly winter experience, explore gorgeous snow parks with skiing, sledding, snow-mobiling, tubing, snowboarding and snow-shoeing opportunities. If hiking is your thing, stay below snow level and traverse routes like Trout Creek Trail and Rooster Rock. Along Trout Creek you’ll get to experience the rushing blue waters and cascading waterfalls that become even more majestic during winter months. For a more family-friendly version of the Trout Creek Trail, begin at the Trout Creek trailhead, but take the alternative Walton Interpretive Trail.
Yet another spectacular South Santiam spot is The Gordon Meadows Hike. While the hike is 8 miles round trip, there are multiple meadows along the trail where you can relax and enjoy the scenery and then head back around if you’re looking for a shorter hike. Or, if you just want a spot to enjoy winter scenery and spend time with family, the roadside pullout at Lost Prairie is a great place to play in the snow.
West of Albany, enjoy a view of magical Mary’s Peak in the Coast Range after hike along lush green meadows in Beazell Forest. There are two loops in the Beazell Forest area as well as multiple other trail variations to enjoy along Plunkett Creek. Hike through this majestic Douglas forest by taking the South loop trail, which will lead you through a plantation and into another meadow. End your hike by checking out Lumos Winery or Cardwell Hill Winery, which are both in close proximity!
Along Oregon’s spectacular coast is Cape Perpetua. The Cape’s popularity is well deserved, as its main lookout is over 800 feet above the ocean, making it one of the highest viewpoints accessible by cars on the Oregon Coast. Cape Perpetua is located in Siuslaw National Forest, and the area features 26 miles of trail possibilities to explore, complete with incredible forest vegetation, endless scenic views, tidepools, a geyser, coastal caves, caverns and more.
Ultimately, wherever you choose to go in Oregon this season, there is no doubt that you’ll get a unique and beautiful experience out of it. Who knows, maybe winter will become your favorite season to explore our wonderful outdoors!
Join the jolly fun!
In Albany, holiday cheer is never in short supply. Drive through the dazzling displays from the Nighttime Magic Holiday Lights Contest with a map from the Albany Visitors Association. Visit Christmas Storybook Land, an Albany tradition for 47 years! Don’t miss the Downtown Twice Around Christmas Parade & Community Tree Lighting Ceremony, two times the fun of a regular parade.
Breakfast with Santa at the Carousel Support the carousel and have breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus! Tickets include a delicious breakfast, a Christmas carol concert, a Christmas craft, a professional photo of your child meeting with Santa by Sarah LaFond Photography, a one-on-one visit with Santa, and a personalized note and a gift he picked out for them! The event is December 9, 8-10:30 am Tickets at AlbanyCarousel.com.
36th Annual Nighttime Magic Light Contest Help continue Albany’s wintertime tradition! Enter your home for a chance to win prizes, then plan a family night to drive by the winning displays. Lights will be on December 4 through January 1. Find more information at AlbanyVisitors.com, info@albanyvisitors.com or 541-928-0911.
Christmas Storybook Land Share your favorite childhood nursery rhymes, fairy tales and family movies with the children in your life. The magical indoor walk-thru forest is open at Linn County Expo Center December 2-16. Entry is free, although commercially packaged food for the local food bank is gladly accepted. Hours vary, so see their website for the full schedule. ChristmasStorybookLand.org.
The Downtown Twice Around Christmas Parade & Community Tree Lighting Ceremony The parade begins at the corner of Broadalbin Street and First Avenue on Sunday, December 3 at 5 pm, with the tree lighting right after at Two Rivers Market. See the route at AlbanyDowntown.com.
Christmas Parlour Tour Peek into the past by stepping inside some of Albany’s most intriguing historic homes. The tour is December 10, 2-7 pm Tickets are $15 at MonteithHouse.org or the day of the tour at the Albany Visitors Association, 122 Ferry St SW. For information, info@albanyvisitors.com or 541-928-0911.
Yokai Wonderland Market Saturday, December 16, noon to 6 pm at Linn County Expo Center. There will be vendors, food, music, art, anime, cosplay, collectibles, crafts, jewelry and more. A market unlike any other. Tickets are $5 through EventBrite.com.
Find your favorite tree farm and seasonal products. Here are some local farms:
Toland Tree Farm Pre-cut Douglas fir trees and wreaths on sale December 2-3. 1340 NE Rosa Lane, Albany, 541-974-4546, kirstentoland@comcast.net, or see the Toland Tree Farm Facebook page.
Vollstedt Farms Pre-cuts only this year. Check their website for days and hours. 451 NW Quarry Rd, Albany, 541-926-5640, vollstedtfarms@comcast.net, VollstedtFarms.com.
Donovan’s Place Pre-cut and U-cut trees, wreaths and garlands. They supply hand saws and friendly assistance. 5720 SW Donovan Place, Corvallis, 541-829-1981, DonovanPlace.com.
Willamette National Forest Harvest your own Christmas Tree! Purchase a permit and find all the information fs.usda.gov.
36th Annual Nighttime Magic Holiday Light Contest
VOTE NOW through Sunday, December 17 for your favorite display! Here’s how.
Get the PDF version of the map with this year’s participating houses,
Download our app, Albany Explorer, where you will find an interactive version,
Link directly to the Google map, or
Pick up a paper copy from our office. NOTE: The office will be closed after December 11 during our move. Copies will be in the 24 hour visitor information display to the right of our front door.
After you visit the homes, visit our Facebook or Instagram, find the post with the numbered photos of each home, and comment with the number of your favorite display.
You can also email info@albanyvisitors with your top choice. Put “Nighttime Magic” in the subject and the address of your choice in the body.
Many thanks to our sponsors, Burcham’s Metals.
What the contest is all about
Albany residents are encouraged to enter the 36th Annual Nighttime Magic Holiday Light Contest for the best use of lights in decorating the exterior of their homes for everyone to enjoy and vote for their favorite. The winners will gain bragging rights for the year and receive some great prizes, including a variety of gift certificates from local stores.
Judging this year will again be open to the community. Pictures of entries will be posted on the AVA Facebook page and Instagram, and addresses will be included for people to drive by. A holiday light drive (with map) will be posted on the Albany Explorer App and community members can vote for their favorites via Facebook, Instagram or by emailing info@albanyvisitors.com.
It just takes four things to participate:
1. Your display must be within the city limits of Albany.
2. Email a picture of your completed light display to info@albanyvisitors.com by 5 p.m. Monday, December 4.
3. Include in your email entry:
- Your name
- Your full street address
- Title of your display
- Your email address
- Your phone number
4. Keep your light display on from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. December 4 through January 1, or longer if you like!
That’s all it will take to be a part of Albany’s Nighttime Magic this year! So, break out the lights and help us all have a big and bright holiday season! Questions – Email info@albanyvisitors.com or call 541-928-0911.
Public voting will open on Friday, December 8, and continue through Sunday, December 17, 2023. Winners will be announced by Tuesday, December 19.
People wishing to drive the route to look at the participating locations can pick up a list of participants at the Albany Visitors Association beginning December 8, or download the Albany Explorer App.
Thank you to all the homeowners who participate in this program. Without your efforts this wonderful community tradition would not be possible.
Fall Events in November
Enjoy Albany this November where fall is in full swing. Leaves are falling, fog fills the air, and the starts to nip at our noses. Bundle up for the big Veterans Day Parade and honor our local veterans. Warm up with a glass of seasonal wine at Springhill Cellars’ Federweisser Festival. Get your blood pumping by participating in the Gobbler’s Revenge Road Race. There’s plenty to be thankful for in November.
Linn County Veterans Day Parade
Join us in Albany for the largest event of this kind west of the Mississippi. Thousands of spectators line the streets of Albany to honor those who served. We invite you to be a spectator at this wonderful salute to our nation’s heroes.
To find the parade schedule and route, other events taking place, and a contact page if you have further questions, go to LinnCountyVeteransDayParade.org.
After the parade, have lunch or coffee downtown and look for military uniforms that will be on display November 7-13. Find updated information at AlbanyDowntown.com.
Oregon Mid-Valley Road Race Gobbler’s Revenge
The 15th Annual Oregon Mid-Valley Road Race is set to kick off on Thanksgiving morning 2023! Food, music, awards, and prizes await those who are not afraid of “The Gobbler’s Revenge.” Events include a Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, 2.5 mile Walk, and Kid’s Dash. All runs start and finish at North Albany Middle School Track. The run takes place on Thanksgiving Day, November 23, from 7 a.m. to noon. Kid’s Dash starts at 9 a.m. Register at omRoadRace.org or see their Facebook page to find current information about the event.
Springhill Cellars’ Federweisser Festival
Try Springhill Cellars’ delicious cider-like semi-sweet cloudy Pinot Gris Federweisser along with a delicious Zwiebelkuchen (an onion, egg, bacon, swiss cheese, and sour-cream pie) while enjoying traditional oom-pah-pah music during the day. Join the fun November 24-26. Hours vary each day, so check their Facebook page for updates or call 541-974-0917.
Plan ahead to enjoy the sights and sounds of an old-fashioned holiday celebration in Historic Downtown Albany. The Christmas Parlour Tour is an “insider’s” peek into the past. Step inside some of our most intriguing historic homes and travel back through several eras including Art Deco and Victorian. The Tour takes place on Sunday, December 10, from 2-7 p.m. Tickets will be available at MonteithHouse.org starting in November. Call Albany Visitors Association if you have questions at (541) 928-0911 or email info@albanyvisitors.com.
‘Agriculture Heritage’ theme of History Through Headstones Tour
“Celebrating Our Agricultural Heritage” is the theme of the 13th History Through Headstones Tour at Albany’s Riverside Cemetery from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 19. It is sponsored by the Albany Regional Museum and the Riverside Cemetery Board of Directors.
Light refreshments will be served. Visitors can park on either side of 7th Avenue west of Albany General Hospital and can begin their tour at either cemetery entrance.
Eleven people associated with the area’s agricultural community will be featured on the tour, including six members of the Jenks Family, each of which will talk about some of their ancestors.
Here is a list of those to be honored along with the names of the docents who will talk about each one:
Great-granddaughter Mary Jacque Jenks Burck will talk about James Benton Jenks (1833-93) and Mary Callaway Jenks (1838-1919; great grandson Tim Jenks will offer stories about Enoch Marvin Jenks (1880-1965) and Elizabeth Moser Jenks; grandson Howard Benton Jenks will talk about namesake Howard Benton Jenks (1893-1963) and Eunice Luper Jenks (1890-1984); family friend Pat Hagerty will talk about Amos Conrad (1925-94); family member Kathryn Koos will talk about Cyrill Koos (1863-1843) and Adele Koos (1864-1936; and Riverside Cemetery Board Member Darrel Tedisch will talk about John Gale Swatzka (1925-09). Concluding the featured subjects will be ARM member Bill Maddy with information about Samuel Hill (1804-54); and family member Kitty Buchner talking about Mary Pettibone Buchner (1905-2002).
44th Annual Summer Interior Tour of Homes
The 44th Summer Interior Tour of Historic Homes will be held 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 29, in Albany, Oregon. Six lovely historic homes will be open for touring, as well as the Monteith House, Albany Regional Museum, and several other historic buildings. An added bonus this time around will be a chance to tour the St. Mary’s Church Museum, as well as get a look inside the Cumberland Church to check on the progress of its renovation, including new paint colors.
Admission is $15 per person and tickets can be purchased online at monteithhouse.org from July 1 to July 28. To receive your copy of the tour map and wristband, bring your e-ticket to the Albany Visitors Association office, 110 3rd Ave. SE, on tour day, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets also will be available on tour day at the AVA, for cash or check only.
Well-behaved children under 12 are admitted free with a paid adult. Visitors are asked to please
not touch items in the homes and to not take photos or video while inside.
Refreshments will be served at the Albany Regional Museum. The Albany Vintage Trolley and a
horse-drawn wagon also will be available for visitors to ride.
Proceeds from Albany’s Interior Tour of Historic Homes benefit the Monteith House Museum.
For more information, visit albanyvisitors.com, or call 541-928-0911.
Fourth of July events and fireworks around the mid-Valley
Celebrating the Fourth of July wouldn’t be the same without local events and fireworks displays to celebrate the day, and Albany and communities around the mid-Valley have several for families to choose from. Here’s a list of events and fireworks displays you might enjoy:
ALBANY
July 1-4
Grab your friends and family and head over to Timber-Linn Memorial Park for the annual all-you-can-eat Lumberjack Breakfast, hosted by the East Albany Lions Club. This event that has been running for 50+ years. Breakfast will be served every morning 6 to 11 a.m. July 1-4. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children 11 and under. All proceeds go to Lions Sight & Hearing, local charities, and community projects.
MID-VALLEY
June 30-July 1
Sweet Home — Enjoy delicious barbecue, great music and fireworks at the 2023 Icebox Cookoff at Radiator Supply House (RSH), 1460 47th Ave., and sponsored by RSH and Best Damn BBQ Sauce. The barbecue competition takes place both days. Admission is free, but tokens need to be purchased for beer and food. There will be live music each day, and the fireworks display begins at 10 p.m. Saturday, July 1.
July 1
Detroit – A highlight of the summer at Detroit Lake is its Fireworks Display and weekend
Celebration, held on the closest Saturday to Independence Day. The fireworks start at about 10
p.m. and can be viewed from all over town, from trails on the mountain tops, or from a boat
anchored on the Lake.
July 2
Corvallis – Take in a Corvallis Knights baseball game and then enjoy a spectacular fireworks
display afterward at OSU’s Goss Stadium in Corvallis. Game starts at 7:15. Tickets are $18 and
can be purchased here.
July 3
Harrisburg — Join in the fun at the biggest event in Harrisburg, the Old Fashioned 4th of July celebration. Watch the parade, listen to music, join in a 5K run and shop at vendor booths, then settle in for one of the largest fireworks displays around.
Yamhill – Saffron Fields Vineyard, 18748 NE Laughlin Rd., holds a festival with live music, food
trucks and fireworks! Tickets are $75 each.
July 4
Brownsville – The day begins with breakfast in Pioneer Park and ends with a fireworks display,
put on by the Brownsville Rural Fire District. All are welcome to attend.
Salem – Enjoy a full day of activities at the 4th of July Spectacular at the Oregon State Fairgrounds, including a carnival, food, drinks, a concert by country music band Alabama and fireworks. Tickets are needed for the Alabama concert and VIP party zone.
Keizer – Catch the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes baseball game and stick around for the fireworks at
Volcanoes Stadium, 6700 Field of Dreams Way NE. Game is at 6 p.m., with a fireworks display
right after. Tickets start at $6.
Independence – Catch activities June 2-4 at the Independence Days Celebration: watch a parade that stretches from Monmouth to Independence, then head downtown to Riverview Park for a rubber duck derby and other activities, and a fireworks display.
Photo credit: “4th of July” by Cathy Flowers
Enjoy history, events during National Preservation Month
May is National Historic Preservation Month, and what better way to observe it than with several exciting events planned in and around Albany.
Here’s a list to get you started:
ALL MONTH
Albany Explorer App – Soak up some history throughout the month and get a helping hand with the Albany Explorer app, presented by the Albany Visitors Association and HospitalityVision. It contains many things to see and do around Albany, including history, shopping and dining.
One of its new features is Pioneering Women in Albany History, a series of profiles of Albany women who led the way in helping make Albany what it is today.
So far, eight women are profiled on the app. They are:
- Mae Yih, first Chinese-American woman to be elected to a state legislature.
- Abigail Scott Duniway, pioneering activist for Oregon women’s right to vote.
- Bessie Wyatt Hale, first black woman to own a business in Albany.
- Naomi Young, philanthropist and instrumental in bringing a Carnegie Library to Albany.
- Wendy Kirbey, businesswoman and founder of the Historic Carousel & Museum.
- Captain Minnie Mae (Mossman) Hill, became one of only three women in the nation to be licensed as a steamboat pilot on the Columbia and Willamette rivers in 1866.
- Esther (Nebergall) Ferguson, first woman president of the Albany Chamber of Commerce.
- Evelyn Nicholas Burleson Whitmaker Waldren, pioneer aviator who, with her husband, ran the Albany Municipal Airport for several years.
Each entry offers a written biography and video of each woman, along with walking instructions on how to find spots where these amazing women made history around Albany.
The app can be downloaded onto your cell phone by going to the Apple Store for iPhone or iPad and Google Play for Android.
Here are other events planned for Preservation Month:
Hidden History Scavenger Hunt (through May 26) – Printed forms available at The Natty Dresser, Albany Visitors Association and Albany Downtown Association, or download the form here. The Hidden History Scavenger Hunt includes photos of Downtown architectural elements to identify. Completed forms must be returned to The Natty Dresser by 5 p.m. Thursday, May 26. All correctly completed entries will be put into a drawing for a prize. A winner will be announced on May 27.
EVENTS
Saturday, May 6
Guided Birding Tour at Thompson’s Mills, 10 a.m. – Join experienced birders Bill Freeland and Madelyn Antinucci at Thompson’s Mills State Heritage Site, located 2 miles east of Shedd, to learn what is happening in the avian world this spring and how to observe and record your findings. Bill and Madelyn will have a few pairs of binoculars to loan but please bring your own if possible. Wear comfortable waterproof boots and dress to be outside for at least an hour, walking one mile on flat ground. Free tours of the mill will be available as well. Meet in the parking lot next to the restrooms. For more information, call 541-227-8873.
Window Restoration Workshop, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Sponsored by the Albany Landmarks Commission and Vintage Windows Restoration, 635 Water Avenue NE. Snacks and coffee will be served. Please register with alyssa.schrems@cityofalbany.net, 541-791-0176. Class is limited to the first 25 enrolled and there is no fee.
Albany Airport Historic Hangar Open House, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – A two-day event. Come see the historic hanger, airplanes (including Miss Liberty, flown by Albany pioneer Evelyn Burleson, currently under restoration) model airplane displays. Talk with aviators during this free open house at the Albany Municipal Airport. Visitors will be asked to sign a waiver. Kids are welcome.
Sunday, May 7
Albany Airport Historic Hangar Open House, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – A two-day event. Come see the historic hanger, airplanes (including Miss Liberty, flown by Albany pioneer Evelyn Burleson, currently under restoration) model airplane displays. Talk with aviators during this free open house at the Albany Municipal Airport. Visitors will be asked to sign a waiver. Kids are welcome.
Tuesday, May 9
1st Avenue History Walking Tour, 6 p.m. – The tour will begin at Burkhart Square (next to the Civic Theater) 101 1st Ave. SW. The tour is free but there is a suggested $5 donation per person to benefit the Monteith House. Sponsored by the The Natty Dresser.
Wednesday, May 10
2nd Avenue History Walking Tour May, 6 p.m. – The tour will begin at Burkhart Square (next to the Civic Theater) 101 1st Ave SW. The tour is free but there is a suggested $5 donation per person to benefit the Monteith House. Sponsored by the The Natty Dresser.
The Story of Sodaville, 3 p.m. – Presented by Julie Grunberg and JaDala Coyle at the Lebanon Public Library, 55 Academy St, Lebanon. Admission is free.
Saturday, May 13
Albany Tweed Ride, 10 a.m. – Starts at The Natty Dresser, 124 Broadalbin St. SW. Don your finest tweed attire and take a bicycle tour of Albany’s National Historic Districts. Come by before the ride and meet with NW Mobile Bike Repair for a quick check-up. Arrive by 9:30 to enter the costume and best bike contests. The ride starts at 10. The tour will stop on occasion to talk about menswear and the historic buildings and sights along the way. The ride ends at Deluxe Brewery, where they will be hosting their annual Vintage Bicycle Show & Swap Meet. Food and drink will be available for purchase at the brewery. Riders are welcome to bring a picnic lunch, as the brewery allows outside food. Bring a cup if it looks like it is going to be a warm day and we will have a water break along the way.
Albany Vintage Bicycle Show & Swap Meet, 1 to 5 p.m. – Show is at, and sponsored by, Deluxe Brewing, 635 Water Ave. NE. Admission for spectators is free and $5 if you wish to enter a bicycle in the show. For information call 541-928-7699.
Cumberland Church Celebration, 12 to 2 p.m. – Marking 131 years of the historic church, which was dedicated May 5, 1892. Enjoy music, cake and history about this wonderful building, which is being renovated and will be home to the Cumberland Community Events Center.
Monteith House Living History Activity, 12 to 2 p.m. – Step into 1850 on the second Saturday of each month at the historic Monteith House Museum, 518 2nd Ave. SW, and take part in activities such as woodworking, pioneer doll making, baking biscuits, making butter, and others. Each time will be something new. Register in advance by calling 541-220-0421.
Monday, May 15
1912 SE Young & Son Building Tour, 3 p.m. – Meet at The Natty Dresser’s Broadalbin Street entrance, 124 Broadalbin St. SW. The tour will include all floors of the building, artifacts from previous tenants, and behind the scenes at the Natty Dresser. You will learn about the building’s original owner and the architect who made it happen. After the tour you can stick around and explore the Natty Dresser and get a sample of cheesecake from Beloved Cheesecakes which is located inside the building.
Saturday, May 20
Cumberland Steeple Raising, 12 to 1 p.m. – The steeple, which was removed for renovation when the Cumberland Church was moved to its current location in 2022 , will be raised in a ceremony. Albany Mayor Alex Johnson II and other city officials will be on hand for a ribbon cutting, and a capella groups from South Albany High School and Calapooia Middle School will perform. The public is invited to attend, and food and refreshments will be provided.
Albany Streetcar History Tour, 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. – Tour guests will hop aboard the Albany Streetcar at the Albany Regional Museum, 136 Lyon St S, for a narrated tour by Bill Maddy, Albany Regional Museum docent and Albany historian. The tour will feature humorous and unusual Albany history stories in the Downtown and Hackelman area. Streetcar seating is limited, and reservations are required. Tickets for the public are $5, free to Albany Regional Museum members. For tickets, call 541-967-7122.
Thursday, May 25
Walking History Tour, TBA – Members of the Friends of Historic Albany (FOHA) will be talking about architectural terminology and the technical features of some of Albany’s wonderful historic homes. Time and place of the tour to be announced. Check the calendar at albanyvisitors.com for details as the event approaches.
OTHER ADVENTURES
Daily
Thompson’s Mills State Heritage Site, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. –Take a guided tour of Oregon’s oldest water-powered mill and watch it come to life. Located at 32655 Boston Mill Drive, Shedd.
Saturdays
Albany Farmers’ Market is the oldest outdoor farmers’ market in Oregon. Open every Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Purchase hand-picked produce, fresh flowers, baked bread, local eggs, meats and more. The market is located at 4th and Ellsworth in the City Hall parking lot. For more about what the market has to offer, including online pre-visit order forms to make your visit even safer, be sure to check their website at LocallyGrown.org.
Friday, May 5
Albany Downtown Wine Walk, 4 to 8 p.m. –Tickets are on sale at Albany Visitors Association, 110 3rd Ave. SE, for $20 and include a glass and five tasting tickets. Cash or check only for advance sales. The starting point is the corner of 1st Avenue & Ferry Street in Downtown Albany.
May 19-21
Linn County Lamb & Wool Fair – The oldest fair of its kind in Oregon includes sheep shows, fiber arts, crafts and Northwest Champion Sheep Dog Trials. The event is held at the Scio Fairgrounds, 38764 N. Ash St, Scio. For information go to lambfair.com.
