Albany Farmers’ Market to open April 15

With spring in full swing, get ready to enjoy the growing bounty of produce and other items, as well as some new vendors, at the Albany Farmers’ Market, which opens Saturday, April 15.

The market, said to the be the longest continuously operating open-air market in Oregon, is set in the City Hall parking lot along Ellsworth Street and spills into adjacent 4th Avenue and will be open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Saturday until mid-November.

Albany’s market is part of the Corvallis-Albany Farmers’ Markets, a farmer-led nonprofit that operates outdoor farmers’ markets in Corvallis and Albany and promotes dozens of farm-direct marketers in six counties: Benton, Linn, Lincoln, Lane, Marion and Polk. Prior to opening day, the market will have an updated web page at locallygrown.org, which will have enhanced searchable information on vendors and products. Hop online and check it out.

Patrons can expect to find seasonal fruits and vegetables as well as locally grown organic meats, flowers, eggs, herbs and many other options. One vendor, South Hill Farm, plans to offer an unusual product: Japanese Black Wagyu beef, a highly marbled Japanese beef the owners say is “98 percent purebred.”

In addition to fresh foods and local produce, organizations promoting sustainable living, composting and recycling education and live entertainment can be found at the market.

Some of the activity at this year’s market include:

• April 15: The Sick Town Derby Dames will make a public appearance, skating in the open area along 4^th Avenue.
• April 22: Republic Services will be on hand to give away compost.
• April 29: OSU Pharmacy representatives will be on hand for health testing and education.
• May 27: Fox’s Country Garden and Linn County Master Gardeners will offer flower planting with kids. They’ll will repeat the event with succulents on July 29.

In addition, as part of the Power of Produce Club (PoP) offerings, the Albany Public Library will be holding some scavenger hunts for kids. Food Hero also will be there on some PoP dates. 

The PoP program, offering fresh fruit and produce to kids ages 5 to 12, begins June 17.

The Albany Farmers’ Market is part of the Mid-Willamette Valley Food Trail. In communities across Oregon, food lovers have plotted these trails to introduce visitors to the food and drink of their regions. These self-guided food trails showcase the freshest local offerings of farmers, fishers, brewers and chefs around the state.

Other Food Trails currently available are North Coast, South Willamette Valley, East Gorge, Wild Rivers Coast, Great Oaks and The Great Umpqua.

For more about the Food Trails, visit https://traveloregon.com/things-to-do/eat-drink/oregon-food-trails/

If you want to expand your farmers’ market horizon, visit Midway Farms, 6980 NW Highway 20, another Food Trail member that is open daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is the only dedicated gluten-free farm in the state. Midway offers a delightful assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables along with homemade jams, salsa, pickles, gluten-free baked goods and more.

2023 AVA Photo Contest

CONGRATULATIONS to this year’s winners and many THANKS to all who entered!

See all the 2023 participants on the AVA Flickr page HERE

You can also view the video on YouTube HERE

The winners of the 16th Annual Albany Visitors Association Photography Contest are:

Champion – “Albany Clock Tower,” by Brenda Autry

Reserve Champion – “Autumn Waterfall, Talking Water Gardens,” by Pavla Zakova-Laney

People’s Choice –  “Sky On Fire,” by Camron Settlemier

Student – “Bryant Park Train Bridge,” by Liv Kottre

Culinary:

1st Place  –  “Fruit Tart, LBCC Culinary Arts,” by Brenda Autry

2nd Place  – “Ice Cream at the Carousel,” by Melinda Martin

Events:

1st Place –  “Albany Veterans Day Parade Motorcycles,” by Donna Short

2nd Place – “Growler Garage Antiques in the Street,” by Brenda Autry

3rd Place – “Car Show, Timber-Linn Park,” by Dave Maestas

Historic Albany:

1st Place – “Second Empire Snow,” by Camron Settlemier

2nd Place – “Pink Dogwood,” by Melinda Martin

3rd Place – “Dutch Colonial Snow,” by Camron Settlemier

Landmarks:

1st Place – “Gothic Sunset,” by Camron Settlemier

2nd Place – “Christmas at Holley Church,” by Donna Short

3rd Place – “Weddle Bridge,” by Dave Maestas

People:

1st Place – “Short Covered Bridge,” by Donna Short

2nd Place – “Reminisce, Lebanon,” by Camron Settlemier

3rd Place – “Stroll in Talking Water Gardens,” by Pavla Zakova-Laney

Scenic:

1st Place – “Poppies on Elm St.,” by Melinda Martin

2nd Place – “Short Bridge,” by Brenda Autry

3rd Place – “Harvest Time Steam, Linn County,” by Camron Settlemier

PURPOSE    The purpose of this contest is to find images suitable for use in the marketing program for Albany, Linn County and the Willamette Valley.

FEE There is an entry fee of $2.00 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 2021, 2022 or 2023 and specifically feature Albany and surrounding Linn County.

To see examples of the kinds of images we use most, scroll through our website, calendar of events and the AVA Facebook page.

Photograph Subject Categories  

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 bounty of historic buildings!

Landmarks:  A landmark is unique to Albany and lends itself to the quintessential identity of our city. A Victorian-era 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. Images might include rustic barns, farm stands, bountiful gardens, wildflowers and wildlife, and the Willamette Valley with distant snowcapped mountains.

Youth/Student: 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 March 2023. Winning photographs will be showcased in a professional video shown at the Pix Theatre before feature films following the contest, 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 $2.00 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. We will email you the release when you ask to enter the contest. You may also download it belwo, or get a hard copy from the AVA office.

• 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 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.

• 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! We will email you the release when you ask to enter the contest. You may also download it below, or get a hard copy from the AVA office.

• All photos depicting water recreation must be compliant with Oregon regulations regarding life jackets.

• Have your photos ready by creating file names in the following format
  Please use the following format for the file name of each of your photos – do NOT use all caps
  • title (no duplicates please)
  • location, if not mentioned in the title eg. Albany or Linn Co
  • your name
  • For Example – Grass Harvest Albany Amy Felmley

• 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 photographer release form, and any model release forms necessary to the AVA (address below) before February 10. Paperwork may also be placed through the mail drop slot after hours.

DEADLINE  All entries, fees and releases must be submitted by 5 pm Friday, February 10, 2023.

Albany Visitors Association
541-928-0911
110 3rd Ave SE, Albany, OR 97321

     

Find plenty of fun around Albany

Try your hand at fly tying, throw paint all over your best friends or hit the trail for a hike: With springtime and Spring Break on the horizon and the days getting longer and longer, everyone can find plenty of fun around Albany.

The Event Calendar at the Albany Visitors Association website is a great place to see what’s going on in the days ahead. And here are a few suggestions to get you started:

EVENTS

Northwest Fly Tyer & Flyfishing Expo – March 10-11, 9 am to 5 pm, Linn County Expo Center. Join in the return of this great annual event that caters to families, and individuals with exhibitors, fly casting ponds, tying demonstrations, classes, raffles and a silent auction.

Hub City Comic Con – March 18, Heritage Mall. Enjoy big-screen movies, photo ops with comic book and movie characters or dress up yourself and enjoy this event, which will feature 100 vendors. Follow the Heritage Mall Facebook page for updates.

Linn County Flea Market – March 18, 8 am to 2:30 pm, Linn County Expo Center. Shoppers can pay $6 for early entry from 8 to 9 am. General admission is $2 from 9 am to 2:30 pm. Enjoy hunting for treasure at Linn County’s largest flea market.

INDOORS

Splatterbox — Paint the walls or your family members in this one-of-a-kind romp at this paint-throwing art studio, 313 Montgomery St. NE. Go online to splatterbox.net and check out the packages offered and prices for Small Groups (up to 6 people for an hour), Large Groups (up to 12 for an hour and a half), a Party (up to 20 for two hours) or the After Dark option for couples and parties.

Surefire Design — Try your hand at pottery by painting any number of items provided by Surefire, 201 2^nd Ave. SW., and they will glaze and fire them for you to pick up later! For more info, see their Facebook page.

Albany Historic Carousel & Museum — One of Albany’s favorite family stops. Head over to 503 1^st Ave. W., and take a ride on your favorite animal (or dragon!). While there, take a tour of the carving studio, visit the museum, then pop in on the painters to see them bring life to any number of critters. Before you leave, be sure to visit the snack bar, and browse the gift shop for a memento of the occasion.

Gallery Calapooia — This cooperative of 20 artists offers some of the finest pieces of art in the mid-valley, as well as jewelry and other creations. Located at 222 1^st Ave. W.

The Pix Theatre — Make it dinner and a movie at this first-run theater, where the snack bar has a delicious menu, including burgers, sandwiches, pizza and other items (including beer for the adults!), along with the usual movie fare of candy, popcorn and soft drinks. Frozen bananas are a favorite.

Enigma Escape Experience — For a real challenge, get your family and friends together and try to solve the puzzles and free yourselves from these exciting escape rooms in Downtown Albany. Choose from one of three rooms with different adventures in each. Check their Facebook page for open days and times.

OUTDOORS

For links to many of these activities, go here.

Biking —Albany has several trails and paths to explore, and there are trips farther afield for the more adventurous.

Hiking – If you want to stay on foot, try one of the many paths Albany has to offer for walkers and hikers, including those at Talking Water Gardens, Simpson Park, the Dave Clark Path and Takena Landing Trail.

Iron Water Ranch —This working fiber animal farm includes seasonal family-oriented events like bottle feeding baby lambs and educational workshops. The ranch produces beautifully dyed wool and fiber for craft, such as yarn for knitting and raw fiber for spinning or felting. The ranch is located at 35179 Riverside Dr. For more information about the ranch, their products and how to sign up for events, visit ironwater.com.

Bird Watching – Late winter and spring are a good time to get out and see the many kinds of birds that call the Willamette Valley home. A good start would be either the E.E. Wilson Wildlife Refuge or Talking Water Gardens if you want to stay a little closer to home.

EATS & TREATS

If you are going out and about, plan to take your meals with you. Albany has several top-notch eateries who can outfit you with the perfect-take-out meal. For up-to-date information on restaurants for dine in, outdoor seating or takeout orders, go to the AVA website and click bar at the top of the page.

SHOPPING

The day wouldn’t be complete without some interesting shopping ideas. To get kids’ creative juices flowing, start with stops at: Brick Circuit LEGO Store, 333 1^st Ave. W; Wicked Comics & Collectibles, 426 2^nd Ave. SE; Bricks & Joysticks, 1117 9^th Ave. SE; The Mattcave, 425 Jackson St. SE; or Northwest Hobbies, 2095 14^th Ave. SE, in Heritage Mall.

Holiday fun in Historic Albany

Tour festively decorated homes, go caroling on a horse-drawn wagon, or shop for that one-of-a-kind present for that special someone: All of that and more are available during the holidays in historic Albany.

The 43^rd Annual Christmas Parlour Tour will be held 2 to 7 p.m. Sunday., Dec. 11 and offers a peek inside several homes and other buildings decked out for the Christmas season.

Tickets are now on sale here. Cost is $15. Ticket sales will be available online until 10 a.m. the day of the tour. Bring your e-receipt to the Albany Visitors Association office, 110 3^rd Ave. SE, after 1 p.m. on tour day and receive your wristband and ticket, which includes information about the homes and a map.

A limited number of tickets will be sold the day of the tour, for cash or check only. The AVA office opens at 1 p.m. on tour day.

Visit the homes in any order you choose, either by walking or driving. A trolley and horse-drawn wagon will be running during the tour, and they will stop at a few of the homes and other locations.

For more details about other fun activities, places to shop and eat, visit the AVA website at albanyvisitors.com.

Here’s a few of the fun and exciting activities awaiting you this holiday season:

Festival of Wreaths Auction: Nov. 14-18. The annual online Festival of Wreaths Auction is a huge fundraiser for the carousel. You can pre-register online and get a peek at some of the items. You can also see them in person at the carousel Sunday, Nov. 13. Bidding begins Nov. 14 at 9 a.m. and closes Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. Visit 32 Auctions to register, view items and bid.

Gobbler’s Revenge: Nov. 24. The 2022 Gobbler’s Revenge is back! Check this website and the Facebook page for updates about the popular road run. Proceeds benefit the Lions Club in their efforts to help meet growing medical needs in the mid-valley.

Shop & Dine Small Saturday: Nov. 26. Small Business Saturday is an opportunity to shop small and save big! Downtown Albany is proud of the many local, independent retailers who offer unique products you won’t find at a big box store. Many items are handcrafted and made in the Northwest. Restaurants offer specials too so be sure to fortify yourself for a great day of shopping!

Springhill Cellar’s Federweisser Festival: Nov. 25-27. For a quintessential Fall event, try this fun festival, which pairs new, still-fermenting Riesling (the Federweisser) with specially made bratwürst and Zwiebelkuchen (a sweet onion tart). Set in a charming barn and around a fire outside amid vines overlooking the Coast Range. The house band sets the tone for a lively Barn Dance Friday night.

Downtown Holiday Character Hunt: Dec. 1-Dec. 15. Stroll the sidewalks in Downtown Albany and find Holiday Movie Character posters on member businesses. Print your entry form from the ADA website to find up to 30+ posters. Receive one entry per character found. For contest information, go here.

Winter Wonderland Way: Dec. 2-3. Explore the holiday-themed walking path around Monteith Riverpark, shop the holiday marketplace in the Riverfront Community Center and enjoy some great food, fun games and festive music. Fun for all ages! Admission is $5 and includes a fun holiday glow item and keepsake picture. Advance registration required – visit City of Albany Parks or call 541-917-7760.

Christmas Storybook Land: Dec. 2-16. Visit Christmas Storybook Land at the Linn County Expo Center to relive your favorite childhood nursery rhymes, fairy tales and family movies in a magical indoor walk-thru forest! Entry is free, although commercially packaged food for the local food bank is gladly accepted.

Children’s Pioneer Christmas Party: Dec. 4. Celebrate the Christmas season the way the pioneers would have done in the 1800s by joining the festivities at the Monteith House. Children ages 5-16 will make pioneer Christmas crafts, decorate the Christmas tree at the Monteith House, sing carols, eat Christmas cookies, and have the option to ride on the horse-drawn wagon in the “Twice Around Downtown Christmas Parade” at 5 p.m. Tickets are required and sell out fast. Check here for tickets and more information.

The Downtown Twice Around Christmas Parade: Dec. 4. This fun event rolls through the streets of Historic Downtown Albany beginning promptly at 5 p.m., rain or shine. The parade route starts at the corner of Broadalbin Street and First Avenue, then circles downtown twice before moving to the spacious Two Rivers Market parking lot, where the tree lighting will be held 20 minutes after the parade ends. The parade is hosted by the Albany Downtown Association.

Caroling with the Monteith Historical Society: Dec. 9, 16, 17, 18. Ride a horse-drawn wagon through Albany’s beautiful historic districts while singing Christmas carols. This is a popular event and will fill up fast! Click here for tickets and information.

Additional Fun: For more exciting holiday activities, check out the AVA Calendar of Events here.

Photo by Camron Settlemier

Some of Our Favorite November Happenings

With fall colors in full swing and a nip in the air, let Albany’s historic charm warm you.

Our area abounds with great holiday shopping and dining, craft fairs and seasonal events. These are some of our favorites to help you start planning your visit today!

Historic Downtown Albany’s charm includes diverse businesses in impressive historic structures on wide, tree-lined streets. Many downtown shops are family-owned businesses offering an array of locally made gifts and clothing in addition to well-known brands. For treasure hunters, a myriad of antiques and collectibles can be found within 20,000 square feet on two floors at the Albany Antique Mall. If handmade gifts and crafts are your passion, The Vintage Roost holiday craft show is tucked into a charming cottage across the bridge from Downtown, and Blackberry Junction fills the spacious Linn County Expo Center.

Take a break from shopping and enjoy one of the many acclaimed restaurants, cafes and coffee shops with a variety of fare and locally sourced ingredients. Margin Coffee serves sustainably sourced coffee, tea, seasonal specials and house-made pastries and sandwiches in a cozy living room-like space, and be sure to leave room for a delectable dessert from Natural Sprinkles, just next door.

For a quintessential Fall event, try the Annual Springhill Cellars’ Federweisser Festival, November 25 to 27, which pairs new, still fermenting Riesling (the Federweisser) with specially made bratwürst and Zwiebelkuchen, a sweet onion tart. Enjoy all of this in a charming barn or around a fire amidst vines overlooking the Coast Range. The house band sets the tone for a lively Barn Dance Friday night.

With so much to see and do, plan on visiting Albany for a day, weekend or longer. You will find a choice of several comfortable HOTELS just off I-5 and minutes from Historic Downtown.  Be sure to stop by the Albany Visitors Association for maps, guides to our historic districts and covered bridges, and suggestions to help you enjoy your stay.

Hope to see you soon!

Photo by Camron Settlemier

Have spooky, delicious fun in October

Wander through spooky corn mazes, squeeze apples for some tangy cider or hunt for that perfect pumpkin: October is a great time to get out and enjoy fall in and around Albany.

Particularly for fans of the popular Trolley of Terror: It’s back!

Dates are Oct. 21-22 and 28-29, with tours at 6, 7, 8 and 9 p.m. for this Monteith House fundraiser. These tours sell out fast so click here for where to purchase tickets and other information.

Here are some other great October events to put on your list. Be sure to visit our Calendar of Events on the AVA website to get more details and links to their online pages as well:

Events

Cider Pressing at Thompson’s Mills State Heritage Site – Oct. 1 and 29, noon to 3 p.m. Kids of all ages are invited to help crush and press the apples and watch as golden cider flows from the press. Docents will be on hand for tours of the Mill. Unlimited free cider tasting and half-gallon jugs available for $5 contribution to Thompson’s Mills Preservation Society. Admission to the Mill is free and picnic tables are available.

Harvest Festival – 11a.m. to 5 p.m., Oct. 1. Join Sweet Home in Sankey Park for this great family event with pumpkin painting, tree climbing, Kid Zone games, wagon rides, face painting and photo booth. The popular Pie Bake-Off Contest and Chili Cook-Off are back.

Trick or Treat Cruise Thru – 1 to 4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 22. Timber-Linn Memorial Park: REGISTRATION is required for this event and is due by Oct. 14. Albany Parks & Recreation wants to see those cool costumes, so dress up and trick-or-treat with them! There will be candy and goodies to collect along the way and some spooktacular decorations. Cost is $5 per child for ages 1-12.

1^st Friday in Historic Downtown Albany – Oct. 7. Celebrate all things Fall this 1st Friday! Join downtown businesses for extended hours, food, drinks, promotions, sales and music. This month’s prize is donated by People’s Bank.

Tennessee Thunder Railroad — Saturdays and Sundays in October, noon to 4 p.m. – Paid Train Ticket gains you access to the park where you can ride the ¼ scale train, purchase pumpkins from the Pumpkin Patch, take pictures at several photo ops, and enjoy various games and things to see throughout the park. Admission: Adults $7.50 (ages 13 and up), Child $6.50 (ages 2-12), 1 and Under: Free. Carpooling is strongly encouraged.

Runaway Pumpkin Express – Oct. 29. Santiam Excursion Trains, Lebanon; noon and 2:30 pm. Dress up your little ghoul or goblin and bring them on this 1.5-hour excursion through the streets of Lebanon. This annual costume ride brings out some scary (and cute) faces. 

Downtown Halloween Scavenger Hunt – Oct. 15-31. Get an early start on Halloween by joining the Albany Downtown Association’s Downtown Halloween Scavenger Hunt 2022, a fun activity for the whole family with a chance to win a movie night prize basket. Deadline is midnight, Oct. 31.

Downtown Trick or Treat & Costume Contest – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Just look for the participating merchants all over Downtown Albany, and the photo contest booths at the 1st Avenue Parklet and at Two Rivers Market.

Farmers’ Markets

Albany Farmers’ Market – Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Fresh and local produce, baked goods, meat, flowers and more!

Lebanon Downtown Farmers’ Market –Thursdays 2 to 6 pm

Pumpkins and Mazes

Bose Family Farm Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze – Sept. 30-Oct. 30.  Pick a pumpkin and explore the corn maze; Thursday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Corn Maze at The Melon Shack – Sept. 30 – Oct. 31. The Melon Shack has a happy day-time Corn Maze and a night-time Haunted Corn Maze. Daytime hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., every day. The Haunted Corn Maze is open 7 to 10 p.m. every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. There are over 3 miles of trail through the maze.

September is packed with fun in Albany

September marks the transition from Summer to Fall, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to slow down! The month is known for magnificent weather, the beginning of beautiful fall foliage and is packed with fun things to see in and around Albany.

The highlight will be the Albany Antiques in the Streets & Classic Car Show, which headlines a lineup of events on Saturday, Sept. 10.

The event goes all day. Shop for amazing treasures from over 50 street vendors at the Albany Antique Mall sidewalk sale, then stroll around and be dazzled by over 100 amazing cars. When you get hungry have lunch at one of downtown Albany’s fabulous restaurants or go organic and visit the Farmers’ Market – from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. – all within walking distance of each other! Proceeds from this event benefit a local non-profit, the Albany Firefighter Community Fund.

Here are a few other ideas to keep you busy:

Saturday, Sept. 3

Albany Block Party

3 p.m. – Save the date for this new event, sponsored by The Garage, which includes multiple food vendors, a large outdoor beer garden with several tap trucks and lots of beer taps and a live concert featuring country artist Nate Smith.

Cider Pressing at Thompson’s Mills State Heritage Site

12 to 3 p.m. – Kids of all ages are invited to help make apple cider at Thompson’s Mills State Heritage Site on Sept. 3, Oct. 1 and 29, 12 to 3 p.m.  Kids can help crush and press the apples.  Docents will be on hand for tours of the Mill. Unlimited free cider tasting and half-gallon jugs will be available for a $5 donation to Thompson’s Mills Preservation Society. The Mill is located at 32655 Boston Mill Drive, 2 miles east of Shedd.

Saturday, Sept. 10

Bridges, Bikes & Brews

9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Scio – Folks of all ages are invited to come and enjoy Bridges, Bikes and Brews at the Linn County Lamb and Wool Fairgrounds, in beautiful downtown Scio. The event features free family friendly covered bridge bicycle tours and guided historic covered bridge van tours. There will be local craft brews, corn hole tournament, motorcycle covered bridge poker run, food, music, entertainment, vendors and more!

Albany Beer Run

12 to 2 p.m. – Don’t miss the fun, music, and delicious beer at both ends of the .3-mile course at this annual event, which is dedicated to the below-average athlete and weekend warrior in all of us.  The course begins at Calapooia Brewery and ends just up the block at Deluxe Brewing. And don’t forget, your registration fee this year supports Heartland Humane Society and is open to both 2- and 4-footed participants! For information visit the event website or Facebook page.

Saturday, Sept. 17

Albany Scottish Festival & Highland Games

9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Timber-Linn Memorial Park — Don’t miss the second annual Albany Scottish Festival & Highland Games for a day of food, music, and Scottish throwing events.

Friday, Sept. 23

4^th Friday at Springhill Cellars Winery

5:30 p.m. – Join Springhill Cellars Winery for its last 4th Friday of the season with live music, great wine and delicious food and watch the sun set over the Coast Range. Seating starts at 5:30 p.m., live music starts at 7. Entry is $10 per person. This event is by reservation only for those who want a table and seating provided by us, but you are welcome to bring your own lawn chairs and join in. For reservations, call Conner at 541-974-0917.

Music, Movies & Balloons: Lots to do mid-summer in Albany!

As mid-summer approaches in the Willamette Valley, there is no shortage of exciting things to do in and around Albany. The warm weather is perfect for outdoor events, from movies and concerts to the Northwest Art & Air festival and any number of biking, hiking, camping and canoeing adventures.

Below, find a few of the activities to look forward to during late July and throughout August in Linn County:

July 29-31: Oregon Jamboree

Bringing some of Nashville’s biggest stars to Sweet Home, Oregon for over 20 years, the Oregon Jamboree is an exciting chance to see some fantastic country music shows while mingling with other fans in the beautiful Sankey Park venue. Headliners for this year’s festival include Old Dominion, Trace Adkins, and Miranda Lambert. This not-to-be-missed musical event boasts two stages and 25 shows over three days.

The Jamboree offers a full festival atmosphere in the main venue and a more intimate concert experience on the second stage in Sankey Park. In addition to featured headline entertainment, this event hosts RV and tent camping, merchandise vendors, food booths, beer and wine gardens and a variety of other attractions. For ticket and other information, go here.

July 7- August 11: River Rhythms

Get ready to rock out at River Rhythms this year with guests like Blue Oyster Cult, Sheena Easton, Ruthie Foster and others! Head over to Monteith Riverpark on any of the five concert dates, where food vendors begin serving at 5 p.m., followed by music at 7. 

Plan to get there early, lay down a blanket, and enjoy a picnic before the show; the blanket seating area in front of the stage opens at 5:30 p.m., and it fills up fast. Lawn chairs are allowed behind the blanket seating.

For the full schedule, visit the City of Albany website.

There is a suggested donation of $1 to help cover costs, and you can participate in “Rock Out Against Hunger” this year, an effort to help those in need. Bring non-perishable and unopened cans and boxes of food to any of the River Rhythms concerts and put them in the donation barrels located at the front of the park. Collections will be accepted 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 5-Aug. 12 at the Parks & Recreation counter in City Hall.

July 11- August 1: Summer Sounds

Formerly known as “Mondays at Monteith,” Summer Sounds takes place every Monday for four consecutive weeks at Monteith Riverpark. Starting July 11 with a performance from The Bylines, the concert festivities will extend until Aug. 1. This year, the concert lineup consists of a range of genres, from jazz to country, so there’s something for everyone.

Sip your own wine or beer, purchase soft drinks and food from the vendor court, and take a stroll along the riverfront with your sweetheart. The free concerts are from 7 to 9 pm, but the vendor court will open at 5:30 pm.

For the full schedule, visit the City of Albany website.

July 22 – August 12: Movies at Monteith

Outdoor movies in the park have become today’s version of the drive-in movie experience of the past – only better. Enjoy Movies at Monteith on Friday evenings in late July and early August at Monteith Riverpark in Downtown Albany. This year, movie dates are on July 22 & 29 and Aug. 5 & 12. Grab your blankets and chairs and head to the park for food and fun starting at 7 pm. Movies start at dusk (around 9 to 9:25 pm).

August 14: Covered Bridge Bicycle Tour

Get your spokes a’ twirling! The Annual Covered Bridge Bicycle Tour is a premier one-day cycling event sponsored by the Mid Valley Bicycle Club designed for all levels of biking interest and expertise. Explore the rural roads and, depending on which of the route options you choose, you’ll cross up to five historic covered bridges in the Mid-Willamette Valley. Rides vary from 23, 44, 68, 85, or 101 miles on quiet country roads and through several well-preserved historic covered bridges. The tour starts and finishes at the Linn County Expo Center. Go here for more information. Note: The Shimanek Bridge will be closed for repairs through October.

August 15-19: Paddle Oregon

This year’s trip will wind along 85 miles of river, beginning at Marshall Island Access in Junction City and ending at Keizer Rapids Park. The tour will camp at Kenagy Family Farm in Albany on Aug. 17! For more information and to view the full itinerary, visit the Paddle Oregon website.

August 19-27: Albany Civic Theater Presents “Frozen Jr.”

Albany Civic Theater Presents Disney’s “Frozen Jr.,” which will be on stage from Aug. 19-27, with 6 total showings including 2 matinees. The Disney classic about the powerful bond of sisterhood comes to life on stage this year with a cast of young and talented actors. Visit the ACT website for ticket info.

August 20: Carnival at The Carousel

Join the Albany Historic Carousel & Museum as they celebrate their five-year anniversary with a carousel fundraiser: Carnival at the Carousel. Just as the nostalgia of the carousel lights the faces of those who visit, we hope that the nostalgia of a vintage carnival will do the same. Come see carnival games of the past, old-fashioned carnival characters, carnival snacks, face painting, balloon art, and more! For more information go here.

August 26-28: ATI Northwest Art & Air Festival

The ATI Northwest Art & Air Festival is packed full of exciting and unique events for all ages to enjoy. Hosted at Timber-Linn Memorial Park, this festival boasts rows of local arts and crafts vendors, extravagant hot air balloons, concerts, food and more.

Each morning of the three-day event kicks off with a “morning balloon liftoff,” where you can watch colorful hot air balloons take off into the sunrise beginning at 6:45 a.m., weather permitting.

If you’re not much of a morning person, fret not, because there are other opportunities to see hot air balloons and participate in events. Attend the “Night Glow” at dusk on the evening of Aug. 26 to watch a spectacular show of hot air balloons illuminate the night sky. Children and adults alike will enjoy the show. Photographers, this is a great opportunity to take some incredible shots, so bring your tripods!

You can even sign up to ride a hot air balloon while watching the gorgeous view of the Willamette Valley right under your feet. Reserve your spot online, and be ready to take off into the sunrise. You’ll never forget the incredible sights as you mingle with other balloons in the sky over Albany.

The festival isn’t just about balloons, though. It’s also home to the “Art of Cars” show, featuring classic Studebakers, Corvairs, Corvettes and more. If you have a classic car and are eager to show it off, bring it to the festival’s Art of Cars show on Saturday, Aug. 27. The show begins at 9 a.m. and gates open for registration at 8 a.m. Registration is $20. Awards will be presented at 3 p.m.

Catch a concert or two in the evenings with performances from artists like Billy Currington, who will be onstage August 27.

For more information about the Art and Air Festival, go here.

Authentically Albany 2022 Giveaway

There are so many great reasons to support local businesses. And while you’re at it, enter the Authentically Albany Rewards Giveaway. There might just be a $100 reward for you!

You can support Albany business owners by shopping in their stores, eating in their restaurants and using their services. Show us who you shop with!

Short on cash? You can help in other ways without spending money.

If you’re on social media, like their Facebook and Instagram pages, share their posts. Comment on things you like.

When you find something you like at a specific store or a favorite new menu item or beverage – tell someone about it! Word of mouth goes a long way!

Enter our #AuthenticallyAlbany Rewards Giveaway. Take a photo of your favorite store, purchase or proprietor in Albany. Tell us about it and tag us on Facebook or Instagram with #AuthenticallyAlbany. You will be entered to win a $100 gift card from one of our Albany businesses. Not on social media? No problem, send us an email photo or drop it by the AVA office with your comments and we will enter for you.

3 WAYS TO ENTER EACH WEEK!

Respond to social media posts by AVA. Follow us on all our social platforms and watch for our giveaway posts.

1. When you see a giveaway post, like the post, tag a friend and answer the question in the comments.

2. Shop or dine and email your receipts to giveaway@AlbanyVisitors.com.

3. Share your own Albany adventure or outing. Shop, dine, gather, or explore any of Albany’s unique experiences. Share a photo and a caption, tag a friend and use the hashtags #authenticallyAlbany and #myAlbanystory

For an additional entry, sign up for our monthly newsletter to hear about upcoming events, places to see, and activities to participate in around Albany: https://albanyvisitors.com/news-press/newsletter/. Send a message or email letting us know you signed up so we can enter you in the giveaway!

Each week, we’ll pick a winner at random to win a $100 gift card courtesy of The Albany Visitors Association. You can enter in any or all of the ways above and there’s a new chance to win every week.

Many local shops are still offering online options and can ship directly to your house, so you can still support local businesses with the convenience and safety of online shopping.

The AVA is supporting local businesses by purchasing gift certificates and will choose a winner each week for 10 weeks.

Questions? Reach out and connect (541) 928-0911 or stop by 110 3rd Ave SE, Albany Oregon 97321.

Fireworks and fun for Fourth of July

Fireworks displays, concerts and other great events await mid-valley residents this Fourth of July holiday and beyond.

While Albany will not be holding its own fireworks show, several are happening nearby around the mid-valley. Most events are free, but because of the high cost of putting on a full-blown fireworks show, communities are gladly accepting donations.

Here’s a quick list of communities planning events through early July, including public fireworks:

Albany: The Lions Club will be holding its annual all-you-can-eat Lumberjack Breakfast 6 to 11 a.m. July 1-4 at Timber-Linn Memorial Park. Other early July events in Albany include:

• The popular River Rhythms concert series at Monteith Riverpark begins July 7 with a performance by Sheena Easton.
• Enjoy music and food as you shop for bargains July 7-10 during Crazy Daze in downtown Albany.
• The Monday concert series Summer Sounds at Monteith Riverpark kicks off July 11 with the Bylines.

For more information about these and other events in and around Albany, see our Calendar of Events.

Harrisburg:  A parade, fireworks, breakfast and other events highlight the 70^th Annual Old-Fashioned Harrisburg Fourth of July Celebration, July 3-4.

Lebanon:  Fireworks over the lake at Cheadle Lake Park are planned again on July 4, beginning at 9:30 p.m.:

Brownsville: Enjoy the community breakfast in the morning and fireworks in the evening:

Corvallis: The Corvallis Knights baseball team will have fireworks following their game at Goss Stadium on July 3. For tickets, click here.

The city of Corvallis will also hold its Red, White & Blue Riverfront Festival on July 4, beginning at 11 a.m., and its fireworks display that evening beginning at 10 p.m.

Independence: Several events are planned for Independence Days July 2-4, with fireworks displays on the evenings of July 2 and 4. Cost for those evenings is $5 for anyone age 6 and over. For more information, go here.

Oregon Garden: Back after two years off, the July 3 Fireworks Celebration will include, food, drinks, art and a fireworks show. For admission and other information, go here.

Staying safe

If you plan to do your own fireworks display, please make sure they are legal and done with safety in mind. Click here for a video by the city of Albany on safety tips and highlighting the affect illegal fireworks have on pets and on some veterans suffering from PTSD.