The 2021 Nighttime Magic Holiday Light Contest WINNERS!

A huge CONGRATULATIONS to this year’s winners and a giant THANK YOU to all our participants! The 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd place winners are Christmas Spirit on Waverly, 1924 Waverly Dr. SE; The Tree of Lights, 4203 Winners Circle Ave SE; and Light up the Night, 1327 NW North Albany Rd.

For all to enjoy, this brief VIDEO of the participating homes will show at the Pix Theatre before feature films through December. All participants will receive a gift card to The Pix!

Nighttime Magic winners are entitled to bragging rights for the entire year and all participants will receive a gift card to one of our wonderful local businesses ranging from $45 to $150. Participating businesses include El Palenque Mexican Restaurant, Natural Sprinkles Co., Novak’s Restaurant, PizzAmoré, The Pix Theatre, Southpaw’s Perfect Pizza, and Urban Ag Supply.

A special Thank You to our sponsors for helping to light up Albany: Burcham’s Metals Inc., Broker Robyn vanRossmann of Town & Country Realty, and Hospitality Vision!

Houses throughout Albany will continue to be decked out in holiday themes through January 1st.

Get a map or list of homes below.

1. Download the Albany Explorer App for the addresses and a map  Apple iOs: Download the free app at the Apple Store for iPhone or iPad Android OS: Download the free app at Google Play for Android.

2. Download and print the map 2021 NTM Map or list 2021 NTM List
3. Get a printed map at the Albany Visitors Association, 110 3rd Ave SE Open M-F 9-5 and avialable in our 24hour information kiosk by the front door.

HOW PEOPLE ENTERED the 2021 Contest

The contest drew about 30 participants last year, with the winners (First, Second and Third places) taking home goodies such as certificates to local businesses like Sybaris, Southpaws, Bodie Bakery, The Natty Dresser, Urban Ag Supply and The Pix Theatre.

Helping coordinate the event to make the season bright is the Albany Visitors Association, along with premier sponsors Burcham’s Metals, broker Robyn van Rossmann from Town & Country Realty, and Hospitality Vision.

Residents are encouraged to enter the 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 addresses will be included for people to drive by. A holiday light drive will be posted on the Albany Explorer App and community members can vote for their favorites via Facebook or by emailing the Albany Visitors Association.

Public voting will open on Friday, December 10 and continue through Sunday, December 19, 2021. Winners will be announced by Tuesday, December 21.

Here are the details for anyone wishing to take part:

1. Entries must be within the city limits of Albany.

2. To enter, email a picture of the completed light display to info@albanyvisitors.com, by 5 p.m. Monday, December 6.

3. Entries must include: Participant’s name; full street address; title of the display; email address; and phone number.

4.  Lights need to remain on from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. December 6 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!

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 10, 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.

So, make a plan, break out the lights and have a big and bright holiday season!

Albany has great places to grab a fall-themed coffee

By Tori Thorp

Coffee lovers celebrated International Coffee Day Oct. 1, but if you missed it, fear not! You can still grab a steaming fall-flavored mug at one of Albany’s many locally owned coffee shops. Here are just a few options.

1. Margin Coffee: 206 2nd Ave. SW, Albany, OR 9732

Margin’s matcha latte is the talk of downtown Albany, and for a limited time they’re carrying seasonal fall flavors! Margin’s harvest season drinks include apple cider, cardamom lattes, honeybadger lattes (honey with cayenne pepper), and sugar and spice lattes. If you’re looking for something fresh and delicious to pair with your coffee order, try their raspberry, chipotle and goat cheese croissant!

2. Citadel Oasis: 425 1st Ave. W, Albany, OR 97321

The Citadel Oasis is the newest addition to Albany’s cafe scene, and they do much more than coffee if you’re looking for a fun meal out. For their seasonal flavors they have pumpkin muffins, cookies, and peppermint flavored espresso drinks. On October 23rd, they’ll be hosting a wine and paint night for $40 per person, and every Friday at 7 p.m. they host Friday night magic. Stop by anytime during their hours for board games and delicious food and drinks!

3. The Brim Coffee Co: 241 1st Ave. W, Albany, OR 97321

The Brim Coffee Company, located on 1st Avenue, is a cozy place to escape a cold day and sipa hot cup of coffee. The Brim offers many options, including their lavender and vanilla London fogs! This season they have  delicious fall flavors to add to your latte, including mocha, Americano or chai: maple, toasted marshmallow, brown sugar cinnamon, and pumpkin pie!

4. Little Wuesten Cafe: 115 Ellsworth St. SW

Nominated as one of the best bakeries in the valley, Little Wuesten Cafe is an excellent spot to grab a bite to eat with the accompaniment of hot coffee. For breakfast, try one of their pretzel breakfast sandwiches, or stop by for a loaf of Zwetschgen-Ingwer Brot, a delicious bread made with fresh prunes and almonds. They also carry all the classic coffee options, so you can have your snack or meal with your favorite. 

5. Pacific Perk: 1421 Pacific Blvd SE, Albany, OR 9732 and 350 NW Hickory St.

Pacific Perk is a drive-through coffee shop for those who love flavor– and they have plenty of them! This coffee shop offers a variety of unique flavors, including specialty coffee like their candy bar flavored menu, which has options such as Butterfinger, Three Musketeers, Twix, and more. Keep an eye out for their fall and winter options like the pumpkin spice latte! Visit one of their two locations to check out their extensive menu options. 

6. Snow Peak Coffee Co: 1260 Price Rd. SE, Albany, OR 97321

Snow Peak Coffee, another drive-through shop located near Timber Linn Memorial Park, is offering some October specials! Their fun fall flavors include:

• “Spooky Latte”: pumpkin spice and toasted marshmallow.
• “Full Moon Mocha”: white chocolate and irish cream.
• “Candy Apple Red Bull”: green apple and caramel drizzle. 
• “Midnight Red Bull”: blue raspberry and blackberry. 

Stop by soon for one of these uniquely fall-themed pick-me-ups!

Albany has many more coffee shop options to choose from, including: 

• Brown Cow Coffee Company
• Mill Town Coffee
• The Human Bean 
• Sidekicks by Pastega 
• Allann Bros. Coffee
• Spirit Espresso
• Dutch Bros
• Starbucks

Get into the spirit with Halloween events

Get into the spirit of Halloween in and around Albany with several events planned for this fall with haunted corn mazes, trick or treat activities and other fun, or just enjoy getting out on crisp days to stroll through several farmers’ markets during the month of October.

COVID-19 restrictions may remain in effect for some sites and events, so call ahead when possible, check the Calendar of Events at the Albany Visitors Association website, albanyvisitors.com, or call the AVA at 541-928-0911. Keep an eye on the AVA Calendar of Events for changes and any new events or activities.

Here are a few fun activities you and your family won’t want to miss:

The Albany Downtown Association/Movies at Monteith is sponsoring a Downtown Halloween Scavenger Hunt, from Oct. 25 through Oct. 30. A fun activity for the whole family, be on the lookout for Halloween images displayed on windows throughout downtown for a chance to win a movie night prize basket to the Pix Theater! Entry forms/coloring sheets will be available for download here or at the ADA website. Forms can also be picked up at the ADA office, 126 Ferry St. SW. Then, head out on your hunt! When you are done, head down to the ADA and drop it off before midnight on Oct. 30. Happy hunting! As an added bonus, kids can dress up and have their photo taken while at the ADA (and score a piece of candy in the process!) to enter the Facebook Costume Contest. Office hours are weekdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and a special time of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30. NOTE: Some businesses downtown are offering candy to their customers, but the ADA is not sponsoring a Downtown Trick or Treat.

For more information, visit www.albanydowntown.com or call Albany Downtown Association at (541) 928-2469.

The Trolley of Terror will not be stalking the streets of Albany this year. Instead, the Monteith Historical Society is holding the Monteith Historical Ghost Walk on Oct. 22-23 and Oct. 29-30. Experience the most “spirited” tales told by lanternlight. Cost is $5 per person, and children in strollers will be admitted free. Four tours leave every 15 minutes each night beginning at 7 p.m. from the Monteith House, 518 2^nd Ave. W., and are limited to 15 people each. Participants are asked to wear comfortable shoes, dress for the weather, and bring a flashlight. Brave souls can register online at monteithhouse.org, or by calling 541-220-0421. Tours take about 45 minutes.

Get those costumes ready and decorate your vehicle! Join Albany Parks & Recreation for a Trick-or-Treat Cruise-Thru, presented by Pacific Cascade Federal Credit Union. Trick-or-treat from the safety of your car at Timber-Linn Memorial Park, 900 Price Rd. SE. Every child attending must be registered by Oct. 15. A registration receipt will be required to be admitted into the park. You can sign up online at https://www.cityofalbany.net or by calling 541-917-7777.

Here is a list of more places to visit and events to take in during the Halloween season:

Farms and fun

Davis Family Farm: Take hayrides to the pumpkin patch and enjoy cider and donuts throughout October. Open daily 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., 4380 NE Hwy 20, Corvallis. For cost and other details call 541-752-0697.

Midway Farms: Enjoy fresh apple cider and other delicious fare at this dedicated gluten-free family farm at 6980 NW Highway 20 between Albany and Corvallis. Open daily, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Bose Family Farm Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze: The name says it all! Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday through Sunday. 35765 Cyrus Road NE, Albany.

The Melon Shack: The Day Corn Maze, beginning Sept. 24 and ongoing daily 10 a.m. top 6 p.m. through Oct. 31, is a highlight, plus pumpkins and fresh donuts! NE Garden Ave. at NE Highway 20, Corvallis. For info go to their Facebook page or call 541-243-4152.

Kenagy Family Farm: Kenagy farm has pumpkins, gourds, winter squash, decorative corn and corn stalks, and all of the proceeds go to charity! Hours: Monday – Saturday 9 a.m. to dusk and Sunday 11 a.m. to dusk. 541-979-1490.

Don’t forget about your Albany Farmers’ Market to find your perfect already picked pumpkin with a large variety to carve, cook, or bake it in a pie, along with all the other tasty harvest treats our valley has to offer. The market is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Also available are:
Corvallis Farmers Market: open 9 am-1 pm, NW First Street and NW Jackson Avenue
Lebanon Downtown Farmers’ Market: open 2 to 6 p.m. Thursdays through October. Corner of Main and Grant streets.
Sweet Home Farmers’ Market: open 2 to 6 p.m.

Thompson’s Mills cider pressings: Come and help press the apples on Oct. 30 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., then take home some delicious, fresh cider. Cost is a $5 contribution per half-gallon. And while you are there, take a tour of the last operating water-powered mill in Oregon. The mill, 32655 Boston Mill Drive, 2 miles east of Shedd, is open daily 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (except major holidays) for guided or self-guided tours. Masks are required. If you can’t make to the pressing but still want to enjoy some cider, call 541-654-2052 to reserve a jug.

Monteith Living History Saturdays: 1 to 3 p.m., all Saturdays in October at the Monteith House, 518 2nd Ave. SW. Step into 1850 at the Historic Monteith House with exciting activities like, woodworking, pioneer doll making, baking biscuits, making butter and many other family friendly activities! To register in advance, or for more information, call 541-220-0421. A suggested donation of $8 covers the cost of materials.

Festivals

Fall Fiber Fest at Iron Water Ranch: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Oct 23-24, at Iron Water Ranch, 35179 Riverside Dr., Albany. Multiple vendors will offer a variety of fibers to stock up on for the coming cooler weather.  Raw wool, roving and locks, yarn and felted pieces will all be available. A little something for everyone.

More spooky fun

Tennessee Thunder Railroad: Saturdays and Sundays noon to 4 p.m. in October, 37672 KGAL Drive, Lebanon. Cost is $7 adults, $6 kids 2-12, and under 2 admitted free. Masks are required. Admission also gets you access to the pumpkin patch, fall themed photo backdrops and 4 acres to roam. For information, 458-223-0258.

2021 BOOzy Express: 6 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 30. Get into the Halloween “spirit” with this 21-and-over event. Dress up in your favorite costume and rock the night away on this 2-hour ride and enjoy heavy appetizers, music and a full bar! COVID guidelines apply on board the train. 

Haunted House at Morningstar Grange: 7-11 p.m. on Oct. 22, 23, 29, 30; and 7-10 p.m. on Oct. 17, 24, 31. Cost is $5 per person, cash or card, and proceeds will benefit the Grange and local charities. Masks are required. The Grange is located at 38794 Morningstar Grange Rd., Albany. For information, call 541-666-0410.

ACT Production of “Dracula”: Bram Stoker’s famous novel comes to life at Albany Civic Theater, 111 1st Ave. SW; evening performances 7:30 p.m., matinees 2:30 p.m., Oct. 22, 23, 24(m), 28, 29, 30. Admission $14, (discount $11). Get tickets online at http://www.albanycivic.org/or 45 minutes before curtain.

Trunk or Treat: 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, Oct. 29, Albany Boys & Girls Club, 1215 Hill St. SE. Save the date for this fun event! Volunteers handing out candy from the trunks of their vehicles will be located in the Teen Center/Indoor Soccer field parking lot at the Club. Dress up and get ready to see some decked-out trunks.

Talking Water Gardens is waiting for you

By Molly Miller

Would you like to stretch your legs, inhale fresh air and walk in solitude as lush greenery and fall colors surround you?

I have the spot for you.

Late summer and early fall is a great time to get outside and enjoy all of those things, and what better place to experience them than Talking Water Gardens in Albany.

Social distancing? Two miles of soft bark and light gravel footpaths offer plenty of room to safely stroll amid rainbow colors of seasonal foliage and the peaceful sound of cascading waterfalls.

Talking Water Gardens is a manufactured wetland that uses a natural process to cool treated wastewater before releasing it into the Willamette River. The water flows through a series of ponds and waterfalls, creating a wonderfully lush environment. Families come. Singles or couples wander. Birders stroll, stop, stroll. Actually “stroll and stop” is the most observed way of exploring in the park.

Most of the trails are wheelchair accessible. Pets are allowed on leashes.

While salmon and steelhead benefit from the cooler water that the wetland provides, people and wildlife find other rewards. Walk through the gates and you find that electronics do not hold sway. In their place are birds calling, water rushing and cattails whispering with the wind.

This is where you can turn your face to the sky and your feet to the gentle path and take in some of the unusual details of the area. The path leads walkers to one such detail alongside a canal that follows the length of the Weeping Wall, the former loading dock of the Simpson plywood mill that previously occupied this land. During warmer months when the area is running at full capacity, water cascades over the wall into the canal.

The summer season, with its higher temperatures, requires cooler water be delivered to the Willamette, so the ponds will be full.

Winter allows time for maintenance, cleaning, repair and replanting of vegetation. At this time a visitor will often see some drained ponds or waterways, and the Weeping Wall might be dry, revealing the old mill’s loading dock.

Beaver, mink, turtles, frogs, migrating ducks and hundreds of species of birds of different colors join the mostly native plant species inside the wetland.

“We work to ensure that as many plants native to Oregon are used in our natural treatment systems,” said Joe Deardorff, the Natural Treatment Systems Specialist for the City of Albany Public Works.

While Deardorff’s current focus is ensuring native vegetation renewal, his work includes an understanding of both plants and wildlife and how they interact in the environment. He is familiar with the inhabitants that make their home within the wetland.

“Beavers do live in the park,” says Deardorff, who added that although beaver dams are not easily visible to visitors, gnawing marks on trees give clues of beaver being present.

Although beavers, being more nocturnal, are elusive, plenty of sunning turtles and jumping frogs are viewable in the summer and early fall. Repeat visitors can watch baby ducks grow in increments over the spring and summer. Bird calls, which can be identified by apps, are heard on the trails at all times of the year.

Adventurers of all ages – whether they be locals or people from around the state, the country or the world – are drawn to this area, including tech professionals from other countries who want to replicate a similar model.

Roughly 60,000 visitors visit Talking Water Garden yearly. It is open daily, sunrise to sunset, so please come and add your footprint to this path of nature and sustainability!

If You Go

For more about Talking Water Gardens, located at 577 Waverly Dr. NE, in Albany, click here. It is free and open to the public 7 days a week, sunrise to sunset. To get there, follow Front Avenue east past the Albany Millersburg Water Reclamation Facility until it turns into Waverly Drive, which dead ends at Talking Water.

Molly Miller is a freelance writer who loves to share travel and history adventures in Oregon.

Harvest time is a great time to have fun

Fall is just around the corner and harvest activities will be ripe for the picking for those with plans for fun and adventure.

COVID-19 restrictions may remain in effect for some sites and events, so call ahead where possible, check the Calendar of Events at the Albany Visitors Association website, albanyvisitors.com, or call the AVA at 541-928-0911. Keep an eye on the AVA Calendar of Events for changes and any new events or activities.

Here are a few harvest events and places to visit you can enjoy with your family this fall:

Thompson’s Mills cider pressings
The mill, located in Shedd, will hold its cider pressing events after a year off due to COVID-19 restrictions. Come and help press the apples, then take home some delicious, fresh cider. And while you are there, take some time to tour Thompsons Mills, the last operating water-powered mill in Oregon. Dates are Sept. 18, Oct. 9 and Oct. 30. Times are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.

Farmers Markets
Fresh produce, fish, meat, and other tasty fare are available at several Farmers’ Market locations around the mid-valley. Albany’s is the oldest continuous market in Oregon and is open 9 am to 1 p.m. Saturdays through November. It is located at Fourth Avenue and Ellsworth Street next to City Hall. Visit the website here.

Also available are:
Corvallis Farmers Market: open 9 am-1 pm, NW First Street and NW Jackson Avenue
Lebanon Downtown Farmers’ Market: open 2 to 6 p.m. Thursdays through October. Corner of Main and Grant streets.
Sweet Home Farmers’ Market: open 2 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through September; corner of 12^th Avenue and Kalmia Street.

Bridges, Bikes & Brews
This first-ever event, set in Scio on Saturday, Sept. 18, will include self-guided covered-bridge biking tours, guided van tours, live music, food trucks, local breweries and more. Proceeds will go toward new Fairgrounds Event Center, to be built in or near Scio. Check-in for the bike event will be 7:30 to 9 a.m., and fairgrounds activities begin at 10 a.m. Go here for more information.

Albany Scottish Festival & Highland Games
Don’t miss the first annual Albany Scottish Festival & Highland Games for a day of food, music, and heavy-throwing events on Saturday, Sept. 18, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Timber-Linn Memorial Park. For information visit Facebook Albany Scottish Festival.

Mid-Willamette Valley Food Trail

Find a bounty of businesses with harvest ideas for the fall in the Mid-Willamette Valley Food Trail brochure, which is available at the Albany Visitors Association, or on its website at albanyvisitors.com. Find restaurants featuring locally sourced food – such as Sybaris or Frankies – or visit a farm to take advantage of seasonal produce, fun activities or even stay the night. And don’t forget to peruse our long list of vineyards for an afternoon of tasting in the beautiful countryside or locate a cozy brewpub to enjoy finely crafted beers and the tasty menu items many of them have to offer. Can’t decide what to do? Then use one of three itineraries provided in the brochure to get a few interesting ideas on how to spend the day around our little corner of the Willamette Valley.

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An inside look at some houses on the 2021 Summer Historic Homes tour

Scroll down to see a few images from homes on the 2021 Summer Historic Homes Tour, held Saturday, July 31, in Albany.

THE CONNER HOUSE

THE BLAIN HOUSE

THE JERRY ANDRUS HOUSE

THE HULIN HOUSE

Enjoy family friendly fun as activities return

Activities abound through August and into September in and around Albany, with plenty of family friendly fun to be enjoyed – from concerts to carnivals to antiques in the streets.

Since Covid restrictions have eased, many of our favorite events have returned. But be aware that some social distancing protocols may still apply. Before attending an event, call ahead or check websites and Facebook pages for up-to-date information.

Here are a few outstanding activities to experience:

Summer Sounds: Monday concert series at Monteith Riverpark in Albany, 7 p.m. $1 suggested donation. Aug. 2 – Arietta Ward; Aug. 9 – The Coats; Aug. 16 – Stone in Love. Information: cityofalbany.net/parks/events/summer-sounds

River Rhythms: Albany’s popular Thursday evening concert series at Monteith Riverpark, 7 p.m. $1 suggested donation. Aug. 5 – Smash Mouth; Aug. 12 – John Michael Montgomery. Information: riverrhythms.org

Movies at Monteith: Friday night flicks at Monteith Riverpark, sponsored by the Albany Downtown Association, Albany Parks and Rec and The Pix Theatre. Movies start at dusk (around 9 p.m.). Cost: Free. Dates are Aug. 6 and Aug. 13. Featured movies TBA. https:// Information: Go to Movies at Monteith Facebook page.

The Great Platypus Drop: 3 p.m., Aug. 21. A fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity, 10,000 rubber “platypuses” will be dropped from the sky onto a large target at Swanson Park. The platypus landing closest to the bullseye will win the grand prize (or any one of 14 other prizes)! Adopt a platypus for $5. Tickets may be purchased online or in person at the Habitat office (call 541-967-4030) and the day of the event.

Carnival at the Carousel: Have some old-fashioned fun 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 21 at the Historic Carousel & Museum. There will be carousel rides, carnival games, a cake walk, face painting, balloon art and much, much more. Admission is free, but carnival game tickets are 25 cents each. Information: albanycarousel.com/event

Thompson’s Mills Cider Pressing: The friendly people out at Thompson’s Mills State Heritage Site near Shedd have set four dates for pressing apples: Sept. 18, Oct. 9 and Oct. 30. Come and join the fun and take home some delicious, fresh apple cider.

Antiques in the Streets & Classic Car Show: Come browse for antique treasure among more than 50 vendors through the streets of Downtown Albany, then check out some outstanding automobiles at the Classic Car Show. Sponsored by the Albany Antique Mall. Admission is free. Proceeds from vendor fees benefit a local non-profit. Information: albanyantiquemall.com

Other ideas: Albany Beer Run (Sept. 11); Albany Scottish Festival (Sept. 18).

These are just a few of the great events happening in the Albany area into September. For more, check out the Calendar of Events at albanyvisitors.com.

2021 Albany Summer Historic Homes Exterior Tour

(Scroll down for ticket and scavenger hunt form downloads, and other information.)

The 2021 Summer Homes Tour is set for July 31, and because of lingering Covid-19 precautions we will once again be staying outside for an exterior view of some Albany’s beautiful homes, their porches and yards.

And, like the previous summer, the tour will be free. But don’t let that stop you from opening your pocketbooks to lend a hand. In past years, proceeds from ticket sales went to upkeep and administration of the Monteith House Museum, Albany’s first frame house built in 1849. Since the pandemic started, this will be the third tour offered free of charge. In order to give the Monteith House a boost, please consider giving a donation. Normally the price of a ticket is $15, but any amount will be greatly appreciated.

Donation

Contact-free donations can be made with your credit or debit card using our online payment option here:
( Please note: you don’t have to have your own Paypal account to use this)

Enter the dollar amount you wish to donate:

If you prefer donations can also be made at the Albany Visitors Association office, 110 3^rd Ave. SE, or on the day of the tour at the ticket table in front of the AVA. Checks can be made payable to the “Monteith Historical Society” and mailed to the AVA, PO Box 965, Albany, Oregon 97321, or  other donation arrangements can be made by emailing us at info@albanyvisitors.com.

The tour will consist of a self-guided event that will feature a walk-by of 6 homes (and a few yards will be open as well) and other historic buildings with the help of a ticket with a map. The publication Seems Like Old Times and/or the Albany Explorer app, which is sponsored by Hospitality Vision and the Albany Visitors Association, are nice companion pieces for your walk around town.

Getting Tickets

Here’s how it works. The tour is scheduled for Saturday, July 31, 2021, and will run 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors can download a ticket and map (see image and link below) or pick them up on the day of the tour, beginning at 10 a.m. outside the front door of the AVA, along with a copy of Seems Like Old Times, which provides self-guided tours, details about the homes and some fun and interesting information about Albany and its historic districts.

For photos from the inside of a few of the homes, click here.

Scavenger Hunt (To download or print a form, go to end of this story)

In addition, while taking the tour visitors can be on the lookout for architectural details that will be included in a scavenger hunt. Find the required items, such as beautiful woodwork detail or an interesting door, and mark it on the ballot. Return the completed ballot to the AVA at the end of the day (either to the volunteers or into the mail slot) and be entered in a drawing for prizes.

Albany Explorer App

For the tech savvy, the Albany Explorer app is available to download free at Google Play for Android and iStore for Apple. It includes maps to three of Albany’s historic districts, where to dine, spend the night and other details about Albany and the surrounding area. And since visitors won’t be allowed inside the houses, a few homeowners have provided images of the inside of their homes for people to enjoy. They will be available the day of the tour on albanyvisitors.com

More details about what will be available on the tour will be announced as the tour date approaches. Check the website for updates. albanyvisitors.com.

4th of July Weekend

The Covid-19 pandemic and high fire danger continue to put a crimp in some traditional 4^th of July celebrations, but there are many interesting and fun activities for you and your family to enjoy over the holiday.

Due to fire concerns and budget constraints, Albany will not be holding a fireworks display this holiday.

Two events that are open to the general public are the Fabulous, Fantastic, All-American, Everyone-Can-Join Fourth of July Parade in Corvallis and Fireworks Night. Parade participants are asked to assemble July 4^th at 9:30 a.m. on Eighth Street Between Monroe and Madison Avenues. The event kicks off at 10 a.m. with the Star-Spangled Banner, sung by a community member. Dress up or come as you are. It takes about a half hour to walk.

Saturday, July 3, 7:15 p.m., the Oregon State Credit Union presents Fireworks Night at  Goss Stadium at Coleman Field, 430 Southwest Langton Place, Corvallis, OR 97331.

Some of our small neighboring communities are holding Independence Day celebrations but they are asking to keep them local this year. Please respect their wishes and honor our country in a respectful way. We look forward to celebrating together in the future in a big way.

Harrisburg still honors our nation’s birthday today much the way it was done a hundred years ago. They are making this celebration with fireworks even more local this year, due to restrictions. Go here for more information.

Lebanon is also hosting fireworks and community members are encouraged to enjoy the fireworks from the safety of their homes. No parking or gathering will be allowed at Cheadle Lake Park, on the trails throughout Cheadle Lake, or the surrounding areas. Go here for more information.

Here are some other ideas for you and your family to consider:

Picnic – Grab some favorite to-go fare or make that chicken and potato salad yourself. Then fill the cooler and head out to your favorite spot. Bring your favorite game and make an afternoon of it. Maybe drive out to one of Linn County’s majestic Covered Bridges and find a nice location. Larwood Bridge is next to Roaring River Park where you can cool off in Crabtree Creek, or head up to McDowell Creek Park just northeast of Lebanon and enjoy the waterfalls.

Fishing – Albany has three good lakes to explore, and area rivers and streams are just waiting for you to try your luck. Click here here for more information.

Paddle Boats – The Waverly Lake Paddle Boats are a great way to enjoy a sunny day on the water and get a little exercise at the same time. Schmooze with Albany’s unofficial ambassador, Waverly Duck, or just get in a few laps for fun. Go here for more information

Cool! Pool – The Cool! Pool is open! But reserve your spot soon as only 50 people per time slot are allowed. To register and set reservations, go here.

Hiking and Biking – Albany has several miles of walking and biking paths. Come to the AVA for a map or go online here to plot your course.

Personal fireworks and safety

At the center of all 4^th of July celebrations is the use of personal fireworks, and this year will be no different. But because of heightened concerns over fire danger people are asked to take great care when using them. And, please, use legal fireworks only. Oregon law prohibits the possession, use, or sale of any firework that flies more than six feet into the air, explodes, or travels more than 12 feet horizontally on the ground.  Bottle rockets, Roman candles and firecrackers are illegal in Oregon.

For a list of safety tips from the Albany Fire Department, click here.

Camping safety

If you plan to go camping or get out for the day on state or federal lands, please leave the fireworks at home. The use of fireworks is prohibited in national parks and forests, on Bureau of Land Management lands, U.S. Fish and Wildlife properties, state beaches, in state parks and in state campgrounds.