Faces, places & happenings of Columbia County

Local Holiday Bazaars

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Columbia County, OR – Local Bazaars happen almost every weekend in Columbia County starting in November. Many are fundraisers for nonprofits.  They provide an opportunity to purchase homemade, custom products or find a direct sales company that has products you are looking for a special someone for the holidays or for yourself.   They also provide a sense of fellowship seeing your local business people and meeting new friends. A few of the listed events are both annual and new to Columbia County but not an exclusive list:

Nov 9th & 10th:  46th Annual Arts & Crafts Faire at Christ Episcopal Chruch. 35350 E. Division Road, St. Helens, 9-4 PM.  Unique handcrafted items: jewelry, windchimes, quilted, embroidered and sen items, soaps, ornaments, knitted 7 crochet items, cards and paper crafts, pottery, art prints, sculpture and free children’s activity table.  Favorite Raffle “Holiday Basket” and more.  Get a bowl of soup or chili & don’t forget to browse bake table so many homemade goods!

Nov 10th:  Rainier Church of God Bazaar 10 – 4 PM.  Hot cinnamon rolls for sale as well as many vendors.

Nov 17th:  

  • Fall Harvest Festival, St.Helens Recreation Program,  The City of St. Helens and St. Helens School District have partnered to bring a Recreation Program to St. Helens.  They are hosting their first Fall Harvest Festival between 9-4 PM with over 40 vendors at 1810 Old Portland Road, St Helens, OR.
  •  Elks Bazaar put on by the Ladies of the Elks at 350 Belton Road, St. Helens, OR.  Open to the public between 9-3 PM.

November 24th:  Columbia County Shop Small Saturday at Meriwether Place, 1070 Columbia Blvd, St.Helens, OR 9:00 AM – 2 PM.  Local businesses and many artists from across Columbia County.  Santa will be on site between 10-1 PM.  Take your own pictures donations welcome.  Entertainment by Columbia River City Singers, Vernonia Dickens Carolers, & the St Helens Public Library Ukulele.  Door prizes, Free Hot Chocolate Station & treats while they last.  Shop Local Bags given to all attendees while supplies last.  Bring your Letters to Santa.

December 1st: 

  • St Helens Christmas Bazaar Over 45 vendors to help you find perfect Christmas gifts!  Lunch will be served from 11 -1 PM and includes popular items from last year such as cabbage rolls and potato soup.  Santa will also be on site. Be sure to bring your kids and camera!
  • The St. Helens Moose Lodge Annual Holiday Bazaar December 1, 2018 – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

December 8th 

  • Holiday Bazaar for Columbia River Fire and Rescue Scholarship Fund, 10-4 PM at Columbia County Fairgrounds Pavillion, 58892 Suaslser Road.  Door Prizes on Saturday.  Event held December 9th as well.
  •  Lions Holiday Bazaar Sponsored by St Helens High School Commons 10:00- 4:00 PM 

 

Competition for Kids In Biz

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Scappoose, OR- As our resources grow in Columbia County so do the local community events.  One of the new events that started in August is a Friday night movie series hosted by The Scappoose Public Library.  They launched a Moonlight Movies series on Friday nights at Scappoose Heritage Park starting at 7:00 PM.  They have had a variety of themes such as history night with an ice cream social, game night, and the last one of Summer is on August 31st t0 get local kids excited about entrepreneurship by hosting a Kids In Biz Event.

Kids in Business was started by Nick Hurliman, local owner of Hurliman CPA.  A few years ago they hosted Kids In Biz and it caught some interest from entrepreneurial kids.   With the introduction of the new movie series, they found an opportunity to implement the program by sponsoring tables for kids and offering a Grand Prize for the kids who are competing.   They would like kids of the community to put together their business and show it off, sell some merchandise, and have some fun planning and executing.  Judges will look at the following categories for picking the winner of the Grand Prize, a Kindle:

  • Presentation (Cleanliness, ease of shopping, etc.)
  • Marketing (Before and during the event, were people invited/told, etc.)
  • Product (Originality, look, etc.)
  • Operations (cash management, sales process, etc)

Megan Jarman, Digital Marketing Director, Hurlimin CPA,  said the goal of this event is to “ get kids excited about entrepreneurship, to teach them skills that they may not be taught in school, and to teach them that solid businesses help their community.”  She reminds us that kids do need to register for the event online.  Kids can set up at the event at 6:00 PM for a 7:00 PM start.    Do you have a kid that is an entrepreneur?  There is still time to sign up and it’s FREE! #community #scappooseor #kidsinbiz #moviesinpark #kidfriendly

 

Columbia County Fair & Rodeo

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Columbia County, OR –  Columbia County Fair & Rodeo is an annual tradition here in Columbia County.   This year marks the 103rd year for the Columbia County Fair & Rodeo.  Attending the fair provides you and your family with many opportunities for fun and a chance to see your neighbors.  You will be able to experience the Warren Grange Farm Museum, Master Gardeners Gardens, carnival rides and food, Open Exhibits that include art, canning, baked goods, floral arrangements and more, 4-H Animals demonstrations and the Youth Livestock Auction, local vendors, a plant sale, free family-friendly entertainment, a beer garden for 21 & Older, and so much more.   The Columbia County Fair & Rodeo has plenty of events to fascinate everyone in your family.

Wednesday 18th at noon marks the start of the Fair with events thru 5:00 PM on Sunday 22nd.  A few of the daily highlights include:

Wednesday 18th invites Seniors/Veterans to attend for FREE.  RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) is hosting a luncheon to recognize senior volunteers followed by My Fair Lady Padget at 1:00 Pm.  Stay around to enjoy live music by local band The Decades from 5:00 PM-7:00 PM.   You can entertain kids by learning about parrot species in a fun-filled, and entertaining pirate-themed show at The Pirates Parrot Show!  Jeff Evans makes events fun and unforgettable with his interactive magic.  View detailed schedule online.

Thursday 19th is Junior Rodeo/Kids Day this means free fair entrance until 3:00 PM.  Hit Machine, a local favorite band, performs from 3:00-6:00 PM.   Jeff Evans makes events fun and unforgettable with his interactive magic.  Buck Trout drives around in his little truck, his zany antics and comical stories always make a lasting impression that brings smiles and laughter to children of all ages!  Plus, a pie eating contest at 2:00 PM stick around to see The Junior Rodeo which starts at 6:00 PM.  

Friday & Saturday  – Kick off your weekend with the National Professional Rodeo Association (NPRA) Rodeo Friday & Saturday night. Live music includes Brewers Grade delivers a set list that is always fresh, built around the latest Country material as well as covers for classic and outlaw country and  country sensation, Showdown.

Saturday & Sunday – Straight Up Racing’s Monster Truck show Saturday & Sunday at this years Columbia County Fair & Rodeo! Go on a ride in a monster truck before the show starts!! Admission is $20 for adult, $15 Senior/Veterans & Kids 7-17, 6 & under are free!  Fair is done at 5:00 PM.

To stay up to date, please follow the Columbia County Fair & Rodeo Facebook page and get your tickets ahead of time on their website.  You can get more information about specifics from the Columbia County Fair & Rodeo:  4-H Exhibit Information, Open Exhibits, and  Columbia County Youth Livestock. 

See you at the Fair.  #BeyondtheBurbs #fair #carnival#traditions #columbiaocountyor #shoplocal #carnivalfood #4H

June 16th Community Events

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Columbia County- The 3rd Saturday in June is a day filled with family fun activities around Columbia County.  The Kiwanis Parade in St Helens happens every year at noon on the 3rd Saturday. This year a few other local events such as the Cycle Columbia Challenge starting and ending in Scappoose and Scappoose Party in the Park with live music and extended Scappoose Farmers Market hours also happens the same day.  It’s a day full of community fun right in your backyard a little something for everyone.

The Kiwanis Parade is a yearly tradition.  This year’s theme is “Honoring Those That Serve.”  Spectators can set up a prime spot anywhere along the streets of Columbia Blvd. The standard parade route starts at the corner of Hwy 30 & Emmert Motors and continues down to to the Dockside restaurant. It starts at 12:00 and typically lasts about an hour or longer depending on the number of entrants.  This is a FREE parade to enter to showcase your business or community.  If you want to participate in the parade or want more details, follow the Facebook Event.   Parades are a fun way to meet your neighbors and celebrate small-town life.  You can also tune into KOHI 1600 AM or stream from App Tune IN to listen to the parade as our local radio station broadcasts live from the event.

If you are a cyclist, you can join in the 3rd Annual Cycle Century Challenge.   This is the only cycling event in Columbia County.  It has two different routes a Century Plus and a Metric Century Plus with scenic views of farmland, timberlands, on unpaved historic CZ Trail, and charming small towns. Plus all the Cyclists are invited to the Scappoose Party in the Park after the race.  You can sign up in advance or register the day of the event. It starts early at 6:00 AM. Go to www.cyclecolumbiacounty.com for more details or to register.

Why not end the day with a community party?  This year Scappoose Party in the Park starts with extended Scappoose Farmers’ Market hours and live music Hit Machine Unplugged will perform a kid-friendly performance from 4-6 PM.

Get to know your community Beyond the Burbs!  It’s What’s Happening.  #community #columbiacountyor #cycle #parade #family #kiwanis #farmersmarket #livemusic #outdoorrec #thingstodoincc #thingstodocolumbiacounty

 

 

New Summer Recreation Program

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St. Helens, OR – The citizens of St Helens have a whole new program for all ages filled with activities and classes galore for Summer 2018 thanks to a new St. Helens Recreation Program.   This program is a partnership between the City of St. Helens and the St. Helens School District to fill a need for a centralized program for recreation creating a sense of community.  Working in partnership the two organizations had a good start on the inventory of facilities.  Project coordinators asked for citizen input on upcoming classes they would like to see and where a need should be filled such as a monthly family movie night. This input created a diverse Summer Recreation Program for St. Helen’s citizens.

Anyone can register for the new program on the website.  Over 14 programs from Yoga in the Park, Community Game Night, Co-Ed Volleyball, Painting,  Movie Night, Terrarum Making Classes, Walking Groups and so much available throughout the summer months for all ages.  You’ll also get information for what’s going on at St. Helens Public Library, Eisenschmidt Pool, Summer Meals, and other community events such as 13 Nights on the River.

Shanna Duggan volunteer with the project also runs a Facebook group called Columbia County Sole Sisters for women to promote health. They provide online support and events to create a culture of a community.  Columbia County Sole Sisters is for women only.   She also works as the Utility  Billing, Court, and Bank Specialist for the City of St. Helens.  Working with this project is a perfect fit for Shanna.  When you meet her she’ll tell you that she loves to create events to help pull her community together. As soon as she was asked Shanna wanted to help with the project. She shared, “I am passionate about community. It’s something I take pride in, volunteer for, and helps me to find connections for myself and others. I have seen a need for a recreation program since I moved here 16 years ago.  When I was asked to help work on this project, it was an immediate yes. To me, a recreation program helps people connect with others, find a purpose, and provides opportunities to explore what is right here in front of us. So many times we leave Columbia County to do things that are already offered locally or could easily be offered here. It’s a win for everyone.  I think that in today’s times, with cellphones and other distractions, bringing it back to the basics is such an important thing AND it’s fun. I mean, who doesn’t smile when they are playing freeze tag, painting, or doing a scavenger hunt?”

She said she is excited about the future of the program.  ” I would love to see it be offered year-round with inclusive and diverse programs that partner with community members, local businesses, and sports programs. I hope we continue to find ways to offer programs at a lower rate for community members or at a price that’s affordable for low-income populations.  I believe a recreation program can be a backbone of a community.”

For the full program, click here.  To give more input for the future, please fill out the short online survey.   Want a list of events, interested in teaching a class or have questions, please email recreation@ci.st-helens.or.us.  or contact Shanna Duggan, City Of St. Helens, Utility Billing, Court and Bank Specialist, 503-397-6272 ext. 160

#sthelensor #community #familyfriendlyfun #recreationprogram #pool #library #painting #communitygames #yoga #volleyball #coed #diy #fun

 

 

Farm to Table Cooking Class

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Deer Island, OR – It’s new to Columbia County.  It’s a twist on the Farm to Table concept trendy in the restaurants but different.  It’s a farm tour, a cooking class, and then eating! It’s called “Good Farm- Good Eats” a new event happening here in Columbia County on April 14th at Canaan Hill Farm, 33219 Canaan Road, Deer Island, Oregon 97054 from 1:00-2:30 PM.  You can purchase tickets directly on the website Eventbrite.   At this event, you’ll be cooking with the food at the farm after you have met the farmer.

Photo Lindsey Jones, RD – Photo Credit Facebook Page

Lindsey Jones, RD (Registered & Licensed Dietitian since 2006) has been cooking with individuals to help them on their wellness journey or in groups since she opened her private practice, One on One Good Easts in 2014.

Lindsey loves to share nutrition information with kids and adults alike.  In 2017,  she partnered with St Helens Community Credit to promote a project called “Going Green” promoting Budgets & Wellness with her emphasis on presenting the importance of nutrition to local businesses, teachers & administrators in our schools.   Lindsey loves to teach nutrition.  She believes, “So many people have become disconnected from their bodies and minds- how they function, and the role that food and nutrition play in that.  I love teaching people how to create healthy minds and bodies.”

This year she is sharing a new experience with a local business while Farm to Table is popular in restaurants a close partner, agri-tourism is popping up in rural areas to promote tourism.  As defined by Wikipedia, Agritourism or agrotourism, as it is defined most broadly, involves any agriculturally-based operation or activity that brings visitors to a farm or ranch.     Canaan Hill Farm owners, Pat & Jeannie Schenk approached Lindsey about cooking on their farm.   This is the first agritourism kick-off event to start as more “Good Farm-Good Eats” events will happen during the growing season.   Lindsey wanted to partner with a local farm because, “Connecting people with the farmers and with local food that is grown and raised in a sustainable and responsible way, is vital to promoting thriving and sustainable food systems.”   People want to know where their food comes from and with the close proximity to farms, we have fresh produce and opportunities in our backyards & surrounding communities here in Columbia County.

You still have some time to sign up for the new class but do it soon her classes tend to sell out.  Going up to the farm shows you what is in season now for early spring and why you want to eat the types of fresh produce this time of year.  You will be given handouts and recipes along with nutrition education.  Both Canaan Hill Farm &  Ferreira Family Farms will  have their produce for sale the day of the events.  Follow Lindsey on her social media outlets such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or find her on her website to stay up to date on her nutrition classes, nutrition tidbits and more!  #healthyeating #cookingclasses #canaanfarms #ferreirafamilyfarms #agritourismcc #farming

A Growing Art Scene

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Columbia County-  Thanks to the Columbia Arts Guild, 2018 brings many opportunities for Artists and Art Enthusiasts alike.  The  Columbia Arts Guild (CAG) has accomplished big things in just a few years for local artists.  This group of committed and talented volunteers continues to work together to bring more to the table in 2018 for our communities.  In 2017, the group became an official 501(c) 3 and fundraised to build a secure cabinet to display art at the St Helens Public Library.  You can find more about their group on their website

Columbia Arts Guild is connecting like-minded artists with one another by creating together, hosting a countywide art competition, a community art project and a celebration with hands-on art.  A little something for everyone. Here are more specifics about the upcoming CAG events and ways you can get involved:

  • Art Happening- Paint the Town.  Weekly group of artists that meet on Thursdays at 10:00 AM in the hallway of the Columbia Learning Center.  The goal is for the artist to Bring Your Own Art (BYOA), work on your project, get advice, share information, listen or join the Urban Sketchers as they go out to Paint the Town! 
  • CAG Virtual Arts Competition will run until Dec 31st, 2018.  The competition is called Adventure & Art in Columbia County.   To enter go to their Facebook paged upload your submission photo in the album.  Competition is open to all Columbia County residents.  Basic guidelines, you can enter as many times in as many categories as you want.  Open to all mediums.  Judging will be in January 2019, people’s choice awards will be chosen by a number of likes on the Facebook post with people’s choice. The competition is for the I LOVE Columbia County Book will be created with winners published by December 2019 available on Amazon in 2020. The I LOVE Columbia County book proceeds will go to further Art Opportunities in Columbia County through the Columbia Arts Guild.
  • “This is Us” St. Helens is a Community Art Project.  During the next several months the CAG will be hosting “This Is Us” paint events throughout the St. Helens area. Paint events are the opportunity for you and your group of 10 or more to take part in this project. They provide everything you need to paint your house and participate.   CAG will keep all the painted, signed houses created by the community so that we may assemble them into one large piece of community art.  Everyone can create/paint one house to represent themselves in our diverse community. You can even take a picture of your house and share it on this page.  Call or text Joan@5033691081 to schedule a paint event.
  • Spring Walk Into Art is in its 3rd year to Celebrate the Arts!  It has a Professional Art Show, Youth Art Show, Music, Dancing, Open Mic, Book Signing, Culinary Art, Hands on Art and more!  Save the date for May 5th at Columbia Learning Center, 375 S 18th St, Saint Helens, Oregon 97051.

 

#artincolumbiacounty

Hoof’s Clicking, Rides Spinning & Faces Grinning 102nd Columbia County Fair & Rodeo

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Columbia County, OR – Columbia County Fair & Rodeo is one of the oldest annual traditions in Columbia County along with the Kiwanis Parade.  It’s four days of nothing but fun after a year of hard work by local citizens who donate their time to put on one of the best Fair & Rodeos around.  You’ll find many different entertainments during Fair Week it’s highly recommended you check it out as it has something for all ages.

As tradition dictates, the opening ceremony starts at noon on Wednesday the 19th.  It’s also Senior and Veterans Day that means free admission for both Seniors and Veterans.  Our fair seems to have something for everyone such as live music, carnival rides, exhibits, entertainment, Amateur & Professional Rodeo, local vendors, fair food, Elks Beer Garden, Dairy Princess Ice Cream Booth has the best milkshakes, Bingo at the Grange Booth and so much more.

Adults and kids alike enjoy seeing the open 4-H exhibits such as local photography, baked goods, flower arrangements and livestock with chickens, goats, pigs, cows, and horses.  It’s nice to see a showcase of our rural county represented at our fair.  Additional acts such as Pirate Parrot Show, Jerry Harris Master Hypnotist, Cooks Racing Pigs, Jeff Evans Magician schedules can be found on the Fair Event Schedule.  Don’t forget to check out the Farm Museum and the Master Gardners Gardens on site.

Be prepared to bring some cash to the fair.  It’s a low entrance fee at the gate.  Ages 7-60 years old it’s $8.00.  Seniors & Veterans and older $5.00 except Wednesday it’s FREE.  It’s also $5.00 to park as a local Kiwanis fundraiser.  You can also take the CC Rider out to the Fairgrounds scheduled is posted on their  Facebook page.  If the kids want to ride the carnival rides, make sure to get the pre-sale Carnival bands to save a few bucks.  The can be purchased at the following local businesses:   Chubb’s, all Wauna Federal Credit Union & St Helens Community Credit Union branches but for a limited time.

To stay up to date on all things Fair & Rodeo, follow along on their Facebook Page.  We’ll see you at the Columbia County Fair & Rodeo!

#columbiacountyor #columbiacountyfairandrodeo #carnivalrides #4H #horses #cows #livemusic #HitMachine #Showdown #entertainment #kidfriendly

All Photos Courtesy of Columbia County Fair & Rodeo FB Page

2nd Annual Columbia Century Challenge

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Vernonia, OR – If you’ve visited Vernonia on a Saturday in the Summer, you’ll see many cyclists. Vernonia known to many as a bustling cycling community will be the start of the 2nd Annual Columbia Century Challenge Race Saturday, June 17th.  A local group of volunteers that involve business owners and community leaders from across Columbia County have been working over the past three years to bring this race to Columbia County. The Columbia Country Challenge is the only organized cycling race in Columbia County put on by locals who care about enhancing the cycling opportunities in Columbia County.

In 2016, the group held their 1st race the 3rd Saturday in June which brought 100 cyclists out to explore the scenic views in Columbia County. The 1st year race also was voted #2 race by Bike Oregon for the category of Best Bike Ride.  The volunteers are building off the first year success receiving more support from sponsors and volunteers but could always use more support.  The goal of the race is to strengthen the cycling community in Columbia County.  Proceeds from this race help enhance our ride and cycling improvements in honor of Phil Barlow according to their website it was Phil “ who planted the seed for this concept and cared passionately about expanding opportunities for bicycling and fashioning Columbia County as a bicycling destination.”

Gearing up for its 2nd year brings a few changes to the new event.  Last year the race started in St Helens, this year it’s in Vernonia.  You have the option to pick three types of rides out of Vernonia.  The Century Plus 119 miles, Metric Century Plus, 86 miles or the 40-mile gravel ride through commercial timberline.  Go to the website to see the full map to determine which path is the one you shall choose.  Rolling hills, farmland, historic logging trails, scenic views of the Pacific Northwest, what’s not to like?  It’s not too late to join the upcoming race as a cyclist or as a volunteer. You can register online at http://cyclecolumbiacounty.com/registration/    While it lasts use special code CCC17  for a 2 for 1, so grab a friend.  Enjoy your ride whatever one you choose!

Photo Courtsey Cycle Columbia County Facebook
Photo Courtsey Cycle Columbia County Facebook

#cyclecolumbiacounty #cyclecolumbiacentury #cycleoregon #outdoors #familyfriendly #funforall

 

 

 

Molly Hruska, Principal Broker - Licensed in Oregon
33608 East Columbia Ave #130, Scappoose, OR 97056

Disclaimer: The views expressed on this website/blog are mine alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of my employer

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