admin

Septembeerfest

Septembeerfest, an annual event held in the verdant expanse of Avery Park, Corvallis, Oregon, is not merely a celebration of the craft beer industry but also a manifestation of community spirit and philanthropy. The event, organized by Heart of the Valley Homebrewers, is set to mark its 16th iteration on August 26th, 2023, from 12 pm to 7 pm, offering attendees a selection of over 80 beers, ciders, and meads from 23 independent breweries, cideries, and homebrewers.

Ryan Long, exploring the event, shared, “This is the 11th annual Septembeer Fest. Septembeer Fest started out at the Benton County Fairgrounds, and we’ve now moved out to Avery Park, and we’re continuing our 11th year, giving all the proceeds to Linn Bend Future and Fermentation Science scholarships.” The event, while providing a platform for local homebrewers and breweries to showcase their creations, also serves a charitable purpose. A representative from the event noted, “We’ve been able to donate money to Linn Food Share. I think over the 12 years, I’m sure it’s been over a hundred thousand dollars.”

The festival, while being a haven for beer enthusiasts, also provides a platform for local breweries to share their creations and stories. One brewer shared the intricate details of their creation, stating, “it’s blended with a neutral blonde base. It’s fruity but not over-the-top sweet, with hints of pineapple and citrus.” Another brewer shared a story of a yeast from Belgium, hidden “under the stairs on Oregon Trail,” which was used to create a beer with “a lot of flavor.”

The event, beyond being a showcase of local brewing talent, also serves as a community gathering, where attendees can explore a variety of beverages, engage in light-hearted competitions, and enjoy musical performances from bands like Lynx Family Band, The Incompatibles, and Ida Jane and The Weekend Gardeners. The festival also features a Beard and Mustache competition, which starts at 5:00 pm on the main stage, adding a playful and competitive spirit to the event.

Septembeerfest is not only a celebration of the brewing arts but also a conduit through which the community can engage in supporting local charities and organizations. The event, while providing a vibrant and engaging atmosphere for attendees, also ensures that the proceeds are utilized to support various local charities and organizations. A participant reflected on the event, stating, “Septembeer Fest, it is hands down the best beer festival that a beer aficionado can go to.”

In conclusion, Septembeerfest stands as a testament to the harmonious blending of community, charity, and the celebration of craft beverages. With its dual purpose of providing a platform for local brewers and serving as a fundraiser for local charities, the event encapsulates a spirit of community and giving, all while offering attendees a diverse and vibrant experience.

Septembeer Fest Website | Facebook

Albany Beer Run

The Corvallis Lions Club, with over 35 years of service to the communities of Corvallis and Albany, Oregon, has established itself as a pivotal organization, not only through its various service projects and financial assistance programs but also by orchestrating events that bind the community and support noteworthy causes. The club, known for its annual See’s Candy sale and its dedication to various service projects, such as vision and health screenings, youth outreach, and disaster relief, also organizes events like the Albany Beer Run, which serve both as a community gathering and a fundraiser for specific causes.

Ryan Long, exploring the inaugural Albany Beer Run, shared insights and experiences from participants, stating, “Today I’m at the inaugural Albany Beer Run, all the way from Calapooia Brewery to Deluxe Brewing Company, almost a quarter of a mile.” The event, which spans almost a quarter of a mile from the Calapooia Brewery to the Deluxe Brewing Company, is not merely a run but a community event that brings together participants from various walks of life.

The Albany Beer Run, set to occur on Saturday, September 9th, 2023, is described as an event for the “below-average athlete and weekend warrior in all of us,” and it is dedicated to supporting **Canine Companions**. This organization provides service dogs to adults, children, and veterans with disabilities and facility dogs to professionals working in healthcare, criminal justice, and educational settings. The event, while light-hearted and community-oriented, serves a dual purpose of bringing people together and supporting a noble cause. A participant, reflecting on the event, mentioned, “I learned that our race director had pulled in dogs for a better life. So this is a new collaboration between Corvallis and Albany, that’s a new world we live in.”

The event, while seemingly casual and lighthearted, is not without its challenges, as participants navigate the 0.3K from one brewery to the next. One participant humorously noted the challenge, stating, “Well, it was a long way to the first donut stop; that was the hard part. I think that was about two-thirds of the way down, wasn’t it?” Another participant, reflecting on the length of the race, quipped, “It’s the longest one I’ve ever run, I understand it’s about three football fields.”

The Albany Beer Run, with its blend of community spirit, light competition, and a dedication to supporting worthwhile causes, encapsulates the ethos of the Corvallis Lions Club. The club, through its various initiatives, from health screenings to supporting organizations like Canine Companions, continues to weave a tapestry of service and community engagement in Corvallis and Albany, Oregon. The events and service projects, while diverse in nature, all converge on the club’s mission to strengthen and serve the community, providing a platform where service, community, and enjoyment harmoniously coexist.

Albany Beer Run Website | Facebook | Instagram

Corvallis Farmers’ Market

The Corvallis Farmers Market, situated in the heart of Corvallis, Oregon, is a vibrant gathering that brings together approximately 65 vendors and a community eager to explore the fresh, locally produced goods on offer. The market, which sprawls across several blocks in the vicinity of 1st Street, presents a rich array of products, from fresh vegetables and fruits to organic flowers and artisanal food products, all cultivated or created by the vendors themselves.

Ryan Long, from the Sue Long Realty Group at Keller Williams, provides an intimate look into the market, sharing, “The best part of waking up on a Saturday morning, rolling out of bed, and coming down here to 1st Street for the Corvallis Farmers Market.” The market not only offers a wide variety of produce but also serves as a platform for local farmers and producers to connect directly with their community. One vendor, discussing the importance of this direct interaction, emphasizes, “Coming to the farmers market puts us face to face with our consumers. We get to talk to them; we get to know their friends.”

The market hosts a myriad of vendors, each bringing a unique offering to the table. A flower vendor shares, “We grow about 50 different varieties of flowers throughout the year,” ensuring a continuous rotation of fresh, vibrant blooms. Another vendor, from Denison Farms, a staple at the market and recognized as one of the original farms that helped initiate it, confirms the authenticity of their offerings, stating, “this farmers market requires that everything in your booth is grown by you.”

The market also serves as a platform for vendors to share their philosophy and approach towards their produce and products. A beef producer shares, “Raising natural beef is more than just a business; it is kind of a mission. We believe in the concept of cattle being humanely raised and natural.” This sentiment of passion and commitment towards their craft and produce is echoed by various vendors throughout the market.

Moreover, the market is not merely a place of transaction but also a locale where culinary delights are shared and celebrated. A vendor, discussing the versatility of peppers, lists, “Hamburgers, taco salads, raw, plain, powders, and sauces. Hot sauces and a couple of mild sauces,” showcasing the myriad of ways their produce can be utilized. Another vendor, sharing a simple yet delightful recipe for carrot fries, mentions, “I just use olive oil, our sweet, tasty carrots, and a little bit of salt and pepper.”

The Corvallis Farmers Market, through its vendors and their diverse offerings, emerges as a community hub where the emphasis is not only on the produce but also on the relationships forged between the vendors and their customers. A vendor encapsulates this sentiment, stating, “It’s community; it’s a community gathering place. It’s entrepreneurship, 100% grown into lemon honey, 100% local, interacting with the public in a friendly environment.” Thus, the market stands as a testament to the rich, communal spirit of Corvallis, fostering a space where local produce is celebrated, and community connections are nurtured.

Corvallis Farmers’ Market Website | Facebook

Kaua‘i Hikes – Wai Koa Loop Trail

The Wai Koa Loop Trail, situated in Kilauea, Kaua’i, Hawaii, presents a moderate 3.7-mile out-and-back trail, interwoven with the distinct natural tapestry of the area. A path that guides through variegated natural scenes, it curates a journey through forests, by a river, and towards a final destination of a stone dam, equipped with an inviting scenic area that provides opportunities for swimming. Julian Coiner, a hiker familiar with the trails of Kaua’i, invites others to engage in what he deems a “great, safe” hike, encapsulating 4.5 miles of the North Shore’s terrain.

Access to the trail, which slices through private property, requires hikers to sign a waiver at the Anaina Hou Welcome Center. Coiner underscores this necessity with a straightforward advisory: “please stop in at Anaina Hou to sign the waiver, pick up a map, and purchase some water, sunblock, lunch, or snacks” to equip for “this fun-filled adventure.” Maintaining this compliance and respecting the property by staying on the designated path is crucial to preserving future public access.

Offering both tranquility and an opportunity for physical activity, this trail, well-veiled in “Kilauea Forest” before extending through what Coiner identifies as “the largest mahogany plantation in North America,” navigates through diverse ecological domains. On the note of preparedness, Coiner candidly admits, “As you can see, I didn’t always bring extra water,” an unadorned acknowledgment that subtly reinforces the criticality of adequate hydration on the route.

Engaging with the trail’s presence, the hike takes hikers “between 2 and a half to 4 hours” to complete according to the trail guide, while accommodating diverse activities including hiking, mountain biking, and running. Its dog-friendly nature, with the caveat of leash necessity, adds a nuanced consideration for those wishing to embark on this natural exploration with canine companions.

Concluding at the stone dam, a locale that, in some narratives, invites a refreshing swim or a playful swing on a rope into the water, the Wai Koa Loop Trail orchestrates an accessible yet multifaceted outdoor excursion. It hovers between its inherently peaceful quality and a subtle adventurous spirit. Coiner’s playful inclusion of “Baby Paulo,” “Baby Magical Unicorn,” and “Sebastian the Amazing Pony,” characters encountered during his journey, add a whimsical, yet unobtrusive layer to the otherwise serene and straightforward narrative of the trail.

In its entirety, the Wai Koa Loop Trail, while presenting a somewhat easy-to-navigate topography, inherently encapsulates a multitude of possible interactions with the Kaua’i landscape, be it through the direct, albeit cautious, interaction with its natural components or the passive absorption of its quiet beauty.

Wai Koa Loop Trail

Benton County Fair

The Benton County Fair, situated in Corvallis, Oregon, is an event steeped in local tradition, typically offering a range of attractions and activities, potentially including carnival rides, animal exhibitions, contests, and live entertainment. The fairgrounds, located at 110 SW 53rd St., Corvallis, OR 97333, serve as a venue for these community events, which might extend beyond the annual fair to include other gatherings such as concerts and exhibitions throughout the year.

In a video hosted by Ryan Long of the Sue Long Realty Group at Keller Williams, viewers are introduced to various aspects of the Benton County Fair and Rodeo. Long expresses, “Welcome to the Benton County Fair and Rodeo, a Corvallis tradition.” The video provides a glimpse into the 4-H program, which is highlighted as a significant part of the fair. A participant explains, “4-H stands for head, heart, health, and hands,” and it’s described as a program aimed at elementary and high school students, designed to educate them about agriculture through practical experiences like raising dairy goats.

The fair also showcases various animal exhibitions and contests. One exhibitor shares insights into poultry showing, noting, “Quando is the champion large fowl rooster,” and explains the process of preparing poultry for shows, emphasizing the importance of muscle memory and stance. Another exhibitor, discussing a different bird, shares, “Yeah, he’s my bird for breeding, and he will go to be shown as a potential champion in the national show.”

Moreover, the fair seems to provide a platform for local programs and teams to showcase their projects and achievements. A member of a high school robotics team shares, “We’re here demonstrating our robots,” and elaborates on their achievements, “We actually qualified for the world’s and went to Houston, Texas, and competed in the world championships.” The fair, therefore, not only serves as a venue for traditional agricultural displays and contests but also as a space where local programs, like the robotics team, can engage with the community, as the team member notes, “The Benton County Fair is a good place for us to meet a lot of local Willamette Valley people and get the word out about our program.”

The Benton County Fair and Rodeo, through its various exhibitions, contests, and showcases, provides a multifaceted experience, intertwining traditional agricultural displays with modern programs and competitions, thereby offering a diverse and enriching experience to the community members and visitors who attend.

Benton County Fair Website | Facebook | Instagram

Bald Hill Hike

Bald Hill Trail, nestled within the Bald Hill Natural Area in Corvallis, Oregon, extends 2.7 miles and is characterized by a 452-foot elevation gain, offering a moderate level of hiking difficulty. The loop trail is accessible throughout the year and is utilized for a variety of activities such as birding, hiking, and horseback riding. It is a locale where nature enthusiasts frequently converge, and while dogs are permitted, they must be leashed. The trail provides panoramic views of the Willamette Valley and Coast Range Mountains, and on clear days, portions of the Cascade Mountain Range are visible. The terrain varies, offering both well-maintained paths and more rugged areas, and is sufficiently wide to accommodate two horses side by side in most sections. The trail is heavily wooded until it reaches the relatively bare top of Bald Hill, which provides expansive views. The trail is suitable for a range of activities, including hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, walking, bird watching, and running, and is open year-round, offering a scenic escape in any season.

Ryan Long, from the Sue Long Realty Group at Keller Williams, provides a visual journey through the Bald Hill Natural Area in a video, introducing viewers to the trail system, which encompasses over 8 miles. Long notes, “The trail we’re taking today is 2.2 miles with an elevation gain of approximately 230 feet.” He highlights the availability of blackberries in August and points out the Bald Hill barn, which is “about one mile in from the trailhead and is rentable for your events.” Long describes the hike as “easy to moderate,” while also noting that other trails in the system could be considered “moderate to advanced.” The Bald Hill Natural Area is underscored for its high accessibility, with a paved multi-use path that connects to the Midge Cramer Trail, passing the fairgrounds campus and extending to downtown. Upon reaching the summit, Long showcases the panoramic views of Corvallis, Marys Peak, and the Coast Range, affirming, “the short hike was definitely worth it for these gorgeous views.” The video serves as a visual guide, intertwining the scenic beauty and practical information about the Bald Hill Natural Area.

Bald Hill

Arigato, Mrs. Roboto – Paniolo Santa-Maria Style Barbecue

Paniolo BBQ, located in Kauai, intertwines its culinary offerings with a rich narrative, notably in its steadfast adherence to Santa Maria-style barbecue, illuminated through the use of specific wood blends, namely red oak and Java plum, and a family recipe for chicken rub that has been a staple for “a little bit over 35 years,” according to Jared, one of the family members involved in the operation.

Central to Paniolo’s offerings is the tri-tip plate, which, Jared explains, is not just a mere dish but an embodiment of the traditional Santa Maria barbecue: “You’re gonna see the tri-tip with salsa, light fresh green salads, beans on the plate, and of course, French bread.” This is corroborated by Dida, the host, who relishes the tri-tip, declaring, “That is really good, it’s so juicy,” and notes its accompaniment with what Jared refers to as a “homemade” dry rub, a formulation that is crafted in-house.

An intrinsic aspect of Paniolo BBQ’s operations is its staunch embodiment of a family-run enterprise. “Oh man, the whole family. So, I have my dad; him and I do most of the barbecue duties. My brother, he’s in the kitchen. My nephew, his son, is also one of our cooks. My wife, my brother’s wife, and my mom,” Jared elaborates, placing an emphasis on the integral role each member plays within the business’s framework.

The Paniolo Burger, a sizable dish featuring a 10-ounce patty, country-style ribs shrouded in barbecue sauce, and a finale of pico de gallo, underscores the establishment’s proclivity for hearty, robust meals. Jared, reflecting his Spanish cultural background, remarks, “Of course, I like it spicy,” thus elucidating the burst of flavors that Dida identifies: “It’s got a lot of flavors on it, the saltiness that comes from the smoked meat.”

In addition to the culinary realm, Paniolo BBQ nestles itself within the community through its live music offerings, functioning Monday through Saturday, and an open mic night every Wednesday. These musical events, Jared mentions, have been visited by “Incredible musicians from all over,” thereby weaving a subtle, yet profound, tapestry that intertwines the local and broader communities through a culinary and cultural melding.

Paniolo BBQ, therefore, materializes not merely as a food establishment but as a multifaceted entity that converges family, tradition, and community into a holistic experience in Kauai, embracing its roots in Santa Maria-style barbecue while concurrently welcoming the diverse array of flavors and experiences that being situated in Hawaii presents.

Pantiolo Santa-Maria BBQ Website | Facebook | Instagram

Arigato, Mrs. Roboto – Nom Kaua‘i

NOM Kauai, situated in Kapaa, Hawaii, represents an establishment deeply interwoven with the personal and professional journey of its founder, Thomas. In his pursuit to merge comfort and innovation in the sphere of breakfast and brunch dining, Thomas chose a path marked by a hands-on approach to the culinary industry. With a trove of industry knowledge amassed over approximately a decade, and devoid of formal culinary education, Thomas, alongside his partner, Alicia, actualized his aspirations into NOM Kauai in 2018.

A video, hosted by a woman named Dida, delves into the operational and culinary realm of NOM Kauai, with Chef Tom and Alicia providing insights into their culinary creations and inspirations. Chef Tom elucidates, “I just like to make food that I like to eat: big, fatty burgers, fried chicken, biscuits and gravy. We grew up eating southern food and different fusion foods in Florida that are southern at heart but have different twists to them.” The dishes, as presented in the video, are reflective of this sentiment, grounding themselves in Southern roots, while also embracing influences from Floridian fusion cuisine.

Moreover, Chef Tom’s previous culinary competitions, including those on a well-known television network, have direct implications for the establishment. He admits, “I did compete on the Food Network. I won $10,000 and helped bankroll the restaurant.” Thus, his triumphs on platforms like the Food Network serve as a financial and promotional scaffold for NOM Kauai.

Local sourcing stands paramount in the ethos of NOM Kauai, illuminating a dedicated adherence to locality and quality in their ingredients. With a forthright pronouncement, Chef Tom states, “We proudly support Maderos Farms, Makaweli Ranch, WA Coffee Roasters, Passion Bakery, [and] Hawaii Juice Company.” This declaration aligns with their tacit commitment to ensuring local businesses are threaded into their culinary tapestry, ostensibly forming a synthesis between local enterprise and gastronomy.

One of the highlighted dishes, Chef Tom’s shrimp and grits, employs “a cool coconut-style grit, still nice and savory, topped off with local warmed greens, blackened Hawaii shrimp, and a pineapple relish.” This dish, among others, presents as a tangible representation of NOM Kauai’s overarching commitment to amalgamating local ingredients with Southern and fusion flavors, elucidating an integral piece of their culinary philosophy without veering into a promotional timbre.

In essence, NOM Kauai, beneath the culinary offerings and modest local acknowledgment, encapsulates a story of personal ambition, culinary skill, and a tangible connection to local Hawaiian providers, coalescing into an establishment that aims to provide both nourishment and an experiential venture into the founder’s culinary roots and present inspirations. The foundational threads of southern and fusion foods, combined with a commitment to local sourcing, serve to sketch a portrait of NOM Kauai that is rooted both in past culinary experiences and present locale, rendered without a comprehensive dive into collaborative efforts or menu specifics.

Nom Kaua‘i Website |

Arigato, Mrs. Roboto – Kukui‘ula Market

Positioned in Koloa, Hawaii, Kukuiula Market signifies a longstanding locale which is more than a provider of groceries, also encompassing various culinary offerings and showcasing a blend of traditional Hawaiian market atmospheres with contemporary selection. The marketplace operates as a microcosm of numerous eateries and culinary options, with Auntie Terry’s Kukui‘ula Market shedding light on a variety of food and garden ingredients, and unique homemade offerings, such as blueberry oatmeal.

In a guided visual exploration by host Dida, viewers delve into the varied offerings within Kukui‘ula Market. It’s highlighted that Kukui’ula Market stands as “one of two of the last mom-and-pop stores left here on Kauai,” as per Auntie Terry Kirkland, and has been under the ownership of her family since 1970. Describing a multilayered culinary experience within a singular location, Dida noted, “This is the one spot where you can come and get four or five different types of food and garden ingredients from your farmers, including homemade blueberry oatmeal chia seed awesomness.”

Venturing into Anake’s Juice Bar, described as “Auntie Terry’s little baby creation,” a signature beverage named the Dawn Patrol was presented, which harmoniously “has oranges, lemons, carrots, apple, and a little bit of ginger.” The presenter notes, “You can taste the ginger, but it’s not too strong, and the carrot juice is subtle. It’s a super nice balanced blend and a good healthy pick-me-up in the morning.”

Furthermore, a culinary junction named So Tasty with JC showcases a devotion to “clean, healthy, fresh ingredients,” providing options like vegan Thai peanut noodles, which are “all homemade, gluten-free, using organic peanut sauce” and are characterized as being “from farm to table.” The nuanced flavors of dishes like the red curry, consisting of “pure coconut milk on the top and regular pasta that I made with my own fresh vegetables,” are also highlighted, with alternatives of chicken, tofu, or shrimp available for incorporation.

Adjacent culinary offerings within the market, such as Makai Sushi led by Chef Matt, demonstrate a commitment to freshness with dishes like their Grilled Poke Bowl. The chef elucidates that “all our food is made to order, including fresh sushi rolls and poke bowls,” to which Dida responded during the tasting, “This is super fresh.”

Concluding the tour with Local Koko Shave Ice, a sweet delight “served…inside of an actual coconut,” patrons also encounter an extra touch with the use of honey — a product of the owner’s beekeeping endeavor.

The video presents a vibrant and favorable view of the Kukui‘ula Market, touching upon various culinary hotspots and offerings within. The segment extends a hand toward an experience that mirrors local culture and inclusivity, encapsulating an ethos described by Dida: “That’s Aloha. That’s Hawaii. That’s our culture, yet tries to embrace the strangers to be able to come in and just be a part of the family.”

Thus, Kukuiula Market, through a lens uncolored by persuasive or promotional tones, emerges as an entity that has woven itself into the local fabric, offering a mixture of traditional and contemporary culinary experiences while maintaining its status as a longstanding family-operated establishment in Kauai.

Kukui‘ula Market