Annual Events

Corvallis Christmas Parade

In a distinct seasonal endeavor, the Corvallis Lions Club coordinates the Corvallis Community Christmas Parade, a service project described as “a gift from the Corvallis Lions Club to the people of Corvallis” by Mark Vomocil, the coordinator of the event. This parade, which seemingly brings together a diverse array of community members, is not merely a festive gathering but a reflection of the community spirit and the club’s engagement with the local populace.

The parade, which features a variety of participants, from those attending for the first time to veterans of the event, is a vibrant display of community spirit and creativity. One participant, who has been part of the parade for 28 years, reflects the long-standing tradition and commitment of individuals involved. Another participant, who has adorned their truck and trailer with about “27,000 lights,” mentioned that it takes approximately “three weeks to get this all put up” – a testament to the dedication and preparation invested in the event.

The parade, which also features Santa Claus, is not only a spectacle but also an interactive experience for children and adults alike. When asked about their conduct over the year, responses from participants varied from affirmations of being “nice” to admissions of being “a little bit of both” naughty and nice. The question of what they hoped to receive from Santa elicited a variety of responses, from tangible items like a “new radio” or a “KitchenAid mixer” to intangible desires like having “as much of my family together as I can.”

The Corvallis Community Christmas Parade, while a festive and seemingly joyous occasion, is also a reflection of the Corvallis Lions Club’s engagement with the community. It is an event that not only brings together various elements of the community but also serves as a platform for interaction, sharing, and celebration amidst the broader services provided by the club. The parade, with its lights, floats, and diverse participants, is a manifestation of the community spirit and the club’s commitment to service, embodying the broader mission and values of the Lions Clubs International.

Holiday Parade Website | Facebook | Instagram

Lebanon Strawberry Festival

The **Lebanon Strawberry Festival**, a longstanding tradition in Lebanon, Oregon, is a community-wide celebration that has been held annually since 1909. Scheduled to take place from May 30th to June 2nd, 2024, the 114th festival, themed “Peace, Love & Strawberries,” is organized each year by a board of directors comprised entirely of volunteers. The festival, deeply rooted in tradition for many Lebanon families and welcoming to new residents and visitors, is celebrated at Cheadle Lake Park and offers a variety of activities and experiences for attendees.

Ryan Long, with the Sue Long Realty Group, explored the festival, highlighting various aspects and engaging with attendees. The festival features a carnival with numerous rides, an entertainment stage in the grass area, and notably, what is referred to as the “world’s largest strawberry shortcake,” which is served free to attendees. One volunteer emphasized the community spirit, stating, “Lebanon is so unique in the fact that people here are so generous. You cannot believe how generous they are.” The shortcake, which is approximately “32 by 17” feet in size, is assembled and served by volunteers, and while there is no official “governing body” confirming its status as the world’s largest, it is a significant feature of the festival.

The festival is not only a celebration of strawberries but also a community event that brings together people of all ages. Children, for instance, were seen enjoying various rides, with one child naming “the sizzler” as their favorite. Adults, too, find joy in the festival, with one attendee sharing that she has been coming to watch the parade for over 60 years, finding the sight of her “grandkids…sitting on the curb watching them smile and enjoying it” to be her favorite part.

The festival also includes a traditional element of royalty, with a strawberry queen, who interestingly noted that while having red hair is not a requirement for the role, “it does help.” The festival, therefore, serves as a multifaceted event, providing not only a celebration of the local strawberry harvest but also a venue for community engagement, tradition, and entertainment.

The Lebanon Strawberry Festival, with its rich history and array of offerings, from the notable strawberry shortcake to various rides and entertainment options, stands as a testament to the community spirit of Lebanon, Oregon. It is an event that, through its various activities and the involvement of numerous volunteers, seeks to bring the community together and celebrate not only the local produce but also the beauty and friendliness of Lebanon itself.

Strawberry Festival Website | Facebook | Instagram

Corvallis Spring Roll

The **Corvallis Bicycle Collective** in Oregon, with its mission to “enhance health, safety, sustainability, and happiness through bicycling,” operates a community do-it-yourself (DIY) bike shop, which offers free tool use and guidance. The shop also provides a selection of affordable used bicycles, new, and used parts and accessories. The collective is notably active in the Corvallis community, promoting access to bicycles and neighborhood livability through various initiatives and events.

One such event, the 9th annual Corvallis Spring Roll, was hosted at Cloverland Park and was not about the food item, but rather a cycling event for children. The event featured a route that was “about three-quarters of a mile, a little more,” and children were encouraged to complete “as many laps as they want,” according to the host, Ryan Long. The route, forming “a nice big rectangle,” extended “from 29th all the way to 23rd.”

Children of various ages participated, with one child estimating they had completed “probably like 10 or 15” laps. Another child, when asked about the number of laps they had done, humorously exaggerated, “Three? Probably three.” The children were not only cycling but also engaging in other activities.

The event was not strictly regulated in terms of age, as evidenced by a comment: “I’ve seen less than two-year-olds, stick them on a balance bike or whatever they can run around with everyone else.” The event was not only about cycling but also incorporated other fun activities for children. One child expressed his enjoyment of the “water cannon,” which was one of the features at the event.

The collective’s involvement in such community events, like the Spring Roll, underscores its commitment to promoting bicycling among all age groups in the community. The collective not only provides practical resources and support through its DIY shop but also fosters a community spirit and encourages bicycling as a healthy and sustainable mode of transportation and recreation through its various initiatives and events.

The collective appreciates various forms of support, including volunteer time, financial contributions, and donated bicycles, parts, accessories, and tools. It is reliant on volunteers in various capacities, such as in the shop, in the community, and behind the scenes, to further its mission and initiatives.

For those seeking to engage with the collective or to learn more about its offerings and initiatives, it is recommended to visit their [official webpage](https://www.corvallisbikes.org/) for the most recent and detailed information, reviews, and any alerts or updates regarding their operations and events.

Spring Roll Website | Facebook | Instagram

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

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