LC11-15

Pastega Christmas Light Display

The Pastega Christmas Light Display, a seasonal spectacle in Corvallis, Oregon, has illuminated the local community since its inception in 1981. Initially situated at the Pepsi plant when owned by the Pastega family, the display has since transitioned to the Benton County fairgrounds on 53rd St., following the sale of the business and a community effort to preserve and relocate the cherished pieces.

The tradition began when Mario Pastega commissioned the creation of Christmas scenes, which were placed in the field surrounding the PepsiCola Bottling plant. Over the years, new scenes and characters were added, with community members also contributing their displays. After Mario Pastega’s passing and the subsequent sale of the firm, the Pastega family decided to continue the Christmas display tradition. Community outreach led to individuals or families adopting the weather-beaten pieces, which were then refurbished and relocated to the display’s new home at the Benton County fairgrounds on 53rd St.

Ryan Long, with the Sue Long Realty Group at Keller Williams, shared insights into the history and evolution of the display. When Mario decided to sell the business, the community was called upon to “adopt the pieces.” Remarkably, all pieces had been adopted, refurbished, and subsequently returned in September, ensuring the continuity of the display. The Pastega family, through a foundation, continues to fund the display annually.

Alma Pastega, described as the artist behind the original pieces, would design and paint them, sometimes incorporating movement through mechanisms created by a gentleman named Olli Brendsdal. Alma would convey her vision to Olli, who would invariably respond with, “No problem,” and find a way to bring her ideas to life. Some of these original displays, with motorized swings and rocking horses, are still part of the exhibition today.

In recent years, the design process has involved collaboration with local high schools and their art clubs. Cutouts are delivered to the schools, where they are painted by the students. The display pieces have also expanded to include contemporary and popular culture references, such as Harry Potter and unicorns, often inspired by the interests of younger family members.

The display, which has grown to approximately 195 pieces, with eight added this year, has not been without its peculiar stories. One notable tale involves Dopey, one of the Seven Dwarves, who went missing but was eventually discovered in the basement of a fraternity and returned to the display, just as a replacement was being prepared.

The Pastega Christmas Light Display, while a festive and seemingly joyous occasion, is also a reflection of the community spirit and the Pastega family’s engagement with the local populace. 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 family and the foundation. The emphasis on community involvement and giving back, as seen with the canned food donations, showcases the spirit of the event.

Volunteers, crucial to the setup and takedown of the display, are coordinated through the website, pastegachristmasdisplay.com, using a Sign-Up Genius link. The setup typically begins on November 1st and has been completed in as little as two weekends, while takedown has varied from five days to two weeks, depending on the number of volunteers.

The display, free and non-commercial, encourages visitors to donate canned food to support local communities, embodying a philosophy of community support and engagement. The Pastega Christmas Light Display, with its rich history, community involvement, and the stories that have unfolded over its many years, remains a cherished tradition in Corvallis, bringing light, joy, and a sense of unity to the community it brightens.

Pastega Website | Facebook

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

Boy Scout Troop 3 / Troop 4003 Tree Lot

Troop 3 Corvallis, a Boy Scout troop with a history dating back to 1930, has long been a staple in its community, embodying the mission and values of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) by providing a program that intertwines educational activities with lifelong values. The troop, which has been “dedicated to shaping boys into men,” is part of a larger network that views aiding youth as a pivotal step towards “building a more conscientious, responsible, and productive society.”

The troop engages in various activities designed to be both educational and enjoyable, ensuring that scouts are learning and developing in a positive environment. However, one of their most notable endeavors, particularly during the holiday season, is their Christmas tree lot, located in Corvallis on Kings and Grant. This lot, as described by a participant, is not merely a fundraiser but a practical application of the skills and values instilled in the scouts.

The tree lot, according to one of the troop leaders, is “our biggest fundraiser of the year” and is singularly significant as it is their “only fundraiser, really.” The proceeds from this initiative are foundational, funding “all of their camping activities, pre-camporee, camporee, fall rendezvous.” In essence, the Christmas tree lot “literally pays for everything for our troop.”

The scouts are actively involved in the operation of the tree lot, from setting up trees on the racks, ensuring they are presentable, to interacting with customers and assisting them in their selection. One scout leader reflected on the value of this experience, stating that she enjoys “seeing the scouts step outside of their comfort zone, talking to adults and talking to families and helping them find a Christmas tree.” This interaction not only provides a service to the community but also serves as a developmental tool for the scouts, encouraging them to navigate social interactions and step “out of their shell.”

The scouts, through their involvement in the tree lot, learn various skills and values that are applicable beyond the confines of the lot. One scout, reflecting on his experiences, highlighted “perseverance, salesmanship” as key learnings, noting that he has learned “how to upsell a tree” and the value of “persistence.” These learnings are not isolated to the practicalities of selling trees but are applicable in various aspects of their development and future endeavors.

Moreover, the tree lot serves as a connection point between the troop and the community. Trees sold at the lot are “all grown locally here in Oregon,” and the troop also donates between “75 and 100 trees to the community” through Vina Moses, which the troop grows themselves. This connection is further solidified through the relationships built with customers, some of whom have been purchasing trees from the lot for decades. One scout shared that there are customers who have been coming “for 20 years to get our trees from you every year,” illustrating a longstanding relationship between the troop and the community.

The tree lot, while a fundraiser, is emblematic of the broader mission and values of Troop 3 Corvallis and the BSA. It is a manifestation of the troop’s commitment to the development of its scouts, providing them with practical experiences that build character, encourage responsible citizenship, and develop personal fitness. Furthermore, it serves as a bridge to the community, fostering relationships and providing a service that has become a tradition for some. Thus, the tree lot is not merely a commercial endeavor but a reflection of the troop’s history, its commitment to the development of its scouts, and its relationship with the community.

Troop 3

Habitat for Humanity ReStore Volunteering

The **Benton Habitat ReStore**, situated on Philomath Boulevard in Corvallis, Oregon, operates as a pivotal entity within the framework of Habitat for Humanity’s mission, which is globally recognized as an organization committed to “provide decent and affordable housing for people in our community.” The ReStore, described as a “used home goods store,” encompasses a broad inventory, including but not limited to furniture, building materials, electrical items, and appliances, all housed within a 15,000 square-foot space.

The ReStore’s inventory is primarily sourced from donations, which, as one regular donor highlighted, is a preferable alternative to seeing “beautiful doors” and other items relegated to the dump. This individual, who visits approximately “once a week,” articulated a sentiment that resonates with various customers who inquire about the destiny of their old items, often hinting towards Habitat for Humanity as a desirable endpoint for their used goods.

The proceeds generated from the ReStore are funneled directly into Habitat for Humanity’s programs within Benton County, underscoring its role as “our biggest fundraiser,” according to a representative. The store, therefore, not only serves as a retail space but also as a financial pillar supporting the broader objectives of Habitat for Humanity.

Volunteers form the backbone of the ReStore’s operations, engaging in various tasks from organizing materials, such as the electrical section, to processing donations. One volunteer, reflecting on the task of organizing, acknowledged the magnitude of the task, stating, “I told the boss that I could spend 120 hours on that.” Yet, despite the seemingly insurmountable challenge, the volunteer’s tone did not waver into negativity, highlighting a commitment that seems to permeate the ethos of those involved with the ReStore.

The ReStore does not merely provide a platform for purchasing and donating items but also fosters a sense of community among its volunteers. One individual, when asked about the impact of volunteering at the ReStore, emphasized its positive influence on mental health, attributing it to “doing positive things for the community” and the dynamic nature of the work, which is “new every day.”

The inclusivity of the ReStore’s volunteer program is notable, with a representative affirming that they “take anybody as they are as they come.” This openness extends to those with disabilities, providing an accessible avenue for various individuals to contribute to the community and the overarching mission of Habitat for Humanity.

Despite the ReStore’s commitment to repurposing and redistributing donated items, there remains the inevitable reality of waste. Items that are “too scratched or damaged” or deemed “unsellable” are, regrettably, destined for the landfill, a practice that is not taken lightly given the associated dumpster fees and the ReStore’s inherent objective to repurpose items when possible.

In synthesizing the above, the Benton Habitat ReStore emerges as a multifaceted entity, intertwining retail, community, and philanthropy, all while navigating the practical and ethical considerations of waste and sustainability. The stories and experiences shared by those involved, from donors to volunteers, weave a narrative that transcends the physical items within the store, reflecting a collective commitment to community and sustainability within the broader mission of Habitat for Humanity.

ReStore Website | Facebook | Instagram

Corvallis Historic Homes Trolley Tour

The **Historic Homes Trolley Tour** in Corvallis, Oregon, traditionally offered a guided exploration through the city’s architectural past, weaving through various neighborhoods and pausing at 36 different sites to delve into about “20 different styles of architecture.” The tour, which in previous years took place on Saturdays in July and August, was not merely an architectural exposition but also a narrative of the people and families who “built and inhabited those homes and really built the foundation of history here,” as noted by the tour guide.

Ryan Long, exploring the tour, highlighted its capacity to illuminate the stories embedded within the structures of Corvallis. One participant, who tries to attend “every summer I’m in town,” expressed an appreciation for the rich history embedded within the city, acknowledging the tour guide’s proficiency in providing “a good background on each of the different houses.” The tour, therefore, served not only as an architectural journey but also as a conduit through which stories of the past were conveyed, intertwining the physical structures with the lives and narratives of those who once inhabited them.

One notable mention during the tour was the acknowledgment of Pauling, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1954 and later the Nobel Peace Prize in 1962 for his scientific work and peace activism, respectively. Such snippets of information provide a glimpse into the lives of individuals who once resided in Corvallis, offering a human context to the architectural exploration.

The tour also provided insights into specific architectural styles, such as an “airplane-style Craftsman bungalow,” which was said to resemble “the early biplanes of the period.” Such details not only offered a visual context for participants but also highlighted how various influences, perhaps the advent of aviation in this instance, permeated architectural designs.

Participants found value in not only the architectural details but also the stories of people associated with these structures. One participant, reflecting on a particular house, shared, “I had wondered about for years and years and years as a college student and then living here. And then I get to be on this historic homes trolley tour and actually learn about it and talk to other people about it.” This sentiment underscores the tour’s capacity to satiate curiosities and provide answers about the visible, yet often mysterious, historical structures that dot the cityscape.

The tour, which also garnered recommendations from participants for its blend of architectural and human history, was not confined to local residents. One individual, perhaps a visitor, extolled the virtues of the area, citing the “fabulous” climate, low humidity, friendly people, commendable food, and the presence of numerous microbreweries as notable attributes.

While the tour provided a structured journey through Corvallis’s architectural and social history, it also facilitated a communal experience where stories of the past were shared and discussed, fostering a collective appreciation for the city’s historical and architectural landscape. Future attendees, given the popularity of the tour, were advised to seek more information and sign-up details through the official website, ensuring their opportunity to partake in this insightful journey through Corvallis’s historical tapestry.

Corvallis Historic Homes Trolley Tour Website | Facebook