Oregon

“The Melon Shack,” situated off of Highway 20 in Corvallis, Oregon, emerges as a seasonal attraction, particularly during the Halloween period, offering a variety of activities and experiences that intertwine the agricultural with the recreational. The establishment, which is notably visible on one of the major thoroughfares in North Corvallis, Garden Avenue, provides a space where families and individuals can engage in traditional fall activities, such as navigating through a corn maze, selecting pumpkins from a field, and indulging in freshly made donuts.

The pumpkin patch, as described by a representative, is “on the side of an actual field of pumpkins,” and the planting process involves both machine and manual labor to ensure a variety of pumpkins are available. Visitors can expect a range of options, including “white ones, Cinderella types of various colors, and all kinds of shapes of the jack-o’-lantern varieties.” A visitor, reflecting on their experience, stated, “We’ve come down here the last few years to pick pumpkins, so it’s kind of a little family tradition to come to this patch.” The selection process appears to be a thoughtful one, with another visitor noting, “We just try to get a variety of shapes and sizes and colors.”

The Melon Shack’s corn maze, which takes “literally weeks and months” to construct, offers an engaging and somewhat challenging experience for visitors. One visitor, amidst their journey through the maze, pondered, “How much further do you think we have to go? Miles?” Another acknowledged, “It was a long one, though. It was good. It took a long time.”

In addition to the maze and pumpkin patch, the Melon Shack also provides culinary delights, notably their donuts, which are “hot, served about two minutes from the time they go on the fryers.” The maple bacon donut, identified as their best seller, is crafted with maple from Vermont and bacon derived from a local source, described by a visitor as “crunchy” and eliciting an “awesome” response.

The establishment also features a super slide, which seems to be a hit among younger visitors. One child, when asked about their experience, responded, “That’s probably the best part.”

The Melon Shack, while providing a space for seasonal enjoyment, also places a strong emphasis on delivering a “good product” and keeping people safe, according to a representative. The goal, it seems, is to “give the families an opportunity to have some fun,” providing a space where traditions can be formed and enjoyed annually.

In a concluding note, it’s essential to acknowledge that while the Melon Shack offers a variety of activities and experiences, the information might require verification directly from the source for the most accurate and up-to-date details. Visitors may engage with the establishment directly or potentially explore their offerings in person, located conveniently on Garden Avenue and Highway 20 in Corvallis.

Melon Shack Facebook

The Oregon State University (OSU) Beavers Football team, representing OSU in Corvallis, Oregon, competes in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision, being a part of the Pac-12 Conference. With a rich history in college football and a tradition that has produced numerous professional football players, the team has become a cornerstone of the community and its sporting events.

In the words of a local on game day, “Saturday for me in Corvallis means an amazing game day. The whole community comes out, and we all get together to have a good time.” Tailgating, a significant event for Beavers football games, is described as a “family event” where people come together to celebrate and support the team. A parent of a former student shared, “My older son, Anthony, is the one that puts this one together. He has a lot of his friends that come from the Portland area primarily.”

The Beavers have made multiple appearances in the prestigious Rose Bowl and have fostered notable NFL players, such as Terry Baker, Steven Jackson, and Brandin Cooks. The team also holds a longstanding rivalry with the University of Oregon Ducks, known as the “Civil War,” which is one of the longest-running football rivalries in the nation.

A fan, discussing their pregame routine, mentioned, “My pregame routine is really to fast for about 12 hours so I can come in and enjoy the beer and the food. I make sure I have all my clothes laid out. I’ve got to have the right colors, orange and black.” The colors, orange and black, are a significant part of the team’s identity, with another fan noting, “Halloween all year.”

The Beavers, known for their dynamic offense and sturdy defense, have experienced various performance levels over the years, with seasons of strong performance and playoff appearances, as well as rebuilding years. The team’s playing style has evolved, adapting to the strengths of their players and coaching philosophies.

A dedicated fan shared, “We have tailgated every year that I’ve been here the last five years. Our boys played in 95 to 2002, so we’ve been coming for a while.” “We hit every single home game in football, every single home game in baseball, and every single home game in women’s basketball.” This dedication is mirrored by many in the community, with another stating, “Forty-some games here. You can’t beat the environment at a game.”

The Beavers’ games are not only a sporting event but also a community gathering, where attendees can explore various activities and engage in playful competitions. One attendee explained, “We’re playing some big Jenga, and as you get pretty high, there’s a lot of weight on all of them. If you try to go too slow, you move the tower too much. You’ve got to be quick, and you’ve got to try to set everybody else up for failure.”

Reflecting on the meaning of attending an Oregon State game, a fan expressed, “Oh my gosh, it’s energy, it’s the people and family, the color, and pageantry of college football’s electric. The pageantry, the colors, the band and the drum majors, the cheerleaders.” Another added, “It’s really fantastic to see a college football game and to be part of it. It’s just amazing. It’s a great environment here at OSU for Saturdays and every day.”

In conclusion, the OSU Beavers Football team is not merely a sports team but a focal point around which the community of Corvallis, Oregon, gathers, forming bonds and creating memories, all while partaking in the vibrant and spirited environment that college football brings. The team, while working towards improving their standings in the Pac-12 Conference, also serves as a conduit through which the community can express its collective identity and camaraderie.

OSU Football Website | Facebook | Instagram

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