With the Eagle Creek fire now under control and Interstate 84 reopened in both directions, hard-hit Gorge communities are inviting people to “Show the Gorge Some Love” in October by visiting and showing their appreciation for one of America’s greatest treasures. Here is just a sample of what there is to do this month in the Gorge...
Troutdale:
Troutdate invites you to wander down the street of this idyllic town on Friday, October 6 for First Friday Art Walk. From 5:00-9:00 p.m., shops will be open with live music and wine tasting. Various artists will be lining the streets with a myriad of artful, handcrafted pieces available for purchase. This is a perfect time to shop for the holidays, or pick up something beautiful that happens to catch your eye for yourself. On Tuesday, October 24, stop over at Blackberry Hall for Troutdale Historical Society’s monthly History Night, which will feature Nate Pedersen, an member of the Oregon Heritage Trees Committee talking about “The Roots of History: Oregon’s Heritage Trees.” Come hear compelling stories and learn more about some our state’s greatest treasures––trees. Doors open at 5:00 p.m.; event starts at 6:30 p.m.
Wood Village:
Great Pumpkin Fest at Donald Robertson Park, Saturday, October 28 from 12 to 5 p.m. Art, culture, crafts, Farmer’s Market, fun and a whole lot of pumpkins.
Corbett:
Acoustic Blues Masters will be at Columbia Grange 267 on Sunday October 1 at 7:00 p.m. Featuring film, television and Broadway bluesman Guy Davis, award-winning fingerpicker Mary Flower, multi-instrumentalist sensation Orville Johnson and Piedmont Blues virtuoso, Valerie Turner. It will be a Blues moment to remember. A Corbett Grange Party is happening on Saturday, October 7 at the Columbia Grange Hall, 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. The New Iberians will be playing some delightful Zydeco Blues. Half of proceeds will be donated to Corbett Fire District #14 for new equipment. Come on out and support the firefighters and have some fun.
Cascade Locks:
Ride the Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler and enjoy exquisite views while this large boat gently, but strongly paddles its way down the river. Join them for a short sightseeing cruise, or for lunch or dinner. Right now, tickets can be purchased for The Magical History Tour. This special booking is done through Debora Lorang at 503-360-2866 or by emailing lorangfineart@embarqmail.com. The trip will include live music, an eclectic auction, a scrumptious light dinner buffet and door prizes and benefit the Friends of the Cascade Locks Historical Museum. Boarding at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, October 6 and ending at 9:30 p.m., tickets are $50 each. Regular rides on the Sternwheeler are available through October 31. Another gem of Cascade Locks is Thunder Island Brewing Co., which on Saturday October 21, will be celebrate its fourth anniversary with live music, dance to lively tunes, and of course, their famous, amazing food.
Hood River:
Hood River Hops Fest, October 7, 2017 is an annual celebration of beer’s bitter friend, freshly harvested hops with more than 50 participating breweries and cideries. Live music all day including bands The Antonyms and Oakenfir of Hood River; Kris Deelane & The Hurt, Mexican Gunfight and Hillstomp from Portland. The 35th annual Hood River Valley Harvest Fest is October 13-15 2017. This old-fashioned fall festival brings together more than 120 vendors offering local produce and food products, plus arts and crafts, wine, cider and beer tastings. Held along the scenic Hood River waterfront, this is the Columbia River Gorge’s biggest celebration of the region’s incredible fall bounty.
Mosier:
Bring the family and ride or hike the 5-mile Mosier Twin Tunnels segment of the Historic Columbia River Highway and State Trail between Hood River and Mosier (The West Mark O. Hatfield trailhead is open and the trail to The Dalles is open. Enjoy wine tasting including Analemma Wines and Garnier Vineyards and gorgeous views from Rowena Crest Viewpoint.
The Dalles:
Farm to Table Dinner & Silent Auction, Wonderworks Children’s Museum, October 21, celebrates 40 years in the community with a Farm to Table dinner at Omeg Family Orchards of locally inspired food and wine pairings, featuring San Francisco Chef Anthony Sterelli. Columbia Gorge Fiber Festival, October 27-29 at the Fort Dalles Readiness Center has found a reputation as the Gorge’s premier fiber event. Go on a Harvest Moon Walk at the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center on October 5 or explore the exhibit, A Community Forgotten: Uncovering the Story of The Dalles Chinatown.
