The saltiest auction is coming soon

BAKER CITY — Whit Deschner’s unique idea of using salt blocks sculpted by cattle and wildlife to raise money for Parkinson’s disease research is going strong thanks to a partnership with the Baker City Lions Club.

The Great Salt Lick art contest and auction is Saturday, Sept. 21 at Churchill School, 3451 Broadway St. Viewing starts at 5:30 p.m., followed by the auction at 6:30 p.m.

Since 2007, the auction has raised about $220,000 to benefit Parkinson’s disease research at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland.

Contra dance is Sept. 21 in Milton-Freewater

MILTON-FREEWATER — Walla Walla Friends of Acoustic Music host a contra dance at the Timberrib, 84847 Winesap Road, on Saturday, Sept. 21, 7 p.m. Admission is $5, or $3 for WWFAM members.

Contras, squares and other dances will be taught by local callers. The Wednesday Night Band provides the music. Find a complete dance schedule at bit.ly/3CG0CEf.

Poetry, music night aids student’s college goals

PENDLETON — A special night of “The Two J.D.’s” will combine poetry and music while supporting a local student’s educational goals in the arts.

The event is Friday, Sept. 20, 6 p.m. at Pendleton Center for the Arts, 214 N. Main St. Proceeds raised from this year’s event will benefit Alexander Krokoz who is attending WyoTech in Laramie, Wyoming, to study agriculture and study/pursue music on the side.

The concept hatched by J.D. Smith, who produced “Tales & Tunes” to raise donations for a local teen who plans to study art or music. In the last few years, Smith teamed up with J.D. Kindle to present an evening of Smith’s poetry and Kindle’s songs.

“He and I trade off reading/singing and finish with the youngster performing some of their own work,” Kindle said.

This year, Smith is unable to attend due to recovering from an injury. A trio of proxy readers will present Smith’s three pieces: PCA arts instructor and multi-disciplinary artist Brian Purnell, retired public school art teacher and multi-disciplinary artist Alice Thomas, and PCA volunteer Michael Greear.

Library welcomes music by Kerry Grombacher

LA GRANDE — Award-winning western songwriter Kerry Grombacher will appear in concert on Thursday, Sept. 19, 6 p.m. at Cook Memorial Library, 2006 Fourth St.

Attendance is free and open to the public.

In the spirit of the troubadours of old, Grombacher’s contemporary folk and western songs, according to a press release, “paint vivid portraits and tell fascinating stories that are set in the landscape he travels, from the bayous of Louisiana, through the desert Southwest, to the Hi-Line of Montana and the forests of the Pacific Northwest.”

Celebrate Day of Dance Sept. 21

BAKER CITY — National Dance Day is Sept. 21, and Crossroads Carnegie Art Center will celebrate by hosting a Day of Dance event from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Geiser-Pollman Park. Food and drink vendors will be onsite.

Admission is a suggested donation of $5, which will be used as a local match for grant applications to host a dance event in 2025. Also, Crossroads will host a raffle. Tickets are $5 for seven.

The celebration features a variety of dancers and styles, including Mexican skirt dancing, Columbian dance, line dancing, square dancing, Irish Dance Idaho, Boise Traditional Chinese Dance Group and more.

Also, Baker Heritage Museum will be celebrating National Museum Day with free admission across Grove Street from the park.

In case of rain, the performance will be held in the museum’s ballroom.

Enter the world of Willy Wonka

ELGIN — A world of pure imagination awaits theatergoers with “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” at the Elgin Opera House, 104 N. Eighth Ave.

Based on the works of Roald Dahl, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” is a revised Broadway musical that adds to the content from the 1971 movie, “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.”

The production opens Saturday, Sept. 21. Showtimes are: Sept. 21, 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.; Sept. 27, 7:30 p.m.; Sept. 28, 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.; Oct. 3, 7:30 p.m.; Oct. 4, 7:30 p.m.; Oct. 5, 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.; Oct. 12, 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Tickets range from $8-$18 at www.elginoperahouse.com. For questions, call 541-663-6324.

Fiddle group heads to Elgin Sept. 21

ELGIN — The Rockwall Grange of Elgin invites everyone to their annual Blue Mountain Old-Time Fiddlers show and dinner on Saturday, Sept. 21.

An old-fashioned meatloaf dinner with potatoes and gravy, vegetable, and ice cream with huckleberry topping will be served at 4 p.m. for $15, and $5 for kids under 12.

At 5 p.m., the fiddlers will begin to entertain with fun and toe-tapping tunes. Musicians from all around the region will gather to provide the great music. The show costs $5 general admission, $4 for Blue Mountain Old-Time Fiddlers members and free for ages 12 and younger.

The grange is located at 71562 Middle Road. For more information, call 541-910-3349 or leave a message at 541-437-5915.

Broken Spoke hosts September Harvest Fest

LEXINGTON — A family-friendly event featuring a bounce house, dunk tank, kid games, music, raffles and vendors is planned in Lexington.

The September Harvest Fest is Saturday, Sept. 21, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Broken Spoke, 125 W. Main St. There is no admission charge.

For more information, search Facebook via bit.ly/3F1YG9L or call 971-444-0946.

Rummage sale helps fund scholarships

BAKER CITY — An upcoming rummage sale will help local women follow their educational dreams.

P.E.O. Chapter AX started a rummage sale more than 30 years ago to fund scholarships. This year’s sale is set for Saturday, Sept. 21, at the Baker County Event Center, 2600 East St., from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Purchases are cash only.

Each year, Chapter AX awards at least three scholarships. Proceeds from the sale will provide at least three scholarships to women graduates from high schools in Baker County and North Powder who are pursuing higher education, as well as assisting young women who are earning college credits while in high school.

Homeless advocates step up with gala fundraiser

HERMISTON — People can kick up their heels during the inaugural gala fundraiser for Stepping Stones Alliance. Boots & Bling features live music with Dallin Puzey, dinner and a variety of games that offer a fun way to make donations to the nonprofit organization.

The event is Saturday, Sept. 21, 5-10 p.m. at the Eastern Oregon Trade and Event Center, 1705 E. Airport Road. Tickets are $50 each via bit.ly/3z1qvj7.

CG Public House is catering a tri-tip dinner. Also, Midway Bar & Grill will provide a no-host bar.

Stepping Stones Alliance provides resources for the unhoused. For more information, visit www.stepping-stones-alliance.org. For more about the gala event, search Facebook via bit.ly/48AM3Q4 or call 541-561-3680.

Celebration highlights McNary Dam

UMATILLA — The Umatilla Museum & Historical Foundation and the Walla Walla District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are hosting a 70-year anniversary celebration of McNary Lock and Dam.

The free event is Saturday, Sept. 21, noon in the museum’s garden, 911 Sixth St., Umatilla. The celebration includes a special cake that organizers say you “must see it to believe it.” In addition, there will be games, a raffle, prizes and special guest speakers from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

For questions about the celebration, contact 541-626-2099, 541-561-0588 or umatillaoregonmusem@gmail.com. For more about the dam, search www.nww.usace.army.mil.

Take a stroll downtown for the wine walk

BAKER CITY — Baker City Downtown’s monthly wine walk is Thursday, Sept. 19 from 5-7 p.m. It begins at Hatch, 2019 Main St., and a $12 donation gets a BCD logo wine glass and map of participating businesses.

A portion of the evening’s profits will be donated to the Baker County Library.

Learn more about community garden at open house

LA GRANDE — Summer may be coming to a close, but that doesn’t mean things aren’t still growing at the La Grande Community Garden at Eastern Oregon University.

Community members are invited to tour the garden, learn about all of the projects that have been going on and upcoming opportunities during an open house on Thursday, Sept. 19 from 6-7 p.m.

The board of the community garden wants to highlight their recent collaboration with local Boy Scout Lucas Hudson, who built raised beds at the garden for his Eagle Scout project.

Visitors can check out the recently completed patio with the new accessible gardening options.

Additionally, community members can tour the plots, learn about what the garden offers and view winter carrot plantings — a citizen science project with the Union County Master Gardeners.

There will also be details about upcoming fall work parties for those looking to get involved.

The garden can be accessed through an entrance at the corner of 13th Street and I Avenue across the street from Candy Cane Park. Light refreshments will be provided.

Live music coming to HQ

LA GRANDE — HQ, 112 Depot St., welcomes the “reggae grunge funk jam band” of Dozey Dubs on Friday, Sept. 27, 8 p.m.

Tickets are $10 in advance at lagrandehq.com/events, or $12 at the door.

Dozey Dubs started in Garden City, Idaho, and is fronted by Andrew Wigginton, a singer/songwriter from La Grande.

Then, on Sunday, Sept. 29, Tylor and the Train Robbers return to HQ for a special matinee show at 4 p.m. Tickets are $15 at lagrandehq.com/events.

Brothers Tylor Ketchum, and Jason Bushman and Tommy Bushman, who were raised in Helix, form the core of the band. Tylor, the eldest, takes the reins as the band’s frontman, rhythm guitarist, and songwriter. Completing the quartet is Jason (bass and backup harmonies), Tommy (drums and vocals), and Rider Soran (lead guitar, pedal steel and lap steel).

Faith Martin performs at Maxwell Market

HERMISTON — Faith Martin, a Tri-Cities radio personality, is the featured performer during the Maxwell Market on Thursday, Sept. 19, 4-7 p.m. at the Maxwell Siding Event Center & Pavilion, 145 N. First Place.

The farmers market offers locally grown produce, arts and crafts vendors, beer and food. For more information, search www.facebook.com/theMaxHermiston, call 541-561-1047 or email maxwelleventcenter@gmail.com.

Echo & Stanfield Market is Sept. 21

STANFIELD — The Echo & Stanfield Market features locally grown produce, arts and crafts vendors, community booths and a variety of food pod offerings. The next event is Saturday, Sept. 21, 4-7 p.m. at Bard Park, Highway 395 and Roosevelt Avenue.

The July and August events each featured more than 50 vendors. The final market of the 2024 season will be Oct. 19.

For more information, search Facebook via rb.gy/ezd6bb. For questions, email myechomarket@gmail.com.

Oktoberfest brings two events for 2024

BAKER CITY — Oktoberfest, an annual fundraiser for Crossroads Carnegie Art Center, looks a bit different this year with proceeds supporting both the art center and Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort.

First, a harvest dinner that supports the center’s youth art programs is set for Sept. 27, 5:30 p.m. at the Pythan Castle ballroom, corner of Washington and First streets. Seating is limited, so advance reservations are required. Tickets are $65 at crossroads-arts.org or by calling 541-523-5369.

The evening includes dinner by Creston’s (Bavarian pork tenderloin, German hot potato salad, roasted fall vegetables, garlic butter parmesan rolls, salad), dessert by Sweet Wife Baking and a no-host bar by The Rustic Nail. There will also be silent and live auctions.

The second day of Oktoberfest moves to Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort for live music by Brushfire, Bavarian-style food and drinks, arts and crafts, youth bike course and a 5K fun run (starts at 10 a.m.; $20 or $15 for 12 and younger; supports the project to rebuild the rental shop).

Union County’s Oktoberfest is Sept. 28

LA GRANDE — Union County Oktoberfest and McLaughlin Events and Planning are hosting a day of fun, food and festivities at the Union County Fairgrounds on Saturday, Sept. 28, noon to 9 p.m.

There will be something for everyone from the Otis Memorial Truck Show, a beer garden hosted by Tap That Growlers, and a chili cookoff brought to you by the Union County Chamber of Commerce.

The Fall into the Holidays bazaar will feature artisan vendors and Tap That Growlers will hold a cornhole tournament. Tap That Growlers will also provide traditional German bratwurst and pretzels, along with craft beers. There will be a Kid Zone with activities and live music featuring Ripple Effect and Good Times/Bad Times.

Admission is by donation. For more information, check out their event page on Facebook or purchase tickets at tapthatgrowlers.net.

Celebrate Adam West Day in Walla Walla

WALLA WALLA — Walla Walla Adam West Day is Saturday, Sept. 21, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Kirkman House Museum, 214 Colville St.

The day celebrates Adam West, who was born in 1928 in Walla Walla and played Batman in the 1960s TV series.

The day features the 1989 Batmobile and 1966 Batcopter, the Porsche Batmobile and more. Food vendors will be onsite, and donations will be accepted for St. Jude and Toys for Tots-Walla Walla.

The day ends with lighting the Bat Signal at 9 p.m. at the Marcus Whitman Hotel.

Vintage trucks roll into Walla Walla

WALLA WALLA — Fort Walla Walla Museum, 755 NE Myra Road, welcomes the Blue Mountain Chapter of the American Truck Historical Society on Saturday, Sept. 21, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Incorporated in 1971, the American Truck Historical Society was formed to preserve the history of trucks, the trucking industry, and its pioneers. ATHS began hosting an annual convention in 1972 to educate the public on the profound impact the trucking industry has had on American production and consumerism.

This family-friendly event also includes live music and food.

The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through the end of October, and open until 4 p.m. during the winter. Admission is $12 adults, $10 seniors and students, and $5 for ages 6-12. For details, and a calendar of events, visit www.fwwm.org.

Unique dance production offers shear entertainment

WALLA WALLA — A unique entertainment opportunity featuring a dance production of “Edward Scissorhands” will be screened in Walla Walla. It was filmed live in March 2024 at the Wales Millenium Centre in Cardiff, United Kingdom.

The viewings are Sept. 25, 7 p.m., and Sept. 29, 2 p.m., at Power House Theatre, 111 N. Sixth Ave. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students.

Matthew Bourne’s magical dance production of “Edward Scissorhands” — based on the 1990 film starring Johnny Depp — has carved a place in the hearts of audiences worldwide since its premiere in 2005. With the live filming, cinema-goers get “the best seat in the house” as the story unfolds about the young man with unique appendages. The production is described as “the perfect treat for all the family.”

For tickets or info, visit www.phtww.org. For questions, call 509-529-6500.

Register now for the Fall Vendor Market

BAKER CITY — Do you bake the best pie around?

Is your queso a crowd-pleaser?

The Baker County Fairgrounds is launching a new Fall Vendor Market Oct. 25-26 at the event center, 2600 East St. Registration is now open for vendors ($50), as well as for contests for pie and queso ($20 per entry).

Find the registration forms at bakerfair.com. Click on the “Fall Vendor Market” tab.

The market will be from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 25, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 26. Additional Saturday events include pumpkin painting, horse-drawn carriage rides and a raffle. Admission is free and includes one raffle ticket.

Pie entries must be submitted by 11:45 a.m. Oct. 26. Any dessert pie is welcome, and desserts will be judged in three categories — taste, presentation and judges’ choice.

Queso entries must be in by noon Oct. 26. There are three categories: spicy, mild and vegetarian.

Faith Martin performs at Maxwell Market

HERMISTON — Faith Martin, a Tri-Cities radio personality, is the featured performer during the Maxwell Market on Thursday, Sept. 19, 4-7 p.m. at the Maxwell Siding Event Center & Pavilion, 145 N. First Place.

The farmers market offers locally grown produce, arts and crafts vendors, beer and food. For more information, search www.facebook.com/theMaxHermiston, call 541-561-1047 or email maxwelleventcenter@gmail.com.

Echo & Stanfield Market is Sept. 21

STANFIELD — The Echo & Stanfield Market features locally grown produce, arts and crafts vendors, community booths and a variety of food pod offerings. The next event is Saturday, Sept. 21, 4-7 p.m. at Bard Park, Highway 395 and Roosevelt Avenue.

The July and August events each featured more than 50 vendors. The final market of the 2024 season will be Oct. 19.

For more information, search Facebook via rb.gy/ezd6bb. For questions, email myechomarket@gmail.com.