Harvest fun at a festival in John Day

JOHN DAY — The Grant County Farmers Market wraps up the season with a Harvest Festival Oct. 18-19 at the Heritage Barn on the Grant County Fairgrounds.

Hours are 3-8 p.m. Friday, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

“The festival will have over 30 vendors,” said Jill Reeves, secretary/treasurer of the farmers market.

Offerings include vegetables, pumpkins, western accessories, sourdough bread, crafts, natural dog treats, jewelry, pottery, candles, soap and artwork.

Reeves said other highlights are a coffee cart and Hot Diggity Dog.

For information, email grantcofarmersmarket@gmail.com.

Concert pianist Jim-Isaac Chua returns to Baker City

BAKER CITY — Jim-Isaac Chua, a concert pianist based in Poland, is returning to play a benefit concert on Saturday, Oct. 19, at Baker High School, 2500 E St.

Proceeds will support youth art programs at Crossroads Carnegie Art Center.

“I am so very grateful to be in the wonderful position to help support youth programs in Crossroads,” Chua said. “Art is so essential to development because it is a means of expressing one’s identity, feelings and state mind, and turning it into something beautiful and enjoyable to others.”

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Complimentary cookies and coffee will provided at intermission by Sorbenots.

Tickets are $15 at Crossroads, 2020 Auburn Ave., and at the door. Admission is free for students from Baker middle and high schools.

“Jim-Isaac Chua performed last year here in Baker City to a triumphant performance which left the local audience spellbound,” said Ginger Savage, Crossroads executive director.

The program includes pieces by Christoph Willibald Gluck, Beethoven, Chopin, Rachmaninoff, Ravel, Mozart and Liszt.

Savage said the goal is to raise $7,500 to support youth education programs. Donations will be accepted at the concert or via crossroads-arts.org.

“Your support will help young people in our community access arts instruction at Crossroads and make music lessons available to South Baker sixth grade students,” she said.

First Draft features Charles Goodrich Oct. 17

PENDLETON — Pendleton Center for the Arts welcomes Charles Goodrich for the next session of First Draft Writers Series on Thursday, Oct. 17.

The event starts at 7 p.m. Those unable to attend can join on Zoom via a link at pendletonarts.org/first-draft.

After a long career as a professional gardener, Goodrich worked for the Spring Creek Project for Ideas, Nature and the Written Word at Oregon State University. He’s written four volumes of poetry and a book of narrative essays. His first novel, “Weave Me a Crooked Basket,” was published by the University of Nevada Press in 2023.

The evening concludes with an open mic for up to 10 writers to share an original piece. The time limit is 3-5 minutes.

Mystery author plans event in Baker City

BAKER CITY — Author Emmeline Duncan will be in Baker City on Wednesday, Oct. 23, for a book event at 5:30 p.m. at Churchill School, 3451 Broadway St.

The author visit is coordinated by Betty’s Books. Duncan, a mystery author from Portland, wrote “Fresh Brewed Murder” (Ground Rules series) and “Chaos at the Lazy Bones Bookshop” (new Halloween Bookshop series).

For more about the author, visit emmelineduncan.com. RSVP and pre-order books at Betty’s Books, 1813 Main St., send an email to bettysbooks@bettysbooksbakercity.com or send a message via Facebook or Instagram.

Celebrate a Fall Fest at Chester’s Thriftway

JOHN DAY — The second annual Chester’s Markets Fall Fest is Oct. 17, 3-7 p.m. More than 30 vendors will be on site with samples of food, wine, beer and spirits, and several giveaway drawings will be held throughout Chester’s Thriftway, 631 W. Main St.

A pumpkin patch photo booth will be set up for the kids, and a hot wing eating contest starts at 6 p.m. with prizes for first ($70), second ($30) and third ($20) place. Entry for the eating competition is $10 at checkstand eight.

For more information, search www.facebook.com/ChestersJohnDay.

Unwind at the monthly wine walk

BAKER CITY — Baker City Downtown’s monthly wine walk is Thursday, Oct. 17, 5-7 p.m. Start at Hatch, 2019 Main St., to get a wine glass and map for $12. A portion of this month’s proceeds supports KBZR, a new community radio station in Baker City.

Participating businesses will be open until 7 p.m. and offer beverage samples. For event updates, visit bakercitydowntown.com or follow the Facebook page.

Taylor Pumpkin Patch uncorks wine night

BOARDMAN — The Taylor Pumpkin Patch Wine Night is Saturday, Oct. 19, 6-9 p.m. at 79115 Root Lane.

The fire pits will be sizzling and s’mores kits will be available for purchase. In addition, those wanting charcuterie snacks need to pre-order via bit.ly/4dBvRQr. The cost is $8; gluten-free and/or nut-free are available.

Agri-tourism activities include a corn maze, corn pits, apple slingshots, a pumpkin cannon, and a hay bale maze and pyramid. Hay rides are available Friday through Sunday. Also, pick out the perfect pumpkin from more than 100 varieties.

Regular hours are Wednesday and Thursday, 3:30 p.m. to dusk; and Friday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Entry is $5 per person; children under 3 are free. There are additional fees for the zip line, haunted maze and fire pit rentals.

For more information, visit www.taylorpumpkinpatch.com. For questions, contact emilydoubletfarming@gmail.com or 541-571-3708.

Catch a scary movie in Canyon City

CANYON CITY — Catch a spooky movie this weekend thanks to the John Day Canyon City Parks and Recreation.

The show for children, G-rated “Monsters Inc.,” will be Friday, Oct. 18, 5:30 p.m. at the Grantville Theater. Tickets are $8 per couple or $15 for a group of four. Purchase online at jdccparksandrec.org to ensure a seat — limited tickets will be available at the door. Entry includes popcorn; additional concessions will be available to purchase.

Saturday, Oct. 19, is for ages 21 and older with the showing of the 2010 movie “A Nightmare on Elm Street.” The movie starts at 6 p.m. Tickets are $6 single, $10 couple or $15 for a group of four. Purchase tickets in advance at the website.

The adult-only evening includes brews, pizza, wings and concessions — those who come in costume will receive a discount on the first drink. A valid ID is required for entry.

Proceeds from the movie nights support the department’s programs and help maintain facilities.

Take your chance with zombies on the Haunted Trail

LA GRANDE — Zombies will overtake the Riverside Park Trail this month for the Haunted Trail, a project of La Grande Parks and Recreation in partnership with the La Grande High School theater club.

The next one is Friday, Oct. 18 at Riverside Park Pavilion. The “spooky” experience for families and small children is from 6-8 p.m. ($12), followed by “terrifying” ($14) from 8-10 p.m. for older kids and adults who like to be scared.

Additional scares are planned for Oct. 25 and 26. For information, visit www.cityoflagrande.org/parks-recreation.

Guardian Angel Homes flips flapjacks in Hermiston

HERMISTON — A free pancake breakfast will be served on Friday, Oct. 18, 7-9 a.m. at Guardian Angel Homes, 540 NW 12th St.

The meal is open to seniors ages 55 and older. Donations are welcome but not required.

The free breakfast is held on the third Friday of each month through November. For questions, call 541-564-9070.

Celebrate harvest at the La Grande Farmers Market

LA GRANDE — The La Grande Farmers Market celebrates the end of its season with a harvest festival on Saturday, Oct. 19, 9 a.m. to noon at Max Square in downtown La Grande.

In addition to the regular roster of vendors, the festival features special activities. For information, visit lagrandefarmersmarket.org or search Facebook.

Cook Memorial announces library events

LA GRANDE — Cook Memorial Library, 2006 Fourth St., has the Spells & Stars book club meeting on Saturday, Oct. 19, 3 p.m. The book up for discussion is “The Wicked Deep” by Shea Ernshaw.

On Oct. 24, Anne McNamee will lead a talk titled “Rewild Your Garden” from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Attendees can learn about native plants and pick up seeds.

Catch ‘Sweeney Todd’ at the Jewel Theatre

ELGIN — Meat pies will be available in Elgin as the demon barber of fleet street and his macabre companions haunt the Jewel Theatre this month.

“Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” is a Stephen Sondheim musical that revolves around Todd’s quest for revenge against the judge who wronged him and the people who enter Todd’s sphere during his quest.

The play runs through Oct. 26 at the Jewel Theatre, 831 Alder St. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Fridays, and 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays. Find details and purchase tickets at www.elginoperahouse.com.

Support rivers at Fly Fishing Film Tour

WALLA WALLA — Washington Water Trust will host a benefit screening of the Fly Fishing Film Tour at Gesa Power House Theatre, 111 N. Sixth Ave., on Saturday, Oct. 19. The event features nine films, a silent auction and a raffle of outdoor gear.

Proceeds will help restore flows to local rivers and streams, including the Walla Walla River, Touchet River, and Mill Creek. Tickets are available online and will be sold at the theatre on Oct. 19 after 5 p.m.

Buy advance tickets at https://givebutter.com/c/wwt-f3t-walla-walla-2024. For more information about the screening and Washington Water Trust, email Matt Coomer at matt@washingtonwatertrust.org.

Arts Council of Pendleton celebrates 50 years

PENDLETON — Get ready to party like it’s 1974 during the Gala for the Arts.

The event celebrates the 50th anniversary of the incorporation of the Arts Council of Pendleton. To ramp up the excitement, check out the “50 Fun Facts About 1974” via Facebook at bit.ly/3ZTUOU3 or the PCA website.

The gala event is Nov. 9, 5:30-8 p.m. at the Pendleton Convention Center, 1601 Westgate. It includes an auction.

Tickets, which will be available at www.pendletonarts.org, are $50 each. For questions, call 541-278-9201.

Library friends host book sale in Pendleton

PENDLETON — Book lovers won’t want to miss the Pendleton Friends of the Library’s annual book sale featuring more than 50,000 books and media.

The event is Oct. 24-26 at the Pendleton Convention Center, 1601 Westgate. Shoppers will find children’s books, adult fiction/non-fiction, music CDs and DVDs. Also, this year’s event includes an expanded selection of rare books, collectibles and bookish gifts, including PFOL branded apparel and Storiarts selections.

The member preview sale is Oct. 24, 7-9 p.m. Memberships are available at the door or in advance on the PFOL website.

The public sale starts Oct. 25, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. It continues on Oct. 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., followed by a $3 bag sale from 3-5 p.m.

For more information or to purchase a membership, search bit.ly/3Uz20P5. For questions, email pendletonfriendsofthelibrary@gmail.com.

Hermiston High School drama glows with ‘Radium Girls’

HERMISTON — A play based on a true story about female factory workers who contracted radiation poisoning in the mid-1920s will be staged by the Hermiston High School drama program.

“Radium Girls” opens Oct. 25, 7 p.m. in the HHS auditorium, 600 S. First St. Subsequent curtain times are Oct. 30, 6 p.m.; Nov. 1, 7 p.m.; and Nov. 2 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. The cost is $10 for ages 11 and older and $8 for senior citizens and students with ASB cards. Tickets will be sold at the door.

Written by D.W. Gregory, the drama highlights female laborers who fell ill after using radium-based paint while working for the United States Radium Corporation. Dozens died from radium poisoning after using the glow-in-the-dark element to paint watches, clocks, airplane instruments and military equipment.

For more information, search Facebook via bit.ly/3rSMh5c. For questions, call 541-667-6100.

Nazarene church seeks volunteers for Fall Fest

HERMISTON — The Hermiston Nazarene Church is gearing up for Fall Fest 2024. The event involves around 100 volunteers — people are invited to help with everything from greeters, parking attendants and running games to taking guest pictures at the photo booth and decorating/handing out candy at the trunk-or-treat.

The event is Oct. 31 in the church’s parking lot at 1520 W. Orchard Ave. For more information or to register to assist, visit www.hermnaz.church/fall-fest or call 541-567-3677.

Dig out your best chili recipe

SUMMERVILLE — The annual chili cook-off at Pleasant Grove Grange is Oct. 26 from 4-7 p.m., and it’s open to the public. Participants with their chili should be at the grange, 67218 Hunter Road, at 3:30 p.m. and they can fill out the entry form at the front door.

Participants can also call Margarette Craig at 541-805-1337, email her at margarettecraig@yahoo.com or pick up an entry form at the senior and community lunch day. The entry fee is $10 per person.

Winners are determined by people’s choice. The tasters will buy a few tickets for $5 and place their tickets near the chilis that they like the best. After this, the tickets will be counted, and prizes will be awarded.

Since the chili cook-off is a fundraiser, it also includes a silent auction and a regular auction for desserts and pies as well as the sale of Imbler’s FFA pressed cider.

Create a costume for Rivoli Horror II

PENDLETON — Start planning your outfit for the Rivoli Theater Coalition’s Halloween costume ball.

Rivoli Horror II is Oct. 26, 7 p.m. at the Flying X Speakeasy Lounge, 220 SW First St. In addition to a costume contest, the celebration features a no-host bar, music, dancing, trivia and raffles. The cost is $25 each or $40 per couple via bit.ly/3znCQys.

Money raised from the event will benefit the theater restoration project. For more information, search www.rivolitheater.org.

Hear old-time music Nov. 2 in Joseph

JOSEPH — The next Blue Mountain Old Time Fiddlers show is Saturday, Nov. 2, at the Hurricane Creek Grange Hall, 82930 Airport Lane.

A pork dinner with trimmings is available at 5 p.m. for $15. The music starts at 6 p.m. Admission is $5, $4 for members or free for age 12 and younger.

For information, call Robyn Burns, 503-423-7730.

Art sought for ‘Little Works’ exhibit

JOSEPH — The deadline is fast approaching to submit art for the “Little Works” exhibit at the Josephy Center for Arts and Culture.

The work cannot be larger than 10 inches square, and must be submitted by Oct. 21. For information, visit josephy.org/event/litte-works-2024.

The show runs from Nov. 22 to Dec. 19, with an opening reception on Nov. 29 from noon to 4 p.m.

“Little Works” is a winter fundraiser that supports the Youth Arts Program.