Get ready to Jingle Thru Joseph

JOSEPH — A jolly celebration is coming to Wallowa County for the annual Jingle Thru Joseph festivities.

A holiday bazaar, organized by the Wallowa County Farmers Market, is planned for Nov. 29-30 and Dec. 6-7 at the Joseph Community Center, 102 E. First St. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.

Another highlight is the Jingle Thru Joseph parade on Saturday, Nov. 30, starting at 5 p.m. on Main Street. This is sponsored by the Joseph Chamber of Commerce, and entry forms are available at the Joseph City Hall and online at josephoregon.com. Afterward, Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit the chamber’s visitors center until about 7 p.m. for parents to snap photos.

Support local on Artists Sunday, Dec. 1

BAKER CITY — Artists Sunday, a day set aside for local artists to make their works available to the public, is Sunday, Dec. 1, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at several locations in Baker City.

Crossroads Carnegie Art Center, 2020 Auburn Ave., will feature painters Becky Litke, Ann Eriksmoen, Vicki Maddox and Rae Galloway; photographer Teresa Uriarte; jeweler Linda Elliot; ceramists Alethea Brewer, Ashley Ballard and Dori Kite; fiber artists Threadbenders; fabric crafter Danae Simonski; and quilter Tracy McKenzie.

Churchill School, 3451 Broadway St., will feature Sherri Linnemeyer, Judith Stoffer, Amy and Emily Van Gaasbeck, Tom Novak and Sarah LeCompte.

Royal Artisan, 1912 Main St., continues work by featured artist Dennis Goodwin.

This day celebrating local artists started in 2020 to encourage people to support local artists by buying art as gifts during the holiday season. More than 500 communities across the United States participate.

Festival of Trees wrangles in equine support

PENDLETON — The Pendleton Festival of Trees is wrangling in support for StirrUp Hope Therapeutic Riding Center.

Presented by the CHI St. Anthony Hospital Foundation, the gala dinner and auction is Saturday, Nov. 30, 6 p.m. at the Pendleton Convention Center, 1601 Westgate.

It’s open to adults 21 and older. Tickets are $60 each, which includes a prime rib dinner, live music, dancing and an opportunity to place bids on beautifully decorated trees and wreaths. A cash bar will be available.

Family Day runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Nov. 30, prior to the gala. It features a variety of holiday arts and crafts activities, live performances by local groups, a photo booth and pictures with Santa Claus. Also, attendees can purchase gifts from the mystery tree. Admission to Family Day is free.

Proceeds will go toward the purchase of a new laser for the hospital’s urology department, as well as to help StirrUp Hope’s equine-assisted therapy program.

Those unable to attend the gala auction can place bids online. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit bit.ly/4hRtFrl. For questions, call 541-278-2627.

A holiday market planned in Walla Walla

WALLA WALLA — Foundry Vineyards, 1111 Abadie St., will have a holiday market on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. The event features local makers and seasonal beverages for all ages. Admission is free.

For more information, check their page on Facebook.

Santa flies into Baker City Dec. 7

BAKER CITY — The Baker City Kiwanis Club will again offer Santa photos in Baker City on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Baker County Event Center, 2600 East St.

Photos are $10 per session and include two 5×7 or three 4×6 prints. Prints are normally available for pickup within 15 minutes. There will also be an opportunity to write Santa a letter.

Proceeds support Kiwanis community service projects, which focus on children and youth.

Photos with Santa will be in the same location as the 4-H Christmas bazaar, which features vendors in both the event center and the Cockram Arena. Additional activities for the day include the Baker City Downtown Festival of Trees family day and make-and-take art crafts at Baker Heritage Museum, 2480 Grove St. Late afternoon brings the BCD cookie crawl and the Baker County Chamber’s twilight parade and tree lighting.

Movies, crafts planned in Canyon City

CANYON CITY — Create some crafts, watch a movie and win prizes on Saturday, Dec. 7, at the Grantville Theater in Canyon City. These events are organized by the John Day Canyon City Parks and Recreation District.

Crafting will be from 5-6 p.m. (donation based). The first movie, “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” starts at 5:30 p.m., followed by “The Nightmare Before Christmas” at 6:30 p.m.

Movies are $4 each, or $6 to watch both, and include a small popcorn. Raffle tickets will be sold separately for the chance to win gift cards, sports items and more. Also, food, popcorn, candy and drinks will be available to purchase.

Buy tickets in advance at www.jdccparksandrec.org or at the door. For information, email jdccparks.red.ad@gmail.com or call 541-575-0110.

Catch Santa on his visit to La Grande

LA GRANDE — The 19th annual “St. Nicolas Tribe MC Nomad” meet-and-greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus will be held Dec. 8 at the Oasis Underground, 307 Greenwood Ave., from 1-4 p.m.

Photographs of the Santa experience will be provided by Matt’s Event Photography. For more information, visit https://bennekefarm.com.

‘Annie’ continues at Elgin Opera House

ELGIN — Performances of “Annie” continue at the Elgin Opera House for the next few weeks.

The classic musical tells the story of an orphan girl, Annie, who navigates a cruel orphanage and Depression-era New York City before finding a happy ending.

“Annie” can be seen on the Elgin Opera House Main Stage through Dec. 14. Friday performances are at 7:30 p.m., and Saturdays feature two shows — 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. There is no show on Friday, Nov. 29.

Tickets range from $8-18 and are available at www.elginoperahouse.com.

Ornaments, pottery and more at the art center

BAKER CITY — Be sure to stop by the pottery studio at Crossroads Carnegie Art Center during the First Friday art walk, 5-6:30 p.m. on Dec. 6, to make a free ceramic ornament with Tina Ota. All ages are welcome, although those younger than 12 should be accompanied by an adult.

Other classes coming up at Crossroads — register in advance, as each requires at least three students. All classes have a “pay what you can” option at crossroads-arts.org.

• “Trinity Pods”: Dec. 3, Dec. 4 and Dec. 18 from 6-8 p.m. Students will be given empty frames hung from a single point and will shape them in a symmetrical fashion. Cost is $126 members, $156 nonmembers.
• Gingerbread Construction: Dec. 5 and Dec. 12, 6-8:30 p.m. with Dawn-Marie DeLara. Teens and adults will spend the first session designing their house, making dough and cutting pieces. $105 members, $130 nonmembers, $25 supply fee.
• “Intro to Salsa”: Fridays, Dec. 13-27, 5:30-6:30 p.m. No experience is required, but the “Basics of Latin Dance” class is strongly encouraged. Cost is $63 members, $78 nonmembers.
• Sgraffito and Mishima Workshop: Friday, Dec. 13, 6-9 p.m. with Alethea Brewer. Students must have completed a three-part Intro to Pottery class. $63 members, $78 nonmembers, $10 supply fee.
• Snow Globes: Saturday, Dec. 14, 2-4 p.m. with Dawn-Marie DeLara For ages 10 and older; $42 members, $52 nonmembers, $12 supply fee.
• Sip-N-Spin: Thursday, Dec. 19, 6-8 p.m. with Ryan Kitson. This class, for ages 21 and older, is an introduction to wheel throwing. $42 members, $52 nonmembers, $10 lab fee.

‘Little Works’ opens Nov. 29 in Joseph

JOSEPH — The Josephy Center for Arts and Culture opens its winter fundraiser, the “Little Works” exhibition, on Friday, Nov. 29, noon to 4 p.m. at 403 N. Main St.

Everyone who visits will draw a slip to win a certain percentage off one item and, unlike most exhibits, artwork purchased can be taken home the same day.

Families are encouraged to attend and enjoy refreshments, music, storytelling and poetry. A free children’s make-and-take tree ornament workshop runs from 1–3 p.m.

The opening also features the first time artwork can be purchased from the Josephy Center’s own collection.

This annual exhibit supports the Youth Arts Program to fund scholarships, festivals, internships and more. “Little Works” continues through Dec. 19.

BMCC hosts holiday dinner on Dec. 5

PENDLETON — The Associated Student Government at Blue Mountain Community College is setting the table for a community holiday dinner.

The free event is Thursday, Dec. 5, 5-7 p.m. in Pioneer Hall on BMCC’s Pendleton campus, 2411 NW Carden Ave. Community members are invited to celebrate the festive season with BMCC students, staff and faculty.

For those unable to attend in person, meal delivery service is available by submitting a request via bit.ly/4fBlYnH. For more information, email asg@bluecc.edu.

Festival of Trees offers holiday fun in Hermiston

HERMISTON — Although tickets for the Hermiston Festival of Trees’ gala evening event are sold out, people can still enjoy the festive holiday event during Family Day.

The community is invited to view the magnificently decorated trees and join the fun on Sunday, Dec. 8, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hermiston Community Center, 415 S. Highway 395. Admission is free and includes lunch and a picture with Santa Claus.

Coordinated by Soroptimist International of the Greater Hermiston Area, Family Day features live entertainment with the Hermiston High School choir, Jr. Jam Annex and Generation Cloggers. Also, Christmas crafts for the kids include jingle bracelets, spin art, cookie decorating and more.

In addition, a special Storybook Corner will be presented by HHS Education Pathway students.

For more information about Family Day, search Facebook via bit.ly/3MEehBf. To inquire about the waitlist for the gala event, call Hermiston Parks & Recreation at 541-667-5018.

Blind Boys of Alabama play the OK

ENTERPRISE — The longest running musical group in American history, five-time Grammy award winning group and national treasure The Blind Boys of Alabama are bringing their Christmas show to the historic OK Theater, 208 W. Main St., on Saturday, Dec. 14, 7 p.m.

The Blind Boys began performing in 1939 as six teenagers from the Talladega Institute for the Blind in Alabama.

Throughout the decades, they have remained a much-celebrated group, adding new voices and musicians, and remaining relevant as they maintained their harmony-driven musical roots; traditional gospel.

The Blind Boys have performed on some of America’s biggest stages — Carnegie Hall, the White House — as well as stages around the world.

Doors open at 6 p.m. on Dec. 14, and the music starts at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $45 if purchased before Nov. 30, or $50 after that date. Purchase tickets online at theoldok.com.

Submit art to Wallowa Works exhibit

JOSEPH — The Josephy Center for Arts & Culture invites artists to submit work for Wallowa Works, an exhibit that celebrates the unique beauty, culture, and spirit of Wallowa County.

According to a press release, “This showcase is an opportunity to bring the heart of Wallowa County to life, exploring everything from its agricultural roots and local industries to its rugged landscapes, wildlife, and vibrant community life.”

All artistic mediums are encouraged, such as painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, mixed media, fiber arts, ceramics and printmaking.

The submission deadline is midnight on Dec. 2. For more information, visit josephy.org.

The exhibit will open with a reception on Jan. 11 from noon to 4 p.m. at the center, 403 N. Main St. This event is free and open to the public, providing a chance to meet the artists and celebrate the diverse perspectives of Wallowa County life.

Wallowa Works will be curated and judged by Kirk Skovlin, a Wallowa County resident with deep ties to the area’s history.

Cash prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place, as well as People’s Choice and Best Young Artist.

Dance planned Dec. 4 in Walla Walla

WALLA WALLA — Walla Walla Friends of Acoustic Music and Whitman Social Dance Club have a dance planned for Wednesday, Dec. 4, 7-9 p.m. at Whitman College’s Reid Center Ballroom, 280 Boyer Ave.

The dance features local callers Howard Ostby and Dan Clark, and live music by “Big Joe.”

The public is welcome. Admission is free.

Artwork sought for fiber arts exhibit

LA GRANDE — Applications are now open to submit work for the 2025 Fiber Arts and Jewelry Exhibit at Art Center East.

ACE invites local and regional fiber and jewelry artists age 18 or older to submit work for this exhibition that celebrates underrepresented branches of the visual arts.

The theme is “Folklore in Fiber: Myths, Mysteries, Fairytales and Folk Traditions.” The deadline to submit work is Feb. 1, 2025. The show runs Feb. 7 to March 29.

According to ACE, artists select a myth, mystery, fairytale, or folk tradition as a springboard to create new fiber or jewelry artworks within their chosen medium.

For information, visit artcentereast.org.

Applications open for Summer Fishtrap scholarships

ENTERPRISE — Fishtrap is accepting applications for 2025 Summer Fishtrap Scholarships and Fellowships now through Jan. 1.

Summer Fishtrap is scheduled for July 7-13, 2025, at Wallowa Lake. Thanks to support from foundations, individuals, and local businesses, Fishtrap offers a limited number of need-based scholarships that cover the cost of Summer Fishtrap registration. There is no application fee.

Summer Fishtrap Fellowships are designed to provide new and emerging writers with an opportunity to connect with a community of writers as they pursue their professional writing aspirations. A fellowship covers Summer Fishtrap registration plus meals and lodging for the week. There is a $25 application fee.

For more information about Summer Fishtrap and these financial resources, visit fishtrap.org or contact Program Director Mike Midlo at mike@fishtrap.org.

Wreath workshop planned in Athena Dec. 10

ATHENA — Athena will host the annual wreath making workshop at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 10 in the historic Stahl Building, 259 E. Main St.

The cost is $40 per person and includes all supplies needed, light refreshments and snacks. Bringing gloves is highly recommended.

This is a fundraiser for the Athena Mainstreet Association, which was founded in 2013 as a nonprofit volunteer group for the purpose of revitalizing the historic downtown core of the community.

In 2017, the organization purchased the historic Stahl Building on Athena’s Main Street, which was built in 1904. They are managing the restoration of the building to make it a local event and gathering space.

To register for the workshop, email athenamainstreet@gmail.com Space is limited so register early.