Inland NW Musicians present two concerts

STANFIELD — The Inland Northwest Musicians will present a holiday concert at Stanfield High School at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14, then at Connell High School in Connell, Washington, at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 15. Admission is free.

The Inland Northwest Chorale and the Inland Northwest Orchestra will perform separately, as well as two combined works. At both concerts, the audience will be invited to stand and sing the “Hallelujah!” chorus with the musicians.

Inland Northwest Musicians is led by Music Director and Conductor R. Lee Friese and Associate Conductor Phillip Simpson.

Make a gingerbread house at the library

MILTON-FREEWATER — The Adult Craft Night at the Milton-Freewater Public Library, 8 SW Eighth Ave., will be held on Monday, Dec. 16.

Participants can design gingerbread houses from 4:30-5:45 p.m. Call 541-938-8247 to reserve a spot.

To learn more about events and happenings at the library, go to their Facebook page, Milton-Freewater Public Library.

Shop the Winterfest market in John Day

JOHN DAY — The Grant County Farmers Market’s Winterfest is Dec. 13 from 3-8 p.m. and Dec. 14 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Grant County Fairgrounds, 411 NW Bridge St.

Cove High plans dinner theater Dec. 16

COVE — The Cove High School theater department will host a holiday dinner theater fundraiser on Monday, Dec. 16, 6 p.m. at the Cove Calvary Baptist Church, 707 Main St.

The Essential Life Skills class will prepare and serve soup and bread, the CHS choir will perform and the CHS drama class will present a holiday show.Tickets are $8 per meal and seating is limited. Those planning to attend can reserve a seat at tinyurl.com/bdzmp3rm and pay at the door. Donations for the theater department will be taken during the performance.

Enjoy breakfast at the grange

JOSEPH — The Hurricane Creek Grange has an all-you-can-eat breakfast on Saturday, Dec. 14, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the grange, 82930 Airport Lane.

A donation of $15 is requested. The menu features meat, pancakes, biscuits and gravy, orange juice and coffee. For information, call Barbara McCormack, 541-398-1757.

Baker schools choirs present concert Dec. 18

BAKER CITY — A choir concert featuring singers from Baker middle and high schools is set for Wednesday, Dec. 18, 7 p.m. at Baker High School, 2500 E St.

The performance is titled “The Sounds of the Season.” The public is invited, and admission is free.

Santa Mall is Dec. 13-14 at EOU Field House

LA GRANDE — The 24th annual Santa Mall returns to the EOU Field House on G Avenue in La Grande. Hours are 2-6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14.

Santa Mall provides a low-cost place for children and adults to purchase Christmas gifts from local vendors offering toys, candles, jewelry, hats, scarves, soaps, baked goods and more. Also, every child will receive a free book from Mountain Valley Reading Council.

More vendors are needed — for information, call Dawn at 541-910-8169.

Thanks to local sponsors, financial assistance is available for Union County children younger than 18 — for a form, call or text 541-975-8884.

Athena wraps reading into the holidays

ATHENA — The Athena Public Library invites people to give the gift of literature with a specially wrapped book and goodies.

A Book Wrapping Party is planned for Saturday, Dec. 14, 3 p.m. at the library, 418 E. Main St. Books, wrapping paper and all supplies, including decorative items like washi tape, wax seals, stickers, as well as cocoa, cider and more will be provided. Participants will receive instructions on how to wrap the gift so extra goodies can be inserted.

For more information, search www.allevents.in/athena or call the library at 541-566-2470.

Choirs present Christmas concerts in Baker City

BAKER CITY — Baker Community Choir is planning two Christmas concerts this month, and the Powder River Choir will perform several times in December.

On Saturday, Dec. 14, the Baker Community Choir performs at 7 p.m. at Baker Heritage Museum, 2480 Grove St. Donations will be accepted at the door.

On Sunday, Dec. 15, the concert moves to Baker High School, 2500 E St., at 3 p.m. The Baker Community Choir will be joined by the Baker Valley Children’s Choir and Powder River Choir.

On Monday, Dec. 16, the Powder River Choir will present its full program at 7 p.m. in the BHS auditorium. Admission is free.

Historical society meets Dec. 14

LA GRANDE — The Union County Historical Society’s monthly meeting is Saturday, Dec. 14, at the log cabin on the Union County Fairgrounds. There will be a potluck at noon, followed by a special holiday celebration featuring old-time music by the Blue Mountaineers. The public is invited to come have lunch and enjoy the festivities.

Although the historical society meets the second Saturday of every month, it will take a short hiatus in January with monthly meetings resuming in February.

Baker Community Band plans fall concert

BAKER CITY — The Baker Community Band will hold its fall concert Thursday, Dec. 12, at 7:30 p.m. in Baker High School auditorium, 2500 E St. There is no admission charge and all are welcome.

The concert includes a classic of wind band literature by composer Ralph Vaughn-Williams, some Christmas music and “a ride down a wild river,” according to a press release.

Under the direction of Russ Carpenter, the band features volunteer community members. It is open to any community member who can play a band instrument, read music and play, or learn to play, at a high school level. There is no audition requirement.

For more information, call Brian Watt at 541-523-4662. Follow the band’s Facebook page for event updates.

Interpretive Center welcomes makers market

BAKER CITY — A holiday makers market is planned for Saturday, Dec. 14, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. inside the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, located about five miles east of Baker City on Highway 86. The day also features holiday crafts, as well as free gift wrapping, coffee and cocoa.

Local artists and craftsmen will offer a large and varied selection of gifts and handmade items at the Lone Pine Mercantile. While visiting the center, stop by the Flagstaff Gallery to see “Our Wild Heritage,” a show featuring work by eight artists. Admission is free in December.

‘A Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas’ continues

BAKER CITY — Eastern Oregon Regional Theatre continues performances of “A Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas” this weekend with shows at 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 13 and Dec. 14, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15 at the theater, 2101 Main St.

Tickets are $13 adults, $11 members and $5 students. Purchase tickets at easternoregonregionaltheatre.com, by calling 541-523-9652 or at the door.

The play is set in 1876 and tells the story of two years that never appeared in her book series, which covered the family’s life from 1872 to 1894. After losing their crop to grasshoppers and the death of baby Freddie, the family moves to Burr Oak, Iowa, to be caretakers of a hotel.

Happy Canyon introduces 2025 princesses

PENDLETON — Avery Quaempts and Korie Spencer will serve as princesses for the 2025 Happy Canyon Night Show. Everyone is invited to the official introduction during the Princess Brunch on Sunday, Dec. 15, 10 a.m. at the Pendleton Convention Center, 1601 Westgate.

“We’re excited to welcome Avery and Korie as the 2025 Happy Canyon Princesses,” Happy Canyon President Kipp Curtis said. “They both have strong ties to Happy Canyon, and we are proud to have them as our representatives for this historic tradition.”

More than a decade ago, the Oregon Legislature designated the Happy Canyon Night Show as the state’s official outdoor pageant. The 2025 event is Sept. 10-13 at Happy Canyon Arena. Tickets go on sale Jan. 9, 2025. For more information, search www.pendletonroundup.com.

‘Annie’ continues at Elgin Opera House

ELGIN — Performances of “Annie” continue at the Elgin Opera House.

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 on Friday, Dec. 13, at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 14, at 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

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

Celebrate bazaar season in Sumpter

SUMPTER — Sumpter’s annual Christmas bazaar is Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 14 and Dec. 15, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the town’s main street. For vendor space, call Debbie at 541-993-1922.

Also, Sumpter’s Starlight Parade and tree lighting is Saturday, Dec. 14 at 5 p.m. To enter the parade, email Mike at pdxbogie@gmail.com.

Tour of Homes is Dec. 14 in Baker City

BAKER CITY — CASA’s annual Christmas Tour of Homes fundraiser is Saturday, Dec. 14, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Baker City.

This year’s tour features seven homes — four have never been on a tour before, and the other three haven’t been featured for quite a few years.

Tickets are $15 and available in advance at Crossroads Carnegie Art Center (2020 Auburn Ave.), the Baker County Chamber of Commerce (490 Campbell St.), the CASA office (2024 Main St.) and online at casaeo.org.

On the day of the tour, tickets can be purchased at Crossroads.

Shop the Christmas market in La Grande

LA GRANDE — A Christmas market is Saturday, Dec. 14, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at La Grande Church of the Nazarene, 109 18th St. Shop for unique gifts, handmade items and holiday treats.

Merry Market moves to Maxwell Pavilion

HERMISTON — The seventh annual Christmas Merry Market will be at a new venue in 2024.

The event is Saturday, Dec. 14, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Maxwell Siding Pavilion, 145 N. First Place. In addition to numerous vendors, food will be available for purchase. For questions, call Lynne Hamblin at 541-571-5691.

Arlington hosts Santa’s Christmas Festival

ARLINGTON — For a holly jolly good time, head to Arlington for Santa’s Christmas Festival on Saturday, Dec. 14, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Gronquist Building, 1150 Railroad Ave. Admission is free.

In addition to vendor shopping, there will be door prizes and photo opportunities with Santa Claus. For more information, call Amy Wolf at 707-498-7510.

Christmas cantata shines light on season

MILTON-FREEWATER — The Milton-Freewater First Christian Church choir along with members from other area churches will present ‘’Then Came the Light.’’

In celebration of the birth of Jesus, the Christmas cantata is Sunday, Dec. 15, 6 p.m. in the church’s sanctuary, 518 S. Main St. An elevator is available inside the church’s north entrance.

The performance is under the direction of Tammy Seaquist with accompaniment by pianist Susan Dohrmann and organist Gayle Gaddis. For more information call 541-938-3854.

Repair Cafe is back on Dec. 15

LA GRANDE — Do you want to give yourself an early holiday gift and check something off of your New Year’s resolution list? The Repair Cafe is happening Sunday, Dec. 15 from 1-4 p.m. at the Community Room of Cook Memorial Library, 2006 Fourth St.

A group of skilled repair folks will help fix items, from clothing to small appliances to electronics. The volunteers will also teach repair skills. For more information, email Donna Rainboth at drainbot@eou.edu.

Latin dance social planed for Dec. 14

LA GRANDE — Dust off those dancing shoes and get to the Christmas Gala Latin dance social on Saturday, Dec. 14 at K Voelz Wines, 1104 Jefferson Ave.

There will be a Bachata dance lesson from 5:30-6:30 p.m., taught by local dancers Isreal and Lisa, with social dancing to follow from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The cost is $18 or $30 for two; wine tasting included.

Comfortable shoes are encouraged. For more information, check out the La Grande Dance Community on Facebook or McLaughlin Events and Marketing at www.mclaughlineventsmarketing.com.

Downtown Pendleton shines with light parade

PENDLETON — The Pendleton Downtown Association is plugging in the seasonal spirit on Saturday, Dec. 14 with its annual Holiday Stroll and the Holiday Lighted Parade.

Enjoy the magic of the season with the Holiday Stroll from 3-7 p.m. with many downtown merchants offering treats and special discounts, Christmas music presented by the Main Street Cowboy’s calliope and Santa Claus will pop in on his way to Heritage Lights.

The illuminated parade shines at 4:30 p.m. on Southwest Frazer Avenue before traveling along Main Street to Court Avenue. The streets will be closed at 4 p.m. to vehicle traffic.

For more information, visit www.pendletondowntown.org or search Facebook via bit.ly/4eXe47q. For volunteer opportunities, email director@pendletondowntown.org.

Round-Up wrangles in Santa Claus

PENDLETON — Despite his busy schedule, Santa is stopping by the Round-Up City for the fourth annual photoshoot.

Photos with Santa is Saturday, Dec. 14, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Pendleton Round-Up & Happy Canyon Gift Shop, 1330 SW Court Ave. In addition, Sweet Irene’s Coffee will be onsite brewing up smiles and drinks from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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

Holiday party with music planned at Settler’s Park

BAKER CITY — Dementia Friendly Baker County is hosting a holiday party on Thursday, Dec. 19, 1:30 p.m. at Settler’s Park, 2895 17th St.

The Baker High School chamber choir will provide music, including a sing-a-long. Refreshments will be served. Everyone is welcome.

Kids invited to shop Santa Store Dec. 21

MILTON-FREEWATER — Bring your children down to shop at the Kids Santa Store on Saturday, Dec. 21, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Milton-Freewater Community Building, 109 NE Fifth St.

All items cost between $1-$5. Children can shop for mom and dad, grandparents, brothers and sisters. Gift wrapping is free.

Adults are not allowed in the shopping area and will wait in another room. Santa’s helpers will be available to assist children. Also, Santa will be available for photo opportunities.

Proceeds from the store benefit a local nonprofit each year. About 150 children shopped at the store last year.

Donations of gift bags, tissue paper and gift items, such as aftershave, lotion, gloves, scarves, knickknacks, are appreciated. Donations can be dropped off Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 801 S. Main St. (across from the Milton-Freewater Public Library.

Pioneer Santa and holiday fun at Fort Walla Walla

WALLA WALLA — On Saturday, Dec. 14, from noon to 4 p.m., meet Pioneer Santa for pictures and holiday stories in the Grand Hall at the Fort Walla Walla Museum, 755 N. E. Myra Road in Walla Walla.

Kids can enjoy a creative crafts table, and refreshments will be served with a side of holiday cheer. The event is admission-free for visitors looking to shop in the museum store and participate in the holiday festivities without touring the museum.

Staff and volunteers will offer complimentary gift wrapping for all holiday purchases made in the store on this day. All store purchases help support the museum.