Spring Artisan Market returns to Wallowa County

JOSEPH — With flowers emerging and Mother’s Day just around the corner, a group of  local women handcrafters are coming together to host the fifth annual Spring Artisan Market in Joseph.

The market will be Saturday, May 10, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. outside Stein Distillery, and inside in case of rain. Pottery, jewelry, fine art prints and cards, handwoven textiles, crocheted art, leatherwork, candles, soaps and bodycare will be available for purchase.

Artisans include Terra Leven of TL Pottery, Nicole Freshley of Nicole Freshley Art, Annie Robinson of Annie’s Southfork Silverworks, Kim Morris of Kimberly Morris Textiles, Kolle Riggs of Kestrel Arts Jewelry, Dani and AJ Savage of The Girls of Riverwoods, Terra Snyder of Peak Fusion Studio, Tera  Ptacek of Liminal Leather, Toviyah Lowe of Timber Candles and Crafts, Sierra Walters of Liberty Press Co., Ashley Aguilar, and Julia Allen of Julia’s Pottery.

These artisans have been creating all winter and are excited to showcase  their new wares.

“If you’re looking for a Mother’s Day gift, or just want to celebrate Wallowa County spring, come support your local women artisans!” Robinson said. Afterward, enjoy a special Mother’s Day cocktail from Stein Distillery.

Ag Timber Parade returns May 9 to Island City

ISLAND CITY — The Ag Timber Parade returns to Island City on Friday, May 9, at 6 p.m. It is sponsored by the Union County Farm Bureau.

Entry is free, and award categories are agricultural, timber and commercial. To enter the parade, email agtimberparade@gmail.com.

This year’s grand marshal is John Cuthbert.

The parade lines up on D Street in Island City and runs south onto McAlister Road. Candy is allowed, but must be handed out, instead of thrown from the vehicles.

Desert Moondogs on tap at Barley Brown’s

BAKER CITY — Desert Moondogs, a band based in Tri-Cities, Washington, plays at Barley Brown’s taphouse, 2200 Main St., on Friday, May 9, starting at 6 p.m.

This American roots folk rock band features songwriter/singer Kay Miracle and is currently performing around the Pacific Northwest to promote the 2024 release “Horse Heaven Hills.”

According to the band’s press release, “inspired by her eclectic mix of musical roots, Miracle channeled her Outlaw Country Blues heroes with the influential roots driven songs by the pioneers of the folk-rock movement into her own Americana sound.”

The Desert Moondogs came together in 2023 to provide Miracle the full band experience that brings her music to small and larger stages across the Pacific Northwest.

Music and art happening at HQ

LA GRANDE — Open Stage is back every Thursday from 7-10 p.m. at HQ, 112 Depot St. While you are enjoying the entertainment, “Waypoints: A Solo Exhibition by Tess Cahill” is also on view, offering a captivating exploration of emotional duality and nocturnal landscapes. “Waypoints” builds upon Cahill’s earlier work and precedes her upcoming summer residency in Sicily. Her show will be at HQ through mid-June.

Spend an afternoon with authors at Rockwall Grange

ELGIN — The Rockwall Grange, 71562 Middle Road, will host two authors on May 10 at 3 p.m. for “An Afternoon of Books.”

Paula Charles, who grew up in Elgin and graduated from high school there in 1985, is the author of the “Hometown Hardware Mysteries.” The fictional town in this series is based on Elgin. She also writes the Zen Goat Mysteries under the pseudonym Janna Rollins.

The second author is a current local, Nancy-Lee Noell. Noell has published a children’s book “Family Secrets” and two adult books, “Hide & Seek” and “Wilderness Betrayal.”

Both authors will be selling books at this event. The grange is charging a $10 admission fee and will provide snacks.

Mother’s Day High Tea planned in La Grande

LA GRANDE — Join Le Bebe Cakes Bakery for their ninth annual Mother’s Day High Tea, in the Chandelier Tea Room. Guests can enjoy a selection of unique loose-leaf teas, European-style tea sandwiches, quiche, scones and pastries. This special event is offered on Saturday, May 10 and Sunday, May 11 at 2 p.m. each day. Admission is $22.95 per person or $15.95 for Princess Tea (ages 12 and under). Reservations are required — call 541-963-2253 to RSVP or stop by the bakery at 1101 Washington Ave.

Wildflower Lodge plans Mother’s Day tea party

LA GRANDE — Celebrate Mother’s Day at the annual Tea Party hosted by Wildflower Lodge Senior Living on Friday, May 9, at 2 p.m. Enjoy a variety of teas, finger sandwiches, desserts, live music and a gift basket giveaway. Call 541-663-1200 to RSVP and join the festivities at 508 16th St. in La Grande.

Take a stroll during Art Walk in Hermiston

HERMISTON — Art lovers are invited to meander through downtown Hermiston businesses on Saturday, May 10, during Art Walk 25.

The original works of professional artists will be available for viewing and sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in businesses in the 100-200 blocks of East Main Street. In addition, the show features a special category for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

Past Art Walk shows have included everything from paintings, sculptures and jewelry to woodcarvings, photography, printmaking and more.

Professional artists will be judged by their body of work entered in the show for a chance to win one of three cash prizes, ranging from $50-$250. Also, those viewing the show can vote on a people’s choice award, with the winner receiving $50. Also, five students will receive awards of $20 for their work.

For more information, email Mary Corp at mary.corp@oregonstate.edu or call Lucky Endz Gifts at 541-289-1112.

49th Walla Walla Balloon Stampede is May 8-11

WALLA WALLA — The 49th Walla Walla Balloon Stampede will be held from May 8-11 at Tietan Park, 616 E. Tietan St.

May 8, is Kid’s Day with Flight Operation #1 at 6 a.m. — bring the kids for a free tethered balloon ride.

On May 9, Flight Operation #2 starts at 6 a.m. This is the first “all fly” morning of the stampede and includes all balloons scheduled to participate. Flight Operation #3 is at 8:15 p.m. for the “Nite Glow Spectacular.”

On May 10, Flight Operation #4 at 5:45 a.m. is Competition Day and all pilots are to participate.

May 11 is Founder’s Day “Quiet Launch” at 6:15 a.m. — no music, no announcing, just the throwback moment for the pilots when the Balloon Stampede was launched in the wheat fields.

All flights are weather permitting.

Volunteers are needed to help crew for pilots.  No experience necessary — just bring your enthusiasm and a smile. Sign up at https://forms.gle/58fq9iYKp3e4x9KG8

For more information on the stampede and to read about the balloons and their pilots, go to  https://www.facebook.com/wwballoonstampede or call 208-375-0512.

Organizers extend a huge thank you to Walla Walla Balloon Flights for their generosity and dedication to the Walla Walla Balloon Stampede. They donate their time, pilots, equipment, and unwavering support to keep the cherished family event free for everyone to enjoy.  To follow them, book a balloon ride, or say thank you; go to their website at www.WallaWallaBalloonFlights.com.

History talks continue at museum

BAKER CITY — Baker Heritage Museum, 2480 Grove St., continues the history talk series on Tuesday, May 13. Adam Crowell will tell the story of the Baker City Gold Diggers, a minor league baseball team that was active from 1891 to 1914 under various nicknames.

Social hour begins at 6 p.m., and the program starts at 7 p.m. Admission is free.

Grape & Grain returns to Grant County

JOHN DAY — The fourth Grape & Grain festival, organized by the Grant County Chamber of Commerce to celebrate fine wines and craft beer, is Friday, May 16, 6-9 p.m. at the Grant County Fairgrounds pavilion, 411 NW Bridge St.

Tickets are on sale now at the chamber, 301 W. Main St. Tickets are $45 per couple in advance, or $50 at the door. Single tickets are $25.

Tickets include dinner (chicken enchiladas, rice, beans, chips and salsa), 25 tokens and a beer or wine glass. The James Gang will provide live music.

Beverages will be available from 1188 Brewing (John Day), Tiger Town Brewing (Mitchell), Copper Belt Winery (Baker City) and Los Rocosos Vineyards (Milton-Freewater).

Vendors include Windy Acres Dairy from Prineville, Juan’s Salsa, A Flower Shop and more, Russell’s Custom Meats, a local cookie maker, and handmade wooden mugs.

The evening features a silent dessert auction, and a live auction for special tickets — a Brad Paisley concert in Bend on May 29, Friday of the Pendleton Round-Up, and the Ducks-Beavers game on Sept. 20.

Free childcare will be provided.

Scottish Highland Games practice on May 10

MILTON-FREEWATER — Another chance to practice for Highland Games is coming on Saturday, May 10.

From 1-6 p.m., for the second time, there will be a practice/demonstration and introduction of the Scottish Highland Games at Dragon’s Gate Brewery, 52268 Sunquist Road, Milton-Freewater.  There is no charge for this event.

The afternoon will be a very informal practice with a chance to throw hammers, sheaf, stones, weights and cabers. Hosts are Alan Wernsing and Jennifer Gregory.

The local Athena Caledonian Games and Scottish Highland Games 2025 will be held on Saturday, July 12, from noon to 5:30 p.m. on the high school football practice field in Athena.

For more information regarding this practice, go to their Facebook page “Scottish Highland Games Practice/Introduction” for May 10, or call Wernsing at 541-969-9204 during the day and 541-566-3814 in the evening.

Two options to create stained glass at Crossroads

BAKER CITY — William Reichle is offering two stained glass classes at Crossroads Carnegie Art Center, 2020 Auburn Ave. Both are designed for beginners and cover the Tiffany method of foiling, gain experience with soldering technique, and more. All materials are provided.

“Intro to Stained Glass — All Seeing Eye” is Friday, May 16, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cost is $100. “Intro to Stained Glass — Purple Mountain Majesty” is Saturday, May 17, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The cost is $110.

Register at crossroads-arts.org.

Learn about microfiction at online workshop

Autumn Bettinger will lead an online workshop through Fishtrap on “Dribbles and Drabbles — An Introduction to Microfiction” on two Saturdays, May 10 and May 17, from 10 a.m. to noon.

Registration is $80, or $70 for Fishtrappers at fishtrap.org.

Participants will learn about microfiction, analyze successful examples, and learn tools to create a polished story in 100 words.

Join a stained glass studio at Art Center East

LA GRANDE — An opportunity to work on stained glass is coming to Art Center East on Thursdays, May 8-29, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at ACE, 1006 Penn Ave. Another option is Saturdays, May 10, May 17 and May 24, from 1-4 p.m.

These open studio experiences offer a chance to explore the world of stained glass while working on your own project with guidance from teaching artist Ginger Moore. All essential equipment and supplies are provided, except you must bring your own glass or purchase from ACE’s supply.

Students must have taken at least one beginning stained glass class before joining the open studio. Cost is $150 members or $160 nonmembers.

Kick up your heels during contra dance

WALLA WALLA — The Walla Walla Friends of Acoustic Music and Whitman Social Dance Club are do-si-doing together to present a contra dance at Whitman College.

The event is Wednesday, May 14, 7 p.m. in the college’s Reid Center Ballroom, 280 Boyer Ave. While admission is free, donations are greatly appreciated.

Experience is not required; local callers will teach dances. Live music features Whitman’s Big Joe.

For more information about WWFAM events, search Facebook via bit.ly/4cD6k9P or visit bit.ly/3CG0CEf. For questions, email htostby@gmail.com or call 541-938-7403.

New twist to Sip & Shop events

LA GRANDE — The Union County Chamber of Commerce, 207 Depot St., is set to bring a fresh twist to the Sip & Shop tradition with Thursday Night Local, celebrating the community spirit and shop-local energy of Union County. The summer series will feature local vendors, food and fun activities. Downtown business owners and pop-up vendors eager to participate are encouraged to contact the Chamber at 541-963-8588.

Art, pottery classes planned at Crossroads

BAKER CITY — Artist Ginger Rembold has planned a number of classes at Crossroads Carnegie Art Center, 2020 Auburn Ave. All have the “pay what you can” option at crossroads-arts.org.

The next is Mobile Construction on Thursday, May 15, from 6-8 p.m. The basic structure hardware is provided, but participants are encouraged to bring seven to 10 lightweight items for the mobile, such as Christmas ornaments, nature items or postcards. Cost is $42 member or $52 nonmember, plus $5 supply fee.

Rembold’s future classes include Tie Dye Your summer on June 19, The Art of Batik on July 17, Recycle Fun Workshop on July 31 and Youth Art Around the World on Aug. 8.

In the pottery studio, Ryan Kitson will offer two separate “Sip ‘n’ Spin” workshops — May 15 and May 29 — for ages 21 and older. Both are from 6-8 p.m. These beginner workshops offer a crash course in wheel throwing while sipping a favorite beverage. The cost per session is $42 members or $52 nonmembers, plus a $10 lab fee.

Pendleton Men’s Chorus tunes up May 16

PENDLETON — A wide variety of songs, including sacred and secular music, American and world folk music, and a medley from the Broadway stage, will be featured during the annual spring concert of the Pendleton Men’s Chorus.

The performance is scheduled for Friday, May 16, at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium at Pendleton High School, 1800 NW Carden Ave. Tickets are $10, and children must be at least 4 years old to attend.

The program includes an arrangement of James Taylor’s “Fire and Rain” and several sea shanties, including “Blow the Man Down” and “What Shall We Do with the Drunken Sailor.” Dúlamán, the chorus’s small ensemble, will perform several songs from Ireland and Scotland.

Vocal soloists for the evening include Jameson Hayes, Gabriel Elder, Chris Leonard, Murray Dunlap, Jacob Gau, Bill Mayclin, and Harper Jones.

The Pendleton Men’s Chorus is a community choir; auditions are not required. Mayclin serves as the conductor, Steve Muller is the assistant conductor, and Ruth Winter is the accompanist.

Advance tickets can be purchased at Pendleton Art + Frame, 36 SW Court Ave. In addition, they will be sold at the door. For more information about the chorus, email Mayclin at wmayclin@eotnet.net.

Annual Wagon Trail is happening June 23-29

PENDLETON — This year’s Pendleton Round-Up Wagon Train will be June 23-29. Experience the scenery of Eastern Oregon’s Blue Mountains while reliving the journey of the pioneers who forged the Oregon Trail.

This is the 44th anniversary of the Wagon Train event. Authentic western wagons of various types are pulled by work horses and mules as participants enjoy food, cowboy poetry, an auction fundraiser, camp activities for all ages and a live band on Friday. There will be daily drawings for prizes.

For detailed information, fee amounts, or to register go to pendletonroundup.com. Under the “Round Up” tab, choose “Wagon Train 2025.” Early bird prices are available until noon on May 11. Space is limited. The cost after May 11 increases by $50 per adult and $25 for 16 and younger. Registration closes June 7. Wagon Train Committee approval will be required before the registrant will be accepted after closure.

Included in the registration fee will be dinner Monday through breakfast Saturday, hay and water for animals, and beverages. Portable toilets will be on site and garbage bags will be provided. Showers are available for an additional fee paid in cash directly to the supplier on site.

Women On Target shooting clinic set for May 10

MILTON-FREEWATER — The 2025 NRA Women On Target Instructional Shooting Clinic will be held on Saturday, May 10, 8:30 a.m. at the East End Rod & Gun Club, 54572 Milton Cemetery Road, Milton-Freewater.

Registration is from 8:30-9 a.m., followed by an hour of classroom instruction by NRA certified instructors, and ending with five hours hands-on range instruction. The event will be held rain or shine.

The cost is $10 for the clinic and includes the use of firearms, targets and ammunition.  There are also free goodie bags. Participants 16 and under attend free when paired with an adult. The minimum age is 6.

Bring a ball cap or visor and a chair. Hearing and eye protection is provided, however, you can bring your own ear and eye protection if you would like.

Women On Target clinics may feature pistol, rifle, shotgun — or even all three. Participants will learn safe handling, range safety, firearm basics, marksmanship fundamentals and more. On the range, you will work one-on-one with an instructor to gain confidence and master new skills.

No prior experience or equipment is needed to participate. Contact Gina Deweber at events@eergunclub.com or call 509-999-0704 or 541-203-0124.

The maximum number of participants is 50 so register online early at wot.nra.org.

Wildwing returns to Churchill May 10

BAKER CITY — Wildwing returns to Baker City with Jess Defrees and Dennis Zelmer on Sunday, May 10, at Churchill School, 3451 Broadway St.

Doors open at 6 p.m., and the music starts at 6:45 p.m. Tickets are $12 in advance at churchillbaker.com or $18 at the door. Admission is free for ages 15 and younger who attend with a paid adult.

Wildwing is a Celtic/world/folk group from northern Utah founded by three sisters: Anna Watkins-Annawault (vocals, violin, mandolin, keys, guitar), Amy Watkins-Nelson (violin, mandolin, recorder, Irish whistle), and Jessa Young (vocals, piano, wooden flutes).

Amy and Anna are known to “shred” on their dueling violins during the show. The sisters are often backed by their mom, Paula Watkins (keyboard and accordion), Tanner Jones (bass and guitar), and Emily Ashcroft Densley (percussion — borrowed from the Cache Valley, Utah, band Mama Long Legs.

The band performed at the 2024 Ceili and the Roundhouse Celtic Festival in Evanston, Wyoming, and recently headlined the new Center Street Arts Festival in Cache Valley, Utah. At the Churchill show, the band will perform their original theme song titled “Wildwings.”

As for the band members, Young is learning to play the Bohdrun and will perform with it at Churchill, and Watkins-Nelson is learning the Irish whistle and published her first book. Also, Jones created a recording studio at his house where the band recorded the “Wildwings” theme song.

Live digital show May 8 celebrates plants, flowers

BAKER CITY — Award-winning filmmaker Joanna Priestley returns to Baker City to present a live digital show that celebrates the extraordinary beauty and importance of plants and the exuberant diversity of plants on Earth on Thursday, May 8, 6:30 p.m. at Churchill School, 3451 Broadway St. Tickets are $10.

The show will include gorgeous plant photos, botanical illustrations, amusing botany lessons inspired by 1950s science films, rare plants, plant tourism, medicinal herbalism and a behind the scenes peek at the process and challenges in making an animated feature film about plants. A bonus sidebar compares plant creativity with human creativity via a compact history of world architecture.

Joanna Priestley is known as the “queen of independent animation.” Since 1999, she has also been a medicinal herbalist, wildcrafter and herbal pharmacist who is positively passionate about plants. She has directed, animated and produced 36 award-winning films and the iOS app Clam Bake.

AAUW welcomes wolf coordinator to May meeting

PENDLETON — The American Association of University Women – Pendleton Branch will present Roblyn Brown, statewide wolf coordinator for ODFW, at the May open meeting. Brown will talk about wolf biology, behavior and the challenges of wolf management in a human dominated landscape. The program will be on Wednesday, May 7 at 7 p.m., downstairs in the Little Vert Clubroom, at 480 NW Dorion Ave.

As with all AAUW programs, it is free and open to the public.

The AAUW works to advance gender equity for women and girls through education, research and advocacy. For more information, visit Pendleton-or.aauw.net.

Learn about early architect F.P. Allen

WALLA WALLA — On Sunday, May 18, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the Fort Walla Walla Museum will present a living history of one of Walla Walla’s early architects and firefighters, F.P. Allen.

Visitors can listen to Allen tell of the challenges of building with a vision, of making a city out of a settlement, and the importance of a community commitment. This allowed him to build a proper fire house, a prestigious manor home (Kirkman House), and a combination livery stable and opera house.

He will also talk about the tragedy associated with that opera house and the controversy surrounding it. This self-proclaimed great-grandson of a true American patriot will talk of the transitioning of Walla Walla from a settlement that supported an Army fort to a thriving city that was meant to be a capitol.

F.P. Allen is portrayed by Delbert Draper.

The museum is located at 755 NE Myra Road. For more information, go to the museum website at fwwm.org or call 509-525-7703.