The city of Sweet Home kicked off a food drive and celebration of Oregon’s 150th birthday Friday morning.
Mayor Craig Fentiman officially declared the beginning of the food drive and wished Oregon a happy birthday. Visitors enjoyed cake and ice cream while visiting and looking at historic Sweet Home photographs.
The food drive runs through Feb. 27 with barrels located throughout the community.
The city’s goal is to collect 150 tons of food to celebrate 150 years, organizer Edene Flierl said.
The city is seeking canned and nonperishable food items. Flierl requests no outdated food.
Food may be dropped off at Thriftway, Steelhead Gym and Fitness, Curves, Little Promises, City Hall, the Senior Center, Lakeside Market and OK Country Feed. Food will be given to local food banks.
Next up is a work party on May 16 to spruce up the appearance of the east Sweet Home welcome sign located at the east city limits on Highway 20.
And the birthday celebration committee is seeking members of Sweet Home’s founding families to recognize as part of this year’s Sportsman’s Holiday festivities.
Anyone with information should contact Flierl at the Community Development Department, 367-8113.