“The Prom” at Albany Civic Theater
Albany Civic Theater presents “The Prom,” directed by Christi E. Sears and Mirinda Keeling, at 7:30 p.m. on April 25, 26 and 27, and at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 14 and 21, located at 111 First Ave. W., Albany.
Four eccentric Broadway stars are in desperate need of a new stage, so when they hear that trouble is brewing around a small-town prom, they know it’s time to put a spotlight on the issue…and themselves. The town’s parents want to keep the high school dance on the straight and narrow, but when one student just wants to bring her girlfriend to prom, the entire town has a date with destiny. “The Prom” captures all the humor and heart of a classic musical comedy with a message that resonates with audiences now more than ever.
Tickets are $17-20 for adults, and $12 for kids. Discounts are available for seniors, military and veterans, and Oregon Trail Card holders. Visit www.AlbanyCivic.org for more information.
Garden Club Flower Design Classes
The Lebanon Garden Club will host free flower design classes at the Lebanon Senior Center from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the following dates: April 25 (teacup class design, bring your own teacup/saucer), May 2 (green & petite design), May 9 (miniatures & dried design). This will be in anticipation of the club’s upcoming annual flower show to be held on Friday, May 31, and Saturday, June 1.
Registration required to ensure enough supplies. The sign up sheets are located at the Lebanon Senior Center front desk, or contact Merrie Wales at 530.936.7464 or email [email protected].
Dinner, Silent Auction Fundraiser
Lake Town Academy will host a pizza dinner, movie and silent auction at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 26, at House of Glory church, 30337 Fairview Road, between Lebanon and Sweet Home.
Cost is $25 per person. Childcare is available for $5 per child. Silent auction donations are sought. To purchase tickets, visit LakeTownAcademy.com/store. For more information, contact Ashley Knight at 541.224.6828 or email [email protected].
The funds raised through the auction help enhance the educational experience for the students, provide resources that may not be covered by the school’s regular budget, and support scholarships. This year Lake Town is specifically trying to raise funds for a school van/bus that would allow them to get out and do more field learning, community service, and have an increased access to resources.
Indoor Organic Gardening Classes
Master Gardener Sheryl Casteen offers free gardening classes from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturdays, April 27 and May 4, at the Lebanon Senior Center, 80 Tangent St., Lebanon.
Casteen promises “a garden myth busted every week” and hands-on planting to take home, in addition to lessons on why plants don’t produce, what soil needs, when to harvest, plant disease and nutrient deficiencies, and pests & predators.
Pre-registration is required. Call 541.791.6262, or email [email protected].
Beautification Season Begins
The Sweet Home Beautification Committee needs volunteers to plant and maintain the flowers through town. The first work day is April 30 to weed the median on Main Street, followed by planting during the week of May 13. Scheduled work days are the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at 8:30 a.m. Work days last about one to two hours
To volunteer, or for more information, contact Patty at 541.990.1487.
Albany Farmers Market
The Albany Farmers Market will be open every Saturday until Nov. 23 located in the City Hall parking lot and on an adjacent street that fronts the Linn County Courthouse. The Albany Farmers Market is the oldest continuously operated open-air farmers market in Oregon. For more information visit locallygrown.org/albany-saturday-market/.
Blood Drive
The Sweet Home High School Interact Club will host a blood drive April 30 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Sweet Home High School activity gym.
Strangulation Class for Professionals
Samaritan Health Services, in partnership with Training Institute on Strangulation Prevention, will host a training on identifying, investigating and prosecuting domestic violence and strangulation cases from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, May 3, at Boulder Falls Event Center in Lebanon.
Strangulation has been identified as one of the most lethal forms of domestic violence and sexual assault: unconsciousness may occur within seconds and death within minutes.
The free one-day course is designed for healthcare professionals, legal professionals and emergency responders. Presenters Gael Strack and Bill Smock are leading experts in the identification, investigation and documentation of strangulation in intimate partner violence cases. This course will teach participants how domestic violence and sexual assault professionals can save lives and improve their response to strangulation crimes.
Topics covered will include findings from a study that examined 300 strangulation cases, how to identify victim signs and symptoms, the medical impact on survivors and fatalities. It also equips professionals with investigation techniques, legal considerations and resources for advocating for victims in court.
Registration is required and lunch will be provided. For more information or to register, contact Sommer McLeish, Community Health Improvement program specialist, at [email protected] or visit samhealth.org/Classes.
Fashion Show Fundraiser
Opening Act Foundation will host a fashion show at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 4, at City Hall, 3225 Main St. The show will feature bridal, formal and cruise wear. At the end of the show, the dresses will be sold, starting at $20 and up. Proceeds will benefit free prom wear for youth.
SAFE Can Drive
The SAFE Committee is holding its final bottle, can and coin drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 4, at the O’Reilly’s parking lot, 1118 Main St. Proceeds will help fund the Class of 2024 SAFE graduation party.
Fun Run and Kids Obstacle Dash
Build Lebanon Trails will host its annual 5K/10K Fun Run/Walk and Kids Obstacle Dash starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 4, at Cheadle Lake Park, 37919 Weirich Drive, Lebanon.
The Kids Obstacle Dash is a half-mile obstacle course for kids 10 and under that includes a gunny sack race, balance beam, pool noodle slalom and more. Free registration for the first 200 kids; uUse coupon code DASH. After that, pre-registration cost is $10.
The run/walk pre-registration cost is $30. The surface is concrete, asphalt, gravel and dirt.
To register or for more information, visit BuildLebanonTrails.com/events/.
Carriage Me Back
The Linn County Historical Museum in Brownsville will host its annual “Carriage Me Back” historical fundraiser event on May 4-5, recreating scenes and sharing stories from 1894.
Hop on the 20-seat wagon and cruise around town to learn more about 1894 before being dropped off at the Moyer House for more drama inside. This year the wagon will be drawn by an antique tractor while a new horse is being trained to help pull the wagon next year.
Tickets are $15 for ages 12 and older, $5 for under 12. A whole wagon can be reserved for $225. Tickets can be purchased at the museum (101 Park Ave., Brownsville) or reserved by calling 541.466.3390.
Proceeds support the museum and Moyer House events and programs. For more information, call the Linn County Historical Museum at 541.466.3390.
The Linn County Historical Museum and Moyer House are maintained and operated by the Linn County Parks & Recreation Department.
Fire Bond Information Meetings
Sweet Home Fire invites the community to informational sessions about the upcoming Bond Measure 22-203 which will appear on the May ballot. The meetings will be from 5-6:30 p.m. on the following dates/locations:
Tuesday, May 7, at Station 21, 1099 Long St., Sweet Home
Wednesday, May 8, at Station 24, 49258 Santiam Hwy., Cascadia
Thursday, May 9, at Station 23, 25995 1st St., Crawfordsville.
Resource Fair
The parent council of Kidco Headstart in Sunnyside will host a resource fair from 5-6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 8, in the high school gym. Anyone interested in having a booth or attending the fair may send questions to Courtney via email to [email protected].
The American Man
Nominations are being accepted for Honoring the American Man, an award meant to honor those who care for and give to their families and community selflessly.
Nomination forms and more information can be found by contacting Nancy Patton at [email protected] or by text at 541.409.4276. Nominations are due by May 10.
The eighth annual Honoring the American Man dinner and recognition will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, June 14, at the Sweet Home Elks Lodge, 440 Osage St.
Nancy Patton, a local community member, created the award to honor men for who they are and what they do. There is a small fee for dinner, but the honored men get a ticket at no cost.
To nominate a man or contribute to the cost of the trophy, contact Nancy Patton at [email protected].
Bi-Mart Mothers Day
Bi-Mart will be creating a personalized planter for mom, with the crew at Sweet Home Bi-Mart, May 11. Pot painting and planting will be from 10 a.m to 3 p.m. Attendees will be able to choose from a selection of pots, paints, and plants to give mom something special this year.
Purse and Auction Fundraiser
Family Assistance and Resource Center (FAC) will host a Mother’s Day Tea Party from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, May 11, at RezRock, 1621 53rd St., Foster.
The family friendly fun afternoon tea party will include a silent auction on new and gently used purses. Come dressed in a fancy tea hat, if desired. Tickets cost $10/adult, $5/12 and under. Buy tickets at https://bit.ly/4b6vnRg.
Fashion Show and Talk
After 5 Connection (Stonecroft) will present “April Showers Bring May Fashions,” a fashion show hosted by 1st Hand Seconds Unique Boutique, from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14, at Lebanon Foursquare Church, 470 W. C St., Lebanon.
The upscale Albany resale boutique is the financial support of a nonprofit providing help to women and their children at risk. Pianist Judy Stevens will accompany soloist Janet Nortune to perform background music for the style show.
Nancy Gabert from Bend will be a guest speaker for, “What’s in Your Backpack?” a highly humorous drama. She talks about the steps one must take to let go of the past and move forward in life with freedom and passion.
Cost for dinner and the program is $18 (no credit cards please). RSVP by contacting Madel at 541.451.2586, or Nancy at 541.259.1396 (or email [email protected]). If unable to attend, please cancel your reservation.
Civil War at Cheadle Park
The Northwest Civil War Council (NCWC) will host a “Living History” Civil War reenactment from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, May 17 (school day), and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, May 18-19, at Cheadle Lake Park, 37941 Weirich Drive.
A donation of $3 per student and $5 per adult is requested, but not required, to help cover costs to put on the event. The American Legion will also host a benefit breakfast for veterans on Saturday.
The nonprofit organization works to educate the public about the American Civil War through reenactments. Members wear authentically-reproduced clothing, use black powder weapons, cook over open fires and sleep in canvas tents as they participate in battle reenactments and live the military and civilian life. The reenactments across Oregon are a small sampling of what members do to share about the history and people during the Civil War era. For more information, visit www.nwcwc.net.
Contest for Youngins
The Santiam Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution encourages kids in grades 3-12 to participate in the America’s Field Trip contest.
In 2026, the United States will mark our Semiquincentennial: the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Today’s young people are the leaders, innovators and thinkers who will shape the next 250 years, and it’s important their voices are heard as we commemorate this historic milestone.
America’s Field Trip is a new contest that invites students across the country in grades 3–12 to be part of America’s 250th anniversary by sharing their perspectives on what America means to them, and earning the opportunity to participate in unforgettable field trip experiences at some of the nation’s most iconic historic and cultural landmarks.
Students may submit artwork, videos or essays in response to the contest’s prompt: “What does America mean to you?” There will be 25 first-place winners in each grade who will win a three-day, two-night trip to one of America’s historical or cultural sites with a parent/guardian. Three teachers associated with the top three winners will be awarded with $1,000 cash. Also, 25 second-place winners in each grade will receive a $500 cash award.
For more information and to submit entries, visit https://america250.org/fieldtrip/. Contest ends May 17. The local Daughters can also help answer questions via email at [email protected].
Dyno Days
Linn-Benton Community College will host “Dyno Days” from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, May 17-18, at the LBCC automotive technology training center, 2000 Oak St.
The two-day event will include booths, food vendors, tours, games and industry-related opportunity information, as well as the opportunity to run your vehicle on a dynamometer (a “vehicle treadmill”).
For $50, have your front- or rear-wheel drive vehicle tested three times on the dynamometer to find out its torque and horsepower output. No motorcycles or all-wheel drives; semis are okay.
Reservations are not necessary, but are encouraged. To reserve a run on the dynamometer or for more information, call 541.917.4506.
Oak Heights Carnival
Oak Heights will host its annual Spring Carnival on May 18 to raise funds for a cover for the play area. More information forthcoming.
Breakfast for Habitat
Lebanon Habitat for Humanity will host a fundraising breakfast at 8 a.m. on Thursday, May 30, at Boulder Falls Inn Event Center, 605 Mullins Drive.
Did you know that Habitat builds homes for aging in place to make sure individuals can remain in their communities? Join the nonprofit for breakfast “on the house” as they share their plans to expand services in East Linn County. All donations go toward the two current home builds in Sodaville.
RSVP by May 17 at https://bit.ly/3xojibB. For more information, call 541.405.5213 or email [email protected].
Strawberry Festival
Lebanon’s 115th annual Strawberry Festival will be Thursday, May 30, to Sunday, June 2, at Cheadle Lake Park. The event includes All Heroes Day, coronation, junior and grand parades, carnival rides, run/walk, fireworks, Garden Club flower & quilt show, live concerts and a church service.
On-grounds festival hours are: Thursday 4-11 p.m., Friday 1 p.m. to midnight, Saturday, 12 p.m. to midnight, Sunday, 12- 5 p.m. Entrance fees are: Single Day Adult (13+): online presale $7, or at gate $10; Multi-Day Adult (13+): $25; Children (12 and under): Free. Entrance gives access to vendors and concerts. Carnival Wristband: online $30, or at festival $40.
For more information about the entire festival activities, which take place at the park and downtown Lebanon, visit LebanonStrawberryFest.com.
Flower & Quilt Show
Lebanon Garden Club hosts its 115th annual Flower & Quilt Show on May 31 (1-4 p.m.) and June 1 (12-4 p.m.), at the former Wells Fargo building in downtown Lebanon, 809 S. Main St.
Area residents are encouraged to enter their best plant clippings and/or flower designs for free. Quilts will also be on display, and one will be raffled off. To learn more about the raffle or how to submit clippings and designs, contact Lynne at 541.990.3894.
Tune it Up Tuesdays
Oregon Jamboree will host its Tune it up Tuesdays at 6 p.m. on June 4, 11, 18 and 25, at 1851 Tamarack St. The free event includes a car show, live music, and food and drinks.
OSWA Convention
The Linn County Small Woodlands Association hosts the Oregon Family Forest Convention and Tree Farmer of the Year tour on June 13-15 at Boulder Falls Inn, 505 Mullins Drive.
The three-day event will include a Saturday tour of Oak Basin Tree Farm, a business convention, panels on various topics and a tour of the Freres mass plywood plant.
For more information, visit linncountyswa.com/events/.
Charity Car Show
The Sweet Home Sweet Ride Charity Car Show for Kids will be held from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 29, at the high school track and field.
The event includes a car show, burn-out pit, poker walk, raffles, 50/50, vendors, food and music, and new car exhibits. To register your car into the event, visit SweetHomeSweetRide.com.
Proceeds benefit Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, Shop With a Cop, Sunshine Industries
Auditions at Albany Civic Theater
“Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr.” open auditions on June 26-27; performances in August. Directed by Rebecca Douglas, [email protected].
Visit www.AlbanyCivic.org for more information.
Cut the Gut
The Sweet Home Chamber will host the annual Icebox Cut the Gut Car Cruise from 6-9 p.m. on Friday, July 12, rain or shine. The “Cut the Gut” car cruise is more than just a celebration of vehicles – it’s a chance for car enthusiasts to come together, share their passion and enjoy a fun-filled night in the beautiful town of Sweet Home.
This year, the first 300 registrations will receive a custom aluminum dash plaque. The cruise features business checkpoints from one end of Sweet Home to the other. At each stop, participants will have their passports stamped for a chance to win a raffle prize.
Participants are encouraged to bring their best rides to show off, and spectators are encouraged to sit along the route to watch the show.
Passports and apparel may be purchased at the chamber (1575 Main St.) or online at CutTheGutCruise.com, and will be available for pickup on July 12 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the chamber or at the “pre-registered” table in the Sweet Home High School parking lot, 1576 Long St. starting at 5:30 p.m.
Health Summit
The Linn, Benton, Lincoln Partners for Health Coalition will host the 2024 Annual Community Health Summit from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Aug. 23. Location to be announced later.
The annual community health summit has been hosted by the Partners for Health Coalition since 2011. They have focused on such topics as childhood obesity, culinary education, holistic living, chronic disease prevention, adverse childhood experiences, screen time, food insecurity, generational poverty, mental health services and more.
The community health summits have been geared for both community members as well as community organizations and historically were conducted in person. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the coalition transferred the summits to a virtual format with the 2022 summit being the first summit to be hosted in a hybrid model (both in person and over Zoom).
For more information, visit https://cccwn.org/partners-for-health/.