Teen Girls and Women’s Fellowship Conference
The Freedom Hill Church will be hosting a fellowship conference May 17&18 at the Freedom Hill Church in Sweet Home. May 17 there will be a dessert fellowship with praise, worship guest speakers and activities from 6 to 8 p.m. May 18 there will be a continental breakfast and lunch, praise, worship, speakers and a book swap from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free to attend. For more information contact Simone Dankenbring at 503.779.7137.
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/.
Healing Garden Tour
Lebanon Community Hospital Foundation will host garden tours of the Japanese Healing Gardens in Lebanon on May 10, June 14, July 12, Aug. 9 and Sept. 13.
Starting at 10 a.m., the one-hour tour will include information on the history of the two gardens and how they are maintained. Meet at the gazebo located at Boulder Falls Event Center next to the hotel, 605 Mullins Drive.
For more information, contact Brandy O’Bannon at [email protected].
Community Market
The City of Sweet Home Community Market will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays, May 11 to Sept. 21, at 1141 12th Ave., next to the library.
Vendor booths might include crafts, bakery items, art, fundraisers, kid and teen entrepreneurs, used items, vintage items, and community non-profits.
Master Gardeners with Answers
Master gardeners will be sharing their knowledge and information with anyone interested in learning more about gardening tips and tricks. Brenda Winslow will be at Strawberry Park Community Garden from 12-2 p.m. on May 11, and Rich Little will be there from 12-2 p.m. on May 25.
They will answer any questions the community may have in regards to gardening. Do your tomatoes split every year and you don’t know why? Are Easter lilies impossible for you to get to bloom? This is your chance to speak with master gardeners and get answers to your botanical questions. You do not need to have a garden bed at the community garden to participate. This is open and free to everyone.
Beautification Season Begins
The Sweet Home Beautification Committee needs volunteers to plant and maintain the flowers through town. They will begin 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.
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.
National Forest Workshops
The Willamette National Forest is initiating a series of public engagement workshops to discuss recreation interests and post-fire recovery. The Sweet Home Ranger District workshop will be held in person on Wednesday, May 15, from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Jim Riggs Senior Center, 880 18th Ave.
What are some of your favorite places? What changes would you like to see? Which recreation sites should be rebuilt after a wildfire? These are the kinds of questions that might be discussed. For those who can’t attend, there will be an opportunity to fill out an activity survey online.
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.
Linn County Small Woodlands Association
Linn County Small Woods Association will be awarding four $2,000 renewable college/university scholarships to students who plan on majoring in forestry or forestry related Natural Resource courses. Applicants must be graduates of a high school in Linn County. Applications and references must be postmarked or email by May 20. Each scholarship will be awarded based on academic achievement, honors and awards, school and community activities and college academic plans. For more information contact Katie Kohl at [email protected].
Cruise-in
The Rusty Bucket Tap House will host a cruise-in from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 25, at its location, 4102 Hwy. 20.
Come in and cruise the loop to show off your wheels. Members of the Rolling Oldies Car Club can enjoy 5% off their purchase at the restaurant.
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/.
Community-wide Yard Sales
The Sweet Home Chamber of Commerce will host a community-wide yard sale event on June 22, July 13 and Aug. 3 at locations throughout town.
If your garage, shop and closets are full of spring cleaning casualties, submit your address to have your yard sale listed on the Sweet Home Community Yard Sale map. The chamber will provide a map of participating properties to help shoppers find the sales. Requests to get your address on the map must be submitted by Wednesday before the sale date.
To get your sale on the map, call the chamber at 541.367.6186, or visit https://bit.ly/44otjlK. A printed copy of the map can be picked up the Friday before each sale at the chamber, or found at the garage sale board at 18th and Long streets.
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.
Class of 1974 SHHS Reunion
John Marble will be hosting a 50th reunion for the class of ‘74 July 12 and 13. July 12 from 6-9 p.m. the class will be meeting during the Cut the Gut event following with a social hour at The Dam Bar. “Bring your lawn chairs and join classmates at the Key Bank parking lot.” July 13, the class will be having a barbeque from 2-6 p.m. John Marble will be providing the burgers. “Bring folding chairs, a salad, side dish, or dessert, and your favorite beverage.” There’s room for camping, with no RV hookups. For more information contact: [email protected].
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/.