Watching a college football preview show a few days ago, a national commentator remarked that you’re either a Beaver or a Duck. Here in the Philomath area, a fondness for both can be seen (although it seems clear that OSU is the favored team around here).
The game has a different feel this time around with Oregon now in the Big Ten and the matchup coming in the season’s first few weeks. Plus, it seems as though the Beavers are looking for some respect after they were passed over in the latest round of major conference realignment. Anyway, the kickoff is scheduled for 12:30 p.m.
Elsewhere in our neck of the woods, we have Friday night football, the Shrewsbury Renaissance Faire out in Kings Valley and various other options to keep you busy this weekend.
Here’s a rundown of Philomath events and activities for the weekend — defined here as Friday evening through Sunday — along with a selected few from neighboring communities.
Friday, Sept. 13
Warrior fans can see the Philomath High football team on its home field for the first time this season. Kickoff against visiting Milwaukie is scheduled for 7 p.m. The Warriors come into the contest with a 1-0 record after taking a 46-10 road victory last week over Newport. The Mustangs have played one more game than Philomath and come in at 1-1 — the loss coming to Hidden Valley, 29-28, in their opener and the win last week at 5A Putnam, 35-14.
* * * * *
Marys River Grange will host its monthly bingo night from 6-8:30 p.m. The cost is $10 for 10 games (three cards each) and $1 for blackout tickets. Bingo nights take place at Marys River Grange Hall monthly on the second Friday. Bingo has helped the grange establish a new revenue stream for paying the bills.
Saturday, Sept. 14
The Shrewsbury Renaissance Faire runs Saturday and Sunday in Kings Valley on a property that sits near the Benton-Polk county line. Activities run from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. both days. Tickets (available online or at the gate) are $22 for adults ($30 for weekend pass) and $10 for a child or senior ($15 for weekend pass). Children ages 5 and under and active military are admitted free. Parking is free. No pets allowed. To find the faire from Philomath, head west on Highway 20 and then north on Kings Valley Highway to Grant Road, which is located on the Benton-Polk county line. Look for the signs just north of the “S bend.”
* * * * *
Willamette Grange No. 52 will host an interesting event from 10 a.m-2 p.m. at its hall, located on the corner of Greenberry Road and Highway 99W. Puppy Fest is a free, family event where folks can learn about where to find a dog and care for them. And of course, people are welcome to bring their “well-behaved leashed furry friend” (open to all pups from 8 weeks on up). Activities include reading to a dog, ask an expert, demonstrations and other resources/information. Hot dogs, treats and drinks will be available. In addition, there will be “Paws-itivity Pupper Pageants” each half hour for those who want to enter their dog to show off their best features or tricks.
* * * * *
Philomath Museum’s “The Big Picture: American Quilts From the Volckening Collection” exhibit is up at the Moreland Gallery on the second floor. The show, which will remain in place through Oct. 12, features the collection of Bill and Linda Volckening with quilts that go back as far as the 18th century. On the museum’s ground floor, the “What Is It?” exhibition remains with objects that were used locally in the past and would have been familiar to most people living then — an opportunity to enjoy your encounters with the past. Philomath Museum is open from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Admission is free.
* * * * *
The Philomath High School cross-country teams will compete at the Stayton XC Invitational during the morning hours. The meet, which is staged on the nature trails near Stayton Middle School, begins at 9 a.m. with middle school races, continues with junior varsity races at 10 a.m. and concludes with varsity races. The varsity girls go first at 11 a.m., and the boys will follow at 11:45. For those who are not aware, the Warriors are perennial powers in cross-country. The girls will try to repeat this season as state champions.
* * * * *
Oregon State renews its football rivalry with Oregon Saturday with kickoff scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Under first-year head coach Trent Bray, the Beavers come into the game with a 2-0 record with wins over Idaho State and San Diego State. The Ducks are also 2-0 after close calls against Idaho and Boise State. This is the first meeting between the two schools since Oregon bolted for the Big Ten. This game is sold out. It will be televised by Fox.
Sunday, Sept. 15
The Philomath Farmers’ Market goes from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. in front of Philomath Community Library with a vendor list that includes produce, other food items, crafts, services and information. The POP Club for kids is also available. The market accepts Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program cards and Double Up Food Bucks, which match SNAP purchases up to $20 each week for fresh produce and food products. There are plans for an OSU Extension Service booth for folks who want to test well water for nitrates.
* * * * *
Lumos Wine Co. will host a free Sunday concert from 2-4 p.m. with Jazz Palzz, a six-member Corvallis jazz band that performs tunes from the “Great American Songbook.” Attendees are welcome to bring a picnic and advised to bring their own blanket or chairs to sit on. Limited food will be available for purchase; folks are encouraged to bring a picnic or snacks. Lumos is located at 24000 Cardwell Hill Drive — head west out of Philomath on Highway 20, take a right on Kings Valley Road and after a mile or so, take another right on Cardwell Hill Drive. The winery will be about two-tenths of a mile down the road on the right side.
* * * * *
The Shrewsbury Renaissance Faire continues in Kings Valley for its second day of revelry and entertainment. See the Saturday listing for details.
