The annual Benton County Fair and Rodeo could be your highlight of the weekend with a variety of fun stuff from action in the rodeo arena to stage entertainment to carnival rides. And don’t forget to check out the exhibits — there are very likely many Philomath residents with entries.
You could also head out to Cardwell Hill Cellars to catch David Rogers on Friday night or to Lumos Wine Co. for Friday evening and Saturday afternoon concerts.
Here’s a rundown of Philomath events and activities for the weekend — defined here as 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday — along with a selected few from neighboring communities.
Friday, Aug. 2
The Benton County Fair and Rodeo enters its third day with the fun running from 11 a.m.-11 p.m. The final Northwest Professional Rodeo Association performance will be a highlight. This is the same rodeo outfit connected to the Philomath Frolic and Rodeo. For those who might be more interested in music, Remedy will take the main stage at 7 p.m. Described as a five-piece high energy rock band, the group plays top dance songs from the 1970s to the 1990s. The main act then takes the stage at 8:30 p.m. with Shot of Poison. This is a tribute band to Poison, a glam metal band that hit the charts big in the ’80s, including “Every Rose Has Its Thorn.”
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Solo guitarist David Rogers is scheduled to perform in concert at 6 p.m. at Cardwell Hill Cellars. Admission for the event is $10. Rogers presents a classical crossover guitar program consisting of Spanish music, up-tempo Latin, arrangements of pop music and jazz, J.S. Bach and original compositions.
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Oregon State University’s Bard in the Quad performances returned for a 19th season this week, including a performance tonight at 7:30. William Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar” will be performed in the Memorial Union Quad (2501 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis). Admission is $17 for general admission, $12 for students and seniors, and free for OSU students. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling the box office at 541-737-2784. The play will also be performed at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
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Lumos Wine Co. will host a free Friday concert at 6 p.m. with Terry Robb, a blues guitarist who has earned international acclaim for his acoustic skills. According to the Lumos website, Robb has “built a unique blues sound that has made him a legend in his prolific music career spanning four decades.” Nick’s: Soul Food will be on site serving Southern fare but attendees are also welcome to bring a picnic. 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. Those headed out area advised to bring their own blanket or chairs to sit on.
Saturday, Aug. 3
The Benton County Fair and Rodeo’s fourth and final day opens at 11 a.m. and continues until midnight. On the main stage tonight at 8:30 will be Sawyer Brown, a country music band with rock influences that dates back to the 1980s (the band won the TV competition series “Star Search” before signing with a major record label). The group has had three No. 1 singles — “Step That Step,” “Some Girls Do” and “Thank God for You.” Before the main act on the main stage, Boomtown Saints will perform. Rising stars on the country scene, this duo’s biggest hit has been “All Trucks Go to Heaven.” During the day on the Oak Grove stage, entertainment includes “Salsa Steel Drums” at noon, “The Ventriloquist Maria” at 1 p.m., “Magic Jeff” at 2 p.m. and the 4-H awards program at 3 p.m.
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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.
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Lumos Wine Co. on Saturday afternoon will present Enjoy the Ride from 2-4 p.m. The Corvallis-based group plays a wide range from the ’70s to today. The concern is free. Lumos is located at 24000 Cardwell Hill Drive. Organizers advise folks to bring their own blanket or chairs to sit on and a picnic or snacks to enjoy.
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The Oregon Senior Games open Saturday in Corvallis with 3-on-3 archery and beach volleyball. The archery competition will begin at 8:30 a.m. at Crescent Valley High School (same time and place for Day 2 on Sunday). Beach volleyball gets started at 9 a.m. at Chintimini Park (605 NW 27th St.) with men’s and women’s doubles (coed doubles and quads will compete Sunday). A 3-on-3 basketball tournament was canceled.
Sunday, Aug. 4
The Philomath Farmers’ Market enters its 11th week in front of Philomath Community Library. The event goes from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 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.
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If you’re looking for laughs, you could catch Aaron Weber at Corvallis Comedy Night. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. at Majestic Theatre (115 SW Second St.). Weber is a Nashville-based stand-up comedian who tours the country, has done a set for Comedy Central and is the youngest comedian to ever perform at the legendary Grand Ole Opry. This show will contain adult language and no one under 18 will be admitted. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased on the Majestic website.