Your weekend choices right here in Philomath are a little more limited this week so there are a few more events outside of town included. The giant puppet show Friday at Avery Park shows promise and the Airlie Winery overnight camping event sounds like fun (you can’t go wrong with wine, music and blackberry pancakes). Here in town, from appearances, the Philomath Farmers’ Market is doing pretty well this summer. It’s a great place to mingle with the community.
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. 9
A drive over to Avery Park in Corvallis might be worth the trip for an interesting-looking show that features giant puppets. The String and Shadow Puppet Theater’s “Or So It Would Seam: A Giant Puppet Voyage into the Hidden Universe” begins at 6 p.m. According to promotional materials, the 13 performers and musicians “will take audiences out of this galaxy to contemplate the intricate and unexpected ways we are all connected to one another.” Giant puppets, original storytelling and live music are part of the experience. There is a suggested donation of $20.
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The Sunnymount Sessions concert series returns to Benton-Lane Winery near Monroe this evening with The Boot Heel Band performing from 5-8 p.m. Pack a picnic and settle down on the winery’s lawn below its garden patio. Guests are encouraged to bring their own blanket or low-profile chair with limited patio seating. Wine will be available by the glass or bottle. The winery is located at 23924 Territorial Highway, Monroe.
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Another Monroe-area event that might spark interest for you is the weekly Fun Friday Goat Yoga, which goes from 6-7 p.m. at the No Regrets Farm and Sanctuary. The part-yoga, part-animal assisted therapy activity “is about disconnecting from day-to-day stress, illness or depression and focusing on happy vibes,” according to the organization’s website. The venue is located at 26641 Bellfountain Road, Monroe. The cost is $28. No yoga experience is needed.
Saturday, Aug. 10
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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Airlie Winery will offer its popular Starry Starry Nite overnight camping event this weekend. On Saturday evening, the music of Spry will entertain from 7:30-10 p.m. and barbecue will be available for purchase. On Sunday morning, enjoy blackberry pancakes, eggs and watermelon for breakfast. Reservations are required. Tickets are $30 per person for campers. However, camping out is not required so for those interested only in the evening concert, tickets are $15.
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Grass Roots Books and Music will host a “Meet the Author” event with Lorraine Anderson from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at its store at 251 SW Madison Ave., Corvallis (heads up — if you haven’t been over there in a while, this is a new location for the bookstore). Anderson will sign copies of her book “Slow Cook Solar” on the sidewalk outside of the store. She will also give a baking bread demonstration and answer questions about solar cooking.
Sunday, Aug. 11
The Philomath Farmers’ Market enters its 12th 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.