It’s time for dads everywhere to enjoy the weekend a little extra with Father’s Day arriving on Sunday. Maybe that involves fun with the family at home but if you want to get out of the house, there are a few things to consider as listed below.
Father’s Day was first celebrated on June 19, 1910 in Washington state, according to History.com. It didn’t become a nationwide holiday until 1972 (mothers officially got their day in 1914). Check out the History.com article, it has a fascinating history.
Here’s a rundown of selected events and activities for June 14-16.
Friday, June 14
Marys River Grange in Philomath hosts some pretty cool community events, including bingo on the second Friday of each month. This month’s event begins at 6 p.m. and runs until 8:30 p.m. The cost is $10 for 10 games (three cards each) and $1 for blackout tickets. If you can’t make the Philomath bingo, or if you want to take advantage of other bingo opportunities, there are also game nights at the Willamette Grange on the third Friday (27555 Greenberry Road, Corvallis) and the Fairmount Grange (835 NW North Albany Road, Albany) on the first and third Saturdays. Bingo has helped the granges establish a new revenue stream to help with expenses.
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If you want to make a run down to the Monroe area this evening, the Benton-Lane Winery will host Sunnymount Sessions from 5-8 p.m. (RSVP online). You can pack a picnic and enjoy live music on the winery’s lawn (there is limited seating on the garden patio) so bring a blanket or low-profile chair. Wine will be available by the glass or bottle. Rich Swanger & The Little-Known Band is scheduled to play. The Benton-Lane Winery is located at 23924 Territorial Highway, Monroe.
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Now this sounds interesting — the Majestic Playwright’s Lab presents The Majestic Eight, a festival of 10-minute plays featuring eight original works by the winners of the organization’s 2018 statewide play competition. The plays will feature local directors and actors. The event begins at 7 p.m. at the Majestic Theatre (115 SW Second St., Corvallis). Tickets are $16 for general admission, $14 for students and seniors. If Friday doesn’t work out, the Majestic Eight will also be offered at 7 p.m. Saturday.
Saturday, June 15
The third annual Philomath Pride celebration will run from noon-4 p.m. at Philomath City Park. The event will include music, events and comedy throughout the afternoon. The entertainment lineup includes Sarah Levy, Rural Folk Fiasco, Haus of Dharma, Tender DesertRat and The Mischief, Temple the Bard, Diana Ramsey, Litzibitz and Femme Dagger.
Mud Oven Pizza will provide free food to attendees. Maxtivity Arts and Crafts Creative Space will be on-site to offer activities. Jackson Street Youth Services will have yard games. Participating organizations include 211info, Benton County Historical Society, Build a Better Skate Park, Center Against Rape and Domestic Violence, Chintimini Wildlife Center, Free Mom Hugs, InterCommunity Health Network Coordinated Care Organization, Mid Willamette Trans Support Network, Moms Demand Action For Gun Sense in America, Oregon Department of Human Services, Philomath Fire and Rescue and Sick Town Roller Derby.
The Benton County Health Department and City of Philomath are contributing to the event as sponsors. Organizers suggest folks park at Philomath High School and walk over with limited parking at the park.
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Philomath Museum is open from 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. for viewing of current exhibits. In the downstairs space, there is an exhibit called “What Is It?” — a collection of objects that were used locally in the past and would have been familiar to most people living then but are rarely used today. Some stations offer you a chance to guess before learning what the object really is (and you might also try doing the same for others before reading the label. Also, an art exhibit that remains on display is called “Bringing the World Together: Paintings, Prints & Panels” by Betty LaDuke. This artist’s current exhibitions focus on social justice from multiple perspectives. The museum is open from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays. Admission is free.
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The Benton County Historical Society will host the first of three events from 2-4 p.m. Saturday to gather public feedback on plans to renovate Philomath Museum. Called Community Conversations, the discussions at Philomath Museum will revolve around master plan goals of improving accessibility and preservation of the historic building, which dates back to 1867 when Philomath College was established. From the museum’s website: “We know that the Philomath Museum building is a staple of Philomath’s town history. These discussions will be held so that the concerns, questions, and insights from you, our dedicated community members, are heard before any plans are implemented.” If you miss Saturday’s meetup, the other two are scheduled for June 19 (10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) and June 24 (3-5 p.m.). The Philomath News interviewed Jessica Hougen, executive director, on Thursday and that story will be published on Friday.
Sunday, June 16
Time flies with Philomath Farmers’ Market now in its fourth week in front of Philomath Community Library. It runs 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 (last week, participants were able to try asparagus prepared in different ways). 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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For beer and local history lovers (Father’s Day idea), an event taking place in Corvallis this weekend (and on other dates — see the website) could be of interest. A 75-minute walking tour called Biographies and Beer provides a glimpse into the past with details on notable figures and ends with a tulip pour at The Bière Library, a local craft beer spot. Check out this establishment if you haven’t been — the current beer menu includes a couple from Philomath’s Dirt Road Brewery. The Sunday tours begin at 5 and 7 p.m. and meet at Clothes Tree (204 SW Madison Ave.). It is also offered Friday at 4:30 p.m. and Saturday at 5 p.m. Tickets are $20.
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The Corvallis Knights baseball team will be playing at home on Father’s Day (me and my 6-year-old son will be there) with a 1:05 p.m. start at Goss Stadium. The game will be the series finale against the Port Angeles Lefties (games are also scheduled this weekend at 6:35 p.m. Friday and 6:35 p.m. Saturday). The Knights head into the series with a 10-1 record while Port Angeles has struggled a bit to a 3-6 mark. You can buy single-game tickets online.
