This story was updated at 6:30 a.m. Sept. 27 with a new time for the girls varsity race at the Nike Portland cross-country meet.
The GreenGable Pumpkin Patch here in Philomath opened for the fall season earlier this week and will continue through Oct. 31. Apple cider donuts will be available on Saturdays and Sundays and in addition to picking out your Halloween pumpkin, check out the corn maze.
You could also run over to the Corvallis Fall Festival, which goes Saturday and Sunday in Central Park. There’s a Saturday night street dance, 5K and 10K runs on Sunday morning and don’t forget about the nearby book sale at the Corvallis library.
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. 27
A sure sign that fall has arrived is the opening of the GreenGable Pumpkin Patch. More than 200 varieties of pumpkins, gourds and squashes are available in all colors, sizes and shapes. Visitors have self-pick and already-picked options. The venue also features a corn maze with a scavenger hunt. Plus, the property has a lot of photo opps, including a Cinderella carriage. Farm flowers, wreaths and other decorations are also available. The hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays and Sundays and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays. GreenGable Farms is located at 24689 Grange Hall Road. This is not just a Friday event; it’s also open daily through Oct. 31.
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Philomath High’s football team brings a 3-0 record into a home game Friday night against The Dalles. The Warriors have defeated their opponents by an average score of 46-10 (two of those games were moved along quickly with the “running clock” mercy rule in effect). The Dalles comes in with a 2-1 record and last week had a bye. Philomath has proven to be a dangerous passing team for opponents with a veteran quarterback and four exceptional receivers. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Clemens Field.
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The Friends of the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library will host a book sale in conjunction with the Corvallis Fall Festival. For the general public, the sale is open from 4:30-6 p.m. Friday and continues from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. There is members-only access Friday from 3-4:30 p.m. (folks can join at the door for $10 or become a member in advance online).
Saturday, Sept. 28
The 51st annual Corvallis Fall Festival will run from 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday in Central Park. The festival, which has free admission, features more than 180 arts-and-crafts booths, along with food booths, two stages of musical entertainment, children’s entertainment and an art discovery zone. Plus, there’s a Saturday night street dance (also free admission) with the Latin fusion group Grupo Masato from 6-9:30 p.m. and the Fall Festival Run (see Sunday entry).
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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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The Philomath High School boys and girls cross-country teams will be at Blue Lake State Park in Fairview to compete in the Nike Portland meet. The varsity girls will race at 8:45 a.m. with the varsity boys competing at 9:10 a.m. Individually, senior Adele Beckstead will run in the Jim Danner Championship girls race at 9:30 a.m.
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Dogs can have their day at this special event at the Osborn Aquatic Center. Dog Day at Otter Beach will have three swimming sessions — 10-11:30 a.m., noon-1:30 p.m. and 2-3:30 p.m. Humans are not allowed to swim at the event, only the dogs. Check the event website for all of the details. Preregister at this link.
Sunday, Sept. 29
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.
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The 45th annual Fall Festival Run offers 5K, 10K and a 1K kids fun run through the Oregon State campus. Hosted by the Heart of the Valley Runners, the races begin at 9 a.m. with the 5K and 10K ($30 entry fee) with the kids fun run (free) to follow at 10:30 a.m. The start and finish will be located near McNary Field between 11th and 14th streets. Register online.