It’s chili-tasting weekend in Philomath but even if that’s not your thing, there are plenty of other things to do from Friday evening through Sunday.
A Philomath church is serving up omelets again after taking a couple of months off over the summer, the high school football team opens its season in Newport, craft beer lovers may want to check out Septembeerfest at Avery Park in Corvallis, the Public Safety Chili Cook-off is a fun time at the rodeo grounds and the local grange is hosting a benefit concern.
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. 6
The Omelet Dinner on the first Friday of the month returns to the College United Methodist Church. Held since 1988 to raise money for parsonage property taxes, prices are $8 for a regular omelet; $9 for a deluxe omelet with scones and gravy; $6 for a child’s omelet (ages 10 and under) and $7 for scones and gravy. Fruit, scones and a beverage (coffee, teak, milk, water or juice) are included. Homemade desserts are available for a donation.
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The Philomath High School football team travels Friday to Newport to square off against a longtime rival in the season opener. The Warriors and Cubs are scheduled to kick off at 7:30 p.m. Philomath beat Newport 48-0 last year. Here’s a season preview.
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In one of the most unique events of the weekend, MicroMania Midget Wrestling is coming to the Corvallis Elks Lodge from 8-10 p.m. The event is described as a “high-powered, explosive, athletic pro wrestling show with just the right touch of comedy thrown in.” Sponsored by Sacred Art Tattoo, the show is open to all ages. The doors open at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance for general admission and $40 in advance for ringside seating, and $25 at the door for general admission and $45 at the door for ringside seating.
Saturday, Sept. 7
LEGO Day at the Library will run from 11 a.m.-noon at Philomath Community Library. The activity, which offers free play with Legos and Duplos, is open to all age groups. The library has scheduled this activity on the first Saturday of month.
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Lumos Wine Co. will host a free Saturday concert from 2-4 p.m. with the Antiquity String Band. The band serves up high-energy bluegrass favorites, blues and acoustic jazz. Attendees are welcome to bring a picnic and advised to bring their own blanket or chairs to sit on. 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.
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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 cross-country team will participate in one of the more entertaining meets of the season with participation in the Ultimook Race. Staged at the Hydrangea Ranch outside Tillamook, the course features two stream crossings and a mud pit. The event has races all day in several divisions but to narrow it down for you, Philomath is scheduled to compete at 10 a.m. (1A-4A JV girls), 10:45 a.m. (1A-4A JV boys), 11:30 a.m. (1A-4A varsity girls) and 12:15 p.m. (1A-4A varsity boys).
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Over in Corvallis, beer enthusiasts may want to drop in on the 17th annual Septembeerfest at Avery Park. The event runs from noon-7 p.m. Admission is $25 and includes a tasting glass and six drink tokens. Additional drink tokens are four for $5 (most pours are about 4 ounces). Tickets can be purchased online. Those under age 21 (accompanied by a paying adult) and designated drivers are admitted free.
Sunday, Sept. 8
The Public Safety Chili Cook-off will run from 2-6 p.m. in the Yew Wood Corral at the Philomath Frolic and Rodeo grounds. Admission is $10 (age 12 and older) and $5 (under age 12). Organizers encourage those planning to attend to purchase tickets in advance online but they will also be available at the gate. In addition to chili, there will be beer, wine and spirits for sale on site. The event serves as a fundraiser for the 4 Spirits Veterans Scholarship Fund, Benton County Sheriff’s Foundation and the Philomath Police Foundation.
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After you’ve had your fill of chili, head over to a benefit concert that will raise money for the Tarweed Folk School and Marys River Grange. Melanie Reid, The Garden Gate and FAM will perform from 6-9 p.m. at Marys River Grange Hall. Admission is $10 at the door. Organizers said the concert is an alcohol-free event and with limited parking suggests carpooling.
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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.