hoodriver.org
Hood River County, Oregon 2014 Events
2 hoodriver.org/events
Visitor Center Hours:April–October Monday–Friday: 9am-5pm Saturday & Sunday: 10am-5pm
November–March Monday-Friday 9am-5pm
720 E Port Marina Drive Off I-84 Exit 64Hood River, OR 97031(541) 386-2000(800) 366-3530
Hood River County Visitor Center
hoodriver.org
Michael Peterson
hoodriver.org/events 3
When we tell people we live in the Columbia River Gorge, the word we hear most often is “lucky.” Anyone who has been to this part of Oregon knows that the scenery here is spectacular—we’re talking jaw-dropping sunrises and sunsets, vast landscapes with fields of wildflowers framing snow-capped mountains, and an ever-changing river with massive rock formations that reflect the light in ways that are new with each season.
Hood River County is one of those places you can’t forget once you’ve visited. If you’re looking for a quiet, small town; exciting water, land, and snow sports; a rural experience; or a foodie heaven—or maybe all of the above—you’ve come to the right place. Clean air, farm-fresh foods, local wines and craft beers, great outdoor recreation, wonderful shopping, and four incredible seasons— with spring blossoms, warm and windy summers, lush fall colors, and snowy winters. It’s the best of everything all in one place. Lucky indeed.
Come enjoy all we have to offer, including amazing
events throughout the year.
hoodriver.org
Welcome to Spectacular Hood River County
4 hoodriver.org/events
April Passport to the World of WineDiscover a “World of Wine in 40 Miles” during Passport Weekend with exclusive offers at 28+ Columbia Gorge Wineries. Columbia Gorge Winegrowers Association (CGWA). gorgewine.com
Second Saturday at WAAAMWatch our planes take off and land, and hitch a ride in one of our antique cars. Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum (WAAAM). Second Saturday of each month. waaamuseum.org
Gorge Artists Open Studios TourGorge artists open their studios to meet art lovers and customers, and to share their approach to the creative process. facebook.com/gaos.tour
First FridayHeld on the First Friday of every month from May-October, this special evening runs from 5-8pm, with stores open late and festivities, specials, and activities held up and down the main streets of downtown.
MarchSecond Saturday: WAAAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Lunafest Film Festival: CCA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Spring Break Extravaganza: History Museum . . 22AprilPassport to the World of Wine: CGWA . . . . . 1–30Northwest Exposure Wine Weekend. . . . . . . . .4–6Gorge Artists Open Studio Tour . . . . . . . . . . 11–13Hard-Pressed Cider Fest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Second Saturday: WAAAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Passport Kick-off Weekend: CGWA. . . . . . . . . 12 & 13Hood River Valley Blossom Festival . . . . . . 12 & 13Columbia Gorge Fiber Festival . . . . . . . . . . . 18–20Gorge Short Track Shoot Out. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Mt. Hood Railroad excursions begin . . . . . . . . . . 19Horse Show: HR County Fairgrounds . . . . . . . . . 19Blossom Craft Show . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 & 20Food & Wine Pairing Weekend: CGWA . . . 19 & 20Traditional Blossom Fest Weekend . . . . . . 19 & 20Rainier Cup: CGRA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 & 20Barrel Tasting Weekend: CGWA. . . . . . . . . . 26 & 27Hood River Valley Blossom Festival . . . . . . 26 & 27
March–April
Events-at-a-Glance
Phot
o: M
icha
l Kaw
ka
Blossom Time!
Blossom FestivalApril 12-27
Hood River celebrates the arrival of spring in style with the showcasing of the area’s rich agricultural heritage and acres of blooming fruit trees. The best of Hood River and the rural lifestyle are all here during Blossom Time in the Gorge: Food, wine, beer, arts and crafts shows, pancake breakfasts, baked goods, preserves, yarn, shopping—and, of course, blossoms. hoodriver.org/blossom-fest
hoodriver.org/events 5
wineandpearfest.com
May 17-18, 2014
Live Music!
20+ Local Wineries!
Local Art!
Great Food!
Hard-Pressed Cider FestApril 12: Noon-6pm
On April 12th, the Hood River County Chamber of Commerce will host a cider lover’s dream when a variety of NW Cideries are featured at an all-in-one event. The event will showcase Hood River County’s own artisan ciders as well as other great Northwest cideries. This event has something for everyone in the family, with live music ranging from bluegrass to classic rock, activities for kids, a variety of food vendors and some of the best cider around. Please join us for the 1st Annual Hard-Pressed Cider Fest!hoodriver.org/hard-pressed-cider-fest
First Friday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2CCA Pushing Reality Photography Exhibit . . .2–6/1Lock Robster Disc Golf Tournament . . . . . . . 3 & 4Second Saturday: WAAAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Wine & Pear Fest: WAAAM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 & 18Horse Show: HR County Fairgrounds . . . . . . . . . 24Memorial Day Weekend Winery Open House: CGWA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24–26Hood 2 River Relay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31Timberline Marathon & 1/2 Marathon . . . 31–6/1
May
Events-at-a-Glance
Wine & Pear FestivalMay 17: 11am-6pm
May 18: Noon-5pm
Raise your glass and join us for this annual event held in the heart of Wine and Pear Country, and join the celebration of local area products. Start off the weekend with friends and fun featuring Columbia Gorge wineries and eateries. Highlights include entertainment, live music, wine tasting, great food, fruit exhibits with samples, and local artisans. Not only does this event celebrate the Gorge, it will give back as well. Proceeds go to the Rotary Club of Hood River Scholarship Program, funding scholarships to area youth for higher education. We can’t wait to see you there! wineandpearfest.com
Phot
o: M
icha
l Kaw
ka
Wine & Pear Festival!
Pet
er M
arba
ch
isto
ck.c
om
6 hoodriver.org/events
Sternwheeler DaysThe Sternwheeler Days Festival offers a great opportunity to enjoy the Columbia Gorge. Take a lazy ride on the river and see the Marine Park, Sailing Regatta, and the Bridge of the Gods.
Best of the Gorge ExhibitThis show celebrates the best art work produced by mid-Columbia residents. All media from drawing and painting to glass and ceramics to sculpture and mixed media. Columbia Center for the Arts (CCA). columbiaarts.org
CCA Best of the Gorge Exhibit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–29First Friday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Second Saturday: WAAAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Horse Show & Clinic: HR County Fairgrounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 & 22Downtown Historic Walking Tour. . . . . . . 21–7/19Opening Day: CGRA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Tour de Hood Ride. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Sternwheeler Days. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27–29Windfest @ Event Site. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 & 29CCA 8 Hour Film Project Showcase . . . . . . . . . . . 28Swap Meet: CGWA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
June
Events-at-a-Glance
Tour de Hood RideJune 22
Ride one of Oregon’s most beautiful and challenging recreational rides! Experience the same course that challenges racers in the popular Mt. Hood Cycling Classic stage race, while benefiting local youth programs and the Mt. Hood Cycling Classic race organization. This is a one-of-a-kind Oregon recreational riding experience akin to touring around the Tour de France, where all kinds of riders ride ahead of the race and either ride to the finish or wait along the road sides for the racing caravan to parade by. tourdehoodride.com
3189 Highway 35 • Hood River(541) 386-1277
wyeastvineyards.com
Cou
rtes
y P
ortl
and
Spir
it
Phot
o: J
im S
emlo
r
hoodriver.org/events 7
Hood River County FairThe Hood River County Fairgrounds hosts one of the best fairs in the region. hoodriverfair.org
Kiteboarding 4 CancerThe 7th Annual Kiteboarding 4 Cancer will take place July 12-13, 2014 in Hood River, Oregon. North America’s largest amateur kiteboarding event will once again draw kiters from around the globe for a cause that touches all of us. athletes4cancer.org
Fruit Loop Cherry CelebrationOur cherry celebration is a wonderful adventure for the whole family. Farms offer many varieties of fresh-picked and u-pick cherries, wines, lavender, jams, and other cherry treats. Many farms feature picnic areas. hoodriverfruitloop.com
Old Fashioned 4th of July Parade & Fireworks. . . 4CCA Garden Art Show Exhibit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–27First Friday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Second Saturday: WAAAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Movies in the Park @ dusk: Jackson Park (Saturdays) . . . . . . . . . . . . 12, 19, & 26Gem & Mineral Show . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9–13Laser Gorge Blowout: CGRA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102014 Laser Masters Championship . . . . . . . 11–13Traffic Jam—A Car Show: WAAAM. . . . . . . 11 & 12Kiteboarding 4 Cancer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12–13Family Day: History Museum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Fruit Loop Cherry Celebration. . . . . . . . . . . 19 & 2010th Annual Lavenderdaze Festival . . . . . 19 & 20Gorge Outrigger Races . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 & 20Cherry Celebration: Rasmussen Farms. . . 19 & 20Hood River County Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23–26Gorge Dinghy Invitational: CGRA . . . . . . . . . 26–27
July
Events-at-a-Glance
Mic
hael
Pet
erso
n
Spectacular Fun!
Dav
id C
obb
Old Fashioned 4th of JulyParade & FireworksJuly 4
Come celebrate 4th of July in beautiful Hood River, where small town meets fun with a street parade, party in the park, and evening fireworks over the Columbia River. hoodriver.org/events
8 hoodriver.org/events
August
First Friday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1CCA Art of the Wild Exhibit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–30Founder’s Cup Benefit Golf Tournament . . . . . . . 2Movies in the Park @ dusk: Jackson Park (Saturdays) . . . . . . . . . . . 2, 9, 16 & 23Van Gogh Days: Rasmussen Farms . . . . . . . . 2 & 3Blowout Downwind Kiteboarding Race. . . . . . . . 3Swap Meet: CGWA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Families in the Park @ 6pm: Jackson Park (Thursdays) . . . . . . . . .7, 14, 21, & 28Second Saturday: WAAAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Mt. Hood Railroad Tribute Artist Dinner Train . . 9HRYC Double Damned: HRYC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Bridge of the Gods 1/2 Marathon. . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Horse Show & Clinic: HR County Fairgrounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 & 17Fruit Loop Summer Fruit Celebration . . . . 16 & 17King of the Hood: CGWA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Gravenstein Apple Days: Rasmussen Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 & 17Naish Paddle Challenge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 & 24Labor Day Weekend Winery Open House. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30–9/1Swap Meet: CG Windsurfing Assoc. . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Events-at-a-Glance
Van Gogh Days at Rasmussen FarmsCelebrating 70 kinds of sunflowers, this event offers the perfect oppor-tunity to paint, cut, take photos, and enjoy the many colors of summer. Reservations suggested for photo clubs or art groups. From Noon-4pm: enjoy live music, free wine tasting from Hood River Vineyards, a quilt show, vegetable games, and a treasure hunt. rasmussenfarms.com
Families in the ParkFamilies in the Park events occur every Thursday in August from 6-9 p.m. in Jackson Park. Bring a blanket, a picnic and plan to dance the night away to family friendly tunes!
Naish Columbia Gorge Paddle ChallengeAugust 23 & 24
Celebrating the sport of Stand-up Paddleboarding in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge, the Paddle Challenge features a Distance Downwind Race, a Course Race, a Team Relay Race and a recreational, non-competitive Paddle for the Park, (a fundraiser for the new Hood River Waterfront Park). There will be SUP exhibits, free SUP lessons and demos, live music, and more! gorgepaddlechallenge.com (541) 386-6086 • (888) 509-4210
www.bigwinds.com
Come Paddle With Us! We have a huge SUP Rental Fleet on the water and a great lesson program!
2 14
hoodriver.org/events 9
September
72nd Roy Webster Cross-Channel Swim . . . . . . . 1First Friday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Pacific Crest Trail Days . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5–7CCA Pacific NW Plein Air 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–30Salsa Sizzle: Rasmussen Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 & 7Annual Fly-in: WAAAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 & 7Second Saturday: WAAAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Horse Show: HR County Fairgrounds . . . . . . . . . 20Fruit Loop Pear Celebration . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 & 21Pear Party: Rasmussen Farms . . . . . . . . . . . 20 & 21Gorgeous Relay: Historic Hwy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Gorge Kids Triathalon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Echelon Gran Fondo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27Harvest Bike Ride . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2711th Annual Hood River Hops Fest. . . . . . . . . . . 27
Events-at-a-Glance72nd Annual Roy Webster Cross-Channel SwimAt dawn on Labor Day each year, 500 hearty souls board the Sternwheeler Paddleboat to be ferried to the Washington side of the river, where they jump into the Columbia River and swim the 1.1 miles back to the Oregon shore. This exciting event attracts participants from around the world. hoodriver.org/cross-channel-swim
Fruit Loop Pear CelebrationHood River Valley is famous throughout the nation for its wonderful pears. Autumn is the perfect time to take a drive through the Hood River Valley and taste fruit from the largest pear-growing region in the U.S. hoodriverfruitloop.com
11th Annual Hood River Hops FestSeptember 27Noon–9pm
It’s a beer lover’s dream, when fresh-hopped brews from more than three-dozen Northwest craft brewers are on tap at the Hood River Hops Fest. The event showcases Hood River County’s own microbreweries as well as some of the best of the Northwest brewers. An expanded menu of local culinary food, arts and crafts vendors from the Northwest, and a day-long line up of live music guarantees fun for the whole family. hoodriver.org/hops-fest
Mic
hael
Pet
erso
n
918 Oak StreetHood River, Oregon 97031
541.387.2997www.hoodriverbnb.com
10 hoodriver.org/events
October
Pumpkin Funland, Rasmussen Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1– 11/1113th Annual Gorge Green Home Tour . . . . . 3 & 4Second Saturday: WAAAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1232nd Annual HR Valley Harvest Fest . . . . . . 17–19Gorge Fruit and Craft Show . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 & 19Horse Show: HR County Fairgrounds . . . . . . . . . 18Fruit Loop Heirloom Apple Celebration. . 25 & 26Columbia Gorge Marathon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Events-at-a-Glance
Each fall, Hood River Valley hosts an old-fashioned harvest festival with local produce, food products, arts and crafts, wine- and beer-tastings, and all the best our County has to offer. Visitors seldom leave Harvest Fest without boxes of Anjou pears, heirloom apples, pumpkins, berries, flowers and a smorgasbord of prepared foods from pies to jams and smoked salmon to chocolate-covered cherries. With music all day and entertainment in the evening, a kids’ zone, and a food court with local and traditional favorites, this October festival is a must. hoodriver.org/harvest-fest
Columbia Gorge Marathon Experience one of the country’s most spectacular and breathtaking marathons. Begin your run on the historic Columbia River Highway with its colorful fall foliage, pass by waterfalls, and enjoy amazing vistas. Finish your marathon on the banks of the Columbia River!
Gorge Fruit & Craft FairThe Gorge Fruit & Craft Fair features arts and crafts, gourmet food products, fresh fruit and produce, baked goods, wine, jewelry, furniture, plants and flowers, soft goods, and much more—all grown or crafted in Oregon and Washington. hoodriverfair.org
Family Fun!
Michael P
eterson
Phot
o: C
ourt
esy
Bre
akaw
ay P
rom
otio
ns
4956 Baseline Drive, Parkdale (541) 386-1971
columbiagorgemarathon.com
Hood River Valley Harvest FestOctober 17–19Fri: Noon–7pm, Sat: 10am-7pm, Sun: 10am-5pm
hoodriver.org/events 11
November
A Snapshot in Time Exhibit: History Museum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–12/29Winter Squash Weekend: Rasmussen Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 & 2Mt. Hood Independent Film Festival. . . . . . . . .7–9Second Saturday: WAAAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Polar Express: Mt. Hood Railroad . . . . . . . 8–12/28Thanksgiving Weekend Winery Open House. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28–30
Events-at-a-Glance
Pumpkin Fun Land, Rasmussen Farms Visit a wonderful, unique world created with pumpkins, gourds, squash and items conjured up by the staff. See our Corn Maze in the corn field with scenes throughout. U-pick pumpkins, fall deco, and, of course, fall vegetables and fruits. Pumpkin bowling and a covered picnic area. Sunset Magazine noted Pumpkin Funland as a “must see” for fall, and was nationally rated as one of the eleven best places in the USA for Halloween by nickjr.com.rasmussenfarms.com
Mt. Hood Independent Film Fest Enjoying its third year, the Mt. Hood Independent Film Festival offers a variety of films covering many topics—with entries by filmmakers from around the globe. columbiaarts.org
All Aboard The Polar Express where riders will believe the magic this Holiday season!mthoodrr.com
Phot
o: M
icha
el P
eter
son
isto
ck.c
om
Phot
o: C
ourt
esy
Bre
akaw
ay P
rom
otio
ns
2363 Tucker Road, Parkdale (541) 386-1971
12 hoodriver.org/events
December
Hood River Holidays Kick-off Celebration . . . . . . 5Festival of Lights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Second Saturday: WAAAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Last Chance Holiday Bazaar . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 & 14Holiday Open House: History Museum . . . . . . . 27
Events-at-a-Glance
Hood River Holidays Kick-OffDecember 5Holidays Kick off 6-9pm
Looking for small-town charm and great shopping for the holidays? Join us for Hood River Holidays, where the festivities begin with the city’s holiday parade, the lighting of downtown Oak and the city tree, caroling and cocoa, and shopping! After the parade, stay for an evening filled with live music, hot cocoa, and of course Santa. Experience the spirit of the season in Hood River, the “Holiday Town of Oregon.” hoodriver.org/hood-river-holidays
Hood River Holidays‘Tis the season when Hood River, Oregon is the place to be. Known as the “Holiday Town of Oregon,” downtown Hood River is ready again this year to transform into a classic holiday setting. Along the main street, visitors will find beautifully lit holiday trees, decorated storefronts, and lots of unique shopping options—including alpaca clothing, handmade jewelry, and one-of-a-kind arts and crafts. Great
restaurants are available throughout downtown
Hood River, along with local craft beers, and six wine-tasting rooms, all within an 8-block radius.
hoodriver.org/hood-river-holidays
Dav
id C
obb Photo: Michael Peterson
hoodriver.org/events 13
Andrew’s Pizza and Skylight Theater
First-run films, pizza, draft beers,
and local wines.
107 Oak St.(541) 386-1448
Andrew’s Pizza107 Oak Street • (541) 386-1448
Skylight Theater Movie Line109 Oak Street • (541) 386-4888
Yum Fro Yo111 Oak Street
www.Andrewspizza.com
Create a Memory at The Columbia Gorge Hotel & Spa 4000 Westcliff Drive, Hood River, OR 97031
(541) 386-5566 - www.columbiagorgehotel.com
best in category prizes
14 hoodriver.org/events
103 4th Street Downtown Hood River
(541) 387-2454
www.thecrazypeppercantina.com
Happy Hour in our bar 7 days a week. Serving lunch and dinner
7 days a week from 11am–10pm
Pet
er M
arba
ch
Serving breakfast and lunch,
espresso drinks, smoothies, and
beer/wine.
Go local!
310 Oak St. • (541) 386-3000doppiohoodriver.com
hoodriver.org/events 15
-Honeymoon -Romantic Getaway-Bridal Shower -Bachelorette Party-Anniversaries -Wine & Brewery Tours-Family Reunion -Overnight Lodging
Call Now For Reservations: (866) 912-8366 www.columbiacliffvillas.com
EASY TO GET TO - HARD TO LEAVE - IMPOSSIBLE TO FORGET
720 E Port Marina Drive / Hood River, Oregon 97031(541) 386-2000 or (800) 366-3530
hoodriver.org
Hood River County
2014 Visitor Guide
wher
e to
sta
y, sh
op, ea
t, d
rink, and p
lay in h
ood r
iver
cou
nty
, or
egon
New! 2014 Visitor Guide
Cover Photos: Michael Peterson (kiteboarding), Fetchin Fotos (horseback riding)
314/
BB/1
0M