This year, Oregon writers of all ages have the opportunity to have their work recognized. On June 1, Central Oregon Writers Guild (COWG) began accepting entries for its annual Harvest Writing Contest. With the contest heading into its ninth year, the guild decided to make some changes and is inviting writers 18 years and younger […]
Annette Benedetti
“A Community of Artists” Gives Back to the Local Art Community
Central Oregon is a region rich with artistic talent, and now visitors to the area will be able to browse the work of local creative types in a new 64-page catalogue. Sisters Folk Festival (SFF) recently launched “A Community of Artists,” a new print publication featuring 100 artists who work in a wide variety of […]
Bend Burlesque & Hot Summer Nights
Summer nights in Bend are about to get hot. On July 1, Bend Burlesque Company will celebrate summer with a new show that will have audience members fanning themselves for relief. Aptly named “These Coming Summer Nights,” the production promises to titillate, thrill, and delight with 11 entertainers, multiple acts, and live music by local […]
Chucks in Public Places
The farmers hate them, the ranchers want them gone, but the kids just can’t get enough of the furry little guys. Regardless of how the residents of Redmond feel about rock chucks, no one can argue that their prevalence makes them the perfect mascot for the Redmond community, which is why they were chosen as […]
Mt. Bachelor Riverhouse Jazz
With Mt. Bachelor and Smith Rock just a short drive a way—and an excess of lakes, hiking trails, and high desert forest areas to explore—Bend is a dream come true for the active, athletic, and outdoorsy. While nature enthusiasts flock to the area from all over the U.S. for camping, climbing, and skiing, Bend has […]
Waterston Desert Writing Prize Ceremony Honoring Literary Excellence and the Desert
On June 28, the High Desert Museum will host the Waterston Desert Writing Prize Ceremony, where the works of one winner and two finalists will be honored. The award recognizes excellence in writing as well as the role deserts play in the ecosystem and the human narrative. The Waterston Desert Writing Prize is inspired by […]
Bite Week
Synonymous with fine dining and craft spirits, it’s no surprise that Bend is home to Central Oregon’s largest food festival, the Bite of Bend, which runs June 17-19. This well-attended community event attracts foodies for three days of feasting and playing, featuring 40 food vendors, a bartender brawl, a beer run for the grown-ups, and […]
The 20Time Project
Erin Carrol spends her weekdays teaching a standard English lit class to high school seniors attending Summit High in Bend. “These aren’t necessarily 4.0 students, but that doesn’t mean they are less than exceptional,” she says. To prove her point she implemented a yearlong classroom assignment called The 20Time Project. The results were convincing. Created […]

