Culture

Traditions & Festivals

Bring Home Holiday Traditions & Festivals from Around World

As soon as the season shifts, families across Central Oregon turn their attention to the upcoming holidays—Thanksgiving and Christmas in particular. While both holidays are beloved by many, there is a multitude of lesser-known vibrant celebrations that take place around the world during the colder months.

By Annette Benedetti Nov 16, 2021

Bookshelf

Recommended by Paige Bentley-Flannery, Community Librarian at Deschutes Public Library

I Like the Snow by Sarah Nelson, illustrated by Rachel Oldfield

By Paige Bentley-Flannery Nov 16, 2021

Food Is Love

This holiday season, celebrate stress-free meals!

The holidays are a treasured time of gathering and appreciation for family and friends, often surrounded by food. In every culture and tradition, food is used to show love, feed a hungry soul or give thanks to how far we have come.

By Natasha Dempsey Nov 16, 2021

Senior Moments

Central Oregon's Council on Aging helps bridge the generation gap

"Inter-generational interaction is the best gift we can give, to the young and to the old." That's the advice of Central Oregon's Council on Aging communications director Denise Labuda for anyone looking for a way to reach out this holiday season.

By Elizabeth Warnimont Nov 16, 2021

Doing Our Part

Central Oregon Businesses Support Zero-Waste Trends for a Brighter Future

ANew York woman named Lauren Singer once managed to fit four years' worth of trash into one 16-ounce mason jar. Although that ecological feat may seem utterly daunting, there are numerous ways to get started on a path to zero waste.

By Nicole Blume Aug 20, 2021

Bookshelf

Rosie Rides The River

Rosie Rides The River By Niki Rainwater, Illustrated by Taylor Blacklock Last summer, during the height of the pandemic, Bend resident Niki Rainwater stepped away from her job as a kindergarten teacher and turned her focus to a lifelong dream of writing a children's book.

By Niki Rainwater Aug 20, 2021

Fall Family Events Are Back!

Here's What Not to Miss

There is no better way to welcome fall with your crew than by attending Central Oregon's family-friendly happenings. With COVID restrictions finally lifted, we are seeing some of our favorite annual (and new) events show up on the region's calendar again.

By Annette Benedetti Aug 20, 2021

Meet Deb Schoen...

Bend Park & Recreation Board Member

Believing in the transformative power of a strong park and rec system, Deb is a devoted advocate of parks for all. After enjoying a lengthy and rewarding career in park and recreation, she remains involved with the National Recreation and Park Association.

Aug 20, 2021

Summer Is Here

Get Grilling for the Health of it.

Who doesn't love a barbeque? Firing up the grill in the early evening, watching the kids play outside, anticipating a delicious meal that doesn't heat up the house can only be a win-win for everyone.

May 26, 2021

River Raiders

Local trio retrieves lost items while cleaning up the Deschutes

There's nothing quite like floating the Deschutes River in the summertime. Whether traveling by kayak, canoe, paddleboard or inner tube, Bendites love to wind their way down the glorious river come late May. Floating the Deschutes is arguably the city's primary pastime, and according to the Old Mill District website, there are "an estimated 250,000 boaters, paddlers, floaters and swimmers using the Deschutes River every year."

By Nicole Blume May 26, 2021