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Memorial Weekend in Wine Country

Posted on: May 14th, 2013 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

Memorial Weekend in Wine Country, a popular annual event in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, returns with many wineries throughout the Washington County participating in this treasured tradition.

Regardless of what the weather may be like here in late May, this winery weekend is sure to be inviting and fun–and no tickets or advance sign-up is needed. Participating wineries are generally open May 25, 26 and 27 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Check individual wineries for extended hours at select spots.

Here’s our rundown of events and offerings, by city,  during this lively weekend:

Beaverton

Ponzi Tasting_John Valls

Photo Courtesy of Ponzi Vineyards; photo by John Valls

Cooper Mountain Vineyards celebrates Memorial Weekend with live music, new releases, tasty appetizers and fantastic views. (Tasting fees: $10-20, includes logo glass)

Ponzi Vineyards will release its 2011 Chardonnay at the Ponzi Historic Estate, and will pull two vintages–produced from Dijon clones–from the library. (Tasting fees: $10/$15)

Cornelius

At Ardiri Winery and Vineyards, one of “10 wineries where the view is as good as the Pinot,” sample wares from local food artisans, as well as its “Vino di Tavola,” back by popular demand.  (Tasting fees: $10)

A Blooming Hill Vineyard is offering wedding anniversary chocolate cake, plus tastings of  its 2012 new releases.  (Tasting fee: $7)

Forest Grove

Apolloni Vineyards is offering tours of its newly opened underground wine cave, complete with barrel tastings! Plus, enjoy handcrafted charcuterie and sandwiches from Olympic Provisions of Portland–available for sampling and purchasing–to enjoy on the patio. (Tasting fee: $5)

At David Hill Vineyard and Winery’s historic farmhouse tasting room, taste a variety of estate-grown wines served in a logo glass to keep and light hors d’oeuvres, paired with live music. (Tasting fee: $10, includes logo glass)

Popcorn from Masala Pop paired with wine marks the Saturday festivities at Montinore Estate. New releases and wine specials will be available all weekend long. (Tasting fee: $10)

Gaston

Elk Cove Vineyards  is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the planting of its highly acclaimed Roosevelt Vineyard with a pouring of the vineyard’s first vintage, a 1996 Pinot Noir.  Elk Cove is opening the vault to additional library tastings, and will have limited bottles available for purchase. (Tasting fees vary)

New wine releases and two generations of Oregon winemaking and hospitality will be celebrated at Kramer Vineyards. (Tasting fee: $10)

Patton Valley Vineyard is featuring a six-wine flight, which includes four newly-released 2011 Pinot Noirs and the anticipated 2012 rosé, paired with stunning views, tasty nibbles and lively conversation. (Tasting fee: $10)

Hillsboro

Freja Cellars is breaking out its 2008 Reserve Pinot Noir, as well as releasing the new 2010 Estate Pinot Noir, paired with breads, cheeses and chocolates. (Tasting fee: $10, including logo glass; tastings are free if you bring your own Freja logo glass)

Don’t miss the opportunity to visit J. Albin Winery, which opens to the public only during special events. Sample the winery’s Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, sparkling wines and small-lot production of Cabernet (a rare find in the north Willamette Valley), paired with delicious cheese from Quail Run Creamery. (Tasting fee: $10)

Newberg

Anam Cara Cellars is unveiling its first unoaked Chardonnay, along with spring releases of rosé, Riesling and its ever-popular Gewürztraminer. (Tasting fee: $10)

Enjoy releases of 2012 whites, 2011 Tempranillo and new releases of Pinot Noir paired with fine meats and cheeses at Raptor Ridge Winery. (Tasting fee: $15; open Friday-Monday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

Sherwood

Alloro Winery Allison George WEB

Alloro Winery; photo by Allison George

Sample a three-vintage vertical tasting of  Alloro Vineyard’s  Estate Pinot Noir, along with newly released rosé, Riesling and Chardonnay, paired with charcuterie. Additional tastings of limited-production Pinot Noir will be available in the barrel room. (Tasting fee: $10; $25 for the library tastings)

Tour the vineyard, taste limited production wines and current releases, including a preview of Sophia’s 2011 Pinot Noir, paired with hors d’oeuvres at Beckham Estate Vineyard’s tasting room and ceramic galley. (Tasting fee: $5; open weekend long, with reduced hours on Monday, 12-4 p.m.)

Blakeslee Vineyard Estate celebrates the opening of its new tasting room! Sample Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling and rosé in a souvenir glass and paired with nibbles. (Tasting fee: $15)

Hawks View Cellars is opening its doors to the public this Memorial Weekend and is releasing its White Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir, paired with a “Grapevine Barbecue.” (Tasting fee: $15; $25 for wine and food; open Saturday and Sunday only, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.)

Quailhurst Vineyard celebrates Memorial Weekend with a Saturday-only event featuring its acclaimed wines paired with hors d’oeuvres, as well as self-guided tours of the historic estate Japanese gardens and dressage demonstrations (weather permitting).  (Tasting/Event fee: $20; Saturday only, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

NOTE: This is not a complete list of Memorial Weekend happenings in Oregon’s Washington County. Be sure to consult our website for a complete list of  all area wineries and wine shops  in Oregon’s Washington County, and visit our Event Calendar for up-to-the-minute events throughout the weekend.

Source: Willamette Valley Wineries Association

For more events and festivals happening in Oregon’s Washington County, please visit our Event & Festivals Calendar.

 

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Two New Bicycling Tour Events Here

Posted on: April 24th, 2013 by Angie Marsh No Comments

The pristine paved roads meandering past vineyards, through valleys and next to farmland in Washington County will be pedaled by cyclists in new organized bike events this summer.

Enjoy a tree-filled backdrop when cycling here. Photo by Kevin Pastores.

Wine, Women & Wheels

Wine, Women & Wheels makes its Washington County debut Sunday, Aug. 4, 2013. Enjoy rest stops at vineyard cellars, lavender fields and herb farms on your choice of a 25- or 45-mile loop. In addition, riders will be treated to music, entertainment and gourmet foods. Professionals will be on the route to provide support for technical problems such as flat tires. Both routes conclude at Hawks View Cellars in Sherwood for a post-ride celebration complete with a gourmet vineyard lunch. Also onsite will be the Wine, Women and Wheels marketplace, offering clothing, products, services and information. For details and registration, visit this Breakaway Promotions page.

Savvy Cycling’s Grand Tour

“Savvy Cycling’s Grand Tour Portland” is Sunday, Sept. 22 to Sunday, Sept. 29, offering varied rides each day. The host hotel is The Grand at Bridgeport in Tigard, which is home base for all rides. Set out each day to ride alongside vineyards, rolling farmland and other picturesque views. Routes are carefully selected by veteran bike tour operator Wayne Broadhag, whom they refer to as the tour’s “Route Master.” His many years of experience as both rider and route designer means he’ll use his expertise to create varied cycling routes for different cycling abilities, with stops highlighting unique and interesting area attractions.

The cost of participating includes daily hot buffet breakfast and one food event. Every night ends with happy hour. A special room rate at The Grand at Bridgeport is available for Tour participants. For details, visit Savvy Cycling.

….And More

Rides returning to the area for summer 2013 include:

Tour de Cure, Hillsboro – July 20
Beaverton, Banks & Beyond – Aug. 24
Harvest Century – Sept. 29

Enjoy the ride!

 

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Migrate to the Tualatin River Bird Festival

Posted on: April 17th, 2013 by Angie Marsh No Comments

Meet an owl up close, discover blooming plants, enjoy live songs about toads and much more at the 2013 Tualatin River Bird Festival event Saturday, May 18.

A Refuge resident, photo by Kevin Welsh

The Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge in Sherwood is hosting this annual medley of free activities celebrating wildlife and wild places. The action-packed day begins with walks from 5:30 to 11 a.m., guided by three staff from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Another option is a “Songbird Hike” from 7 to 9 a.m. by a naturalist from the Backyard Bird Shop. If you’d like to paddle through the Refuge, the Tualatin Riverkeepers are leading a canoe (or kayak) trip from 9 a.m. to noon (advance registration required). Or choose the “Birding 101″ guided walk from 9 to 10:30 a.m.

At 10 a.m. is the “Guided Nature Walk for Kids,” starring bugs, slugs, logs and more. From noon to 1 p.m., the Audubon presents its live bird show, featuring owls, falcons, vultures and more. Following their show on the main stage, the birds and their handlers will be “meeting and greeting” attendees.

The guided walks continue with “Native Plants” at 1 p.m., a family friendly “Discovery Stroll” at 2 p.m., and a “Twilight Talk & Walk” at 6:30 p.m.

Other unique offerings include a live guitar performance by Dave Orleans, who will sing about trees, toads and more, from 2 to 4 p.m. Then at 4 p.m. is the two-hour workshop, “Basic Point-and-Shoot Digital Photography.” This is the only festival event with a fee, which is $10, and requires advance registration.

The day’s ongoing offerings include:
- Kids crafts
- A miniature golf course depicting the lifecycle of salmon
- A scavenger hunt
- A wood carver in action
- Build a bird or bat house, or bee board
- Rod casting

In addition, the Refuge Wildlife Center and Nature’s Overlook store will both be open. Visit the Tualatin River Bird Festival site for all the day’s details.

Magic Tree House Celebrities Coming to Washington County

Posted on: April 4th, 2013 by Angie Marsh No Comments

Jack and Annie are celebrities among the younger set, particularly ages 5 to 8, as adventurers in the Magic Tree House book series. Currently the duo are on their third annual ‘Passport to Adventure Tour’ to 14 U.S. cities aboard their ‘Magic Tree House Express’–lucky for us, their only Oregon stops are both in Washington County!

Enjoy their free magical adventure; a live, theatrical performance with songs–all based on the bestselling Magic Tree House series. Events will also include giveaways and an official Jack and Annie “book stamping,” where the pair will stamp newly purchased or used books (limit one per person).

Their live shows here are:

The stars, Jack and Annie

Sunday, April 7: 2 p.m. at Powell’s Books at Cedar Hills Crossing in Beaverton

Monday, April 8: 4:30 p.m. at Barnes & Noble at Bridgeport Village in Tigard (Visit the Bridgeport Village website to RSVP)

This live reading tour is sponsored by Random House Children’s Books, publisher of Mary Pope Osborne’s beloved Magic Tree House series. Have a great adventure!


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Running Events Take Off: April, May and June

Posted on: April 1st, 2013 by Angie Marsh No Comments

The roads and paths of Washington County are about to be dotted with runners nearly every weekend, all of whom are intent on crossing a finish line.

Several of the spring races tie in to bigger themes, including Mother’s Day and the Festival of Balloons in Tigard. Luckily, there are enough varying lengths and terrain that runners (and walkers!) can decide just where to hit their stride. I think I’ll bask in the glow of the night run; the 5K Twilight Run in Tigard on June 22.

Hit the trails in area running events this spring.

On your marks, get set, go choose one!

The Dirty Du and Dirt Dash
Sunday, April 14
Billed as “two filthy funfests,” this event offers participants a choice of either a duathalon with a 5 mile trail run and 15 mile mountain bike ride; or just the 5 mile trail run “dash.” These are at scenic Hagg Lake. More.

Vernonia Half/Full Marathon
Sunday, April 14
On a course described as “flat, fast and scenic,” participants largely use the Banks-Vernonia State Trail for this half or full marathon. More.

Falcon 15K Relay/10K/5K
Saturday, April 20
Choices abound at this Hillsboro event; there’s a 15K relay race for teams of three people; 15K or 10K run for individuals; a 5K run/walk for individuals; and a 300-meter race for kids age 10 and younger. More.

Earth Day 5K
Sunday, April 21
Celebrate earth day at this 5K run or the kids 1-mile recycle race–all of which are followed by live music, veggie burgers, organic beer and informational booths. The start and finish is at Cook Park in Tigard. More.

Hagg Lake 10K
Saturday, May 5

Choose from a 10K run/walk or a 10.4 mile run/walk around Hagg Lake on a scenic path. Those walking get an early start. More.

Hippie Chick Half & Quarter Marathon
Saturday, May 11
This all-women 13-miler (or 6 1/2, if you prefer) run winds through scenic streets of Hillsboro and rural Washington County. Guests at the Hillsboro Courtyard Marriott can enjoy a free shuttle to the event, as well as a discounted room rate. More.

Friar Trot 5K/10K/1 mile
Saturday, May 18

The 7th annual Friar Trot 10K/5K and fun run/walk winds through Sherwood, and the after party includes breakfast burritos and live music. More.

Rum Run 5k/10K/Kids Tiki 1K
Sunday, May 26

You read it right: a rum-themed run. This course winds through Tigard and Tualatin and at the conclusion, each finisher (over age 21) receives a mojito while enjoying snacks and sounds of the Caribbean. More.

Helvetia Half Marathon/10K/5K
Saturday, June 8
This 13th annual run offers a hilly good time through scenic countryside. Finishers are rewarded with beer and burgers. More.

Tigard Twilight 5K
Saturday, June 23
This 5K Run/Walk is held in conjunction with the annual Festival of Balloons in Tigard, at Cook Park. With a 7 p.m. start time, participants will see hot air balloons glowing at the finish at dusk. Details.

This is just the tip of the running event iceberg–we’ll have additional blog posts summarizing area runs, or check out our 2013 marathons post. In addition, watch for our spring blog post listing all the upcoming bike events!

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Appearing on Stage April – June

Posted on: March 27th, 2013 by Angie Marsh No Comments

The drama ramps up this spring on stages throughout the county. Ranging from a production of “Cats” to “Once Upon a Mattress,” there is an interesting mix of genres, talent and creativity among the playbills. Many tickets are available now; productions are listed in date order below. Choose which audience you’d like to be in!

There’s a whole lot of performing going on locally–much like this production by Broadway Rose Theatre Company.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Friday, March 29 – Sunday, April 14
Hillsboro Artists’ Regional Theatre (HART)

The passion of young love and magic spells are just a few of the elements in Shakespeare’s fantasy world in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” An original adaptation and music bring a fresh approach to this timeless classic, sure to charm audiences.

Always…Patsy Cline
Thursday, April 18 – Sunday, May 19
Broadway Rose New Stage Auditorium, Tigard

A musical tribute  tells the true story of country music legend Patsy Cline’s unlikely friendship with a fan, Louise Seger, cemented by years of letter-writing.  This musical tribute features many of Cline’s timeless songs, such as “Crazy,” “I Fall to Pieces” and “Walking After Midnight.”

Ed Asner as FDR
Sunday, April 21
Pacific University – Taylor Meade Performing Arts Center, Forest Grove

This one-man show takes audiences through FDR’s White House years, including the Great Depression, the steps leading up to World War II and the war itself.  Asner’s portrayal of Roosevelt provides keen insight into FDR’s time as Commander in Chief. He delivers a fearless performance of this dynamic world leader.

Steel Magnolias
Friday, April 26 – Sunday, May 12
Beaverton City Library Auditorium

This Beaverton Civic Theatre production is set in Truvy’s beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana, where all the ladies who are “anybody” come to have their hair done.Wise-cracking Truvy dispenses shampoos and free advice to the town’s rich curmudgeon, Ouiser; an eccentric millionaire, Miss Clairee; and the local social leader, M’Lynn, whose daughter is about to marry a “good ole boy.”

The Importance of Being Earnest
Friday, May 3 – Sunday, May 19
The Stage at Calvin Church, Tigard

The Mask & Mirror Community Theatre has adopted this from the Oscar Wilde original and set it in Georgia, changing the subtitle to “A Trivial Comedy Set in the Serious South.” In this classic Victorian farce, the protagonists maintain fictitious personae in order to escape social obligations.

Rough Crossing
Thursday, May 9 – Sunday, May 26
Bag&Baggage at Venetian Theater & Bistro, Hillsboro

The co-authors, composer and cast of a musical comedy destined for Broadway are trying to both rehearse and finish writing the play while onboard a transatlantic ocean liner. See just how they face their entertaining challenges.

Once Upon a Mattress
Friday, June 7 – Sunday, June 30
Hillsboro Artists’ Regional Theatre (HART)

A whimsical retelling of The Princess and the Pea with song and dance, including the princess as the clumsy but lovable Fred (short for Winifred).  This musical makes a great family outing.

Cats
Thursday, June 27 – Sunday, July 21
Deb Fennell Auditorium, Tigard

Broadway Rose takes on this musical theater phenomenon, featuring the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber.

 

Be sure to check individual listings for showtimes, dates and ticket availability. Enjoy the production of your choice!

 

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Bunnies, Brunch and More for Easter

Posted on: March 19th, 2013 by Angie Marsh No Comments

Easter is appearing in March this year, and whether it’s food or festivities you’re looking for, there are options here. Underwater egg hunt, anyone?

The Easter Bunny has a packed schedule in the area this year. Photo by Frank M., Flickr commons.

Food
Easter Brunch Buffet at McMenamins Grand Lodge
From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Easter Sunday, enjoy a buffet with everything from bagels with lox and cream cheese to maple-glazed all-natural ham. Reservations are required.

Easter Brunch Buffet at Holiday Inn Portland South/Wilsonville
Enjoy lamb, cheesecake and so much more to eat at this buffet from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Easter. The price includes live harp music, an Easter Bunny appearance and egg hunts.

Easter Entertainment
Underwater Egg Hunt
Dive to the depths of the pool at Conestoga Rec Center in Beaverton and hunt for prize eggs. Peter Rabbit will be in the pool as well. Enjoy additional free activities, including an inflatable play structure and crafts. Children must have a parent present, and those younger than age 7 must have an adult over age 18 in the water during the egg hunt. Pre-registration is required.

Spring Egg Hunt & Artisan Bazaar
On Saturday, March 30, enjoy a day of spring fun with handcrafted art, food, spring goodies (including Easter basket fillers) and other wares for sale at the Cedar Hills Recreation Center. Kids can meet the Easter Bunny, color eggs and join in the Easter egg hunt.  Don’t miss out on the tasty pancake breakfast, too!

Spring Egg Hunt
On Saturday, March 30, celebrate Spring, rain or shine, at the Garden Home Recreation Center. Participants are asked to bring their own baskets to fill with eggs and candy. Registration is encouraged but drop-ins are welcome as long as there is space.

Great Westside Family Easter Event
This free event will feature lots of candy and prizes for kids, plus a fire truck, police cars, pony rides, a petting zoo, inflatable bounce houses, games, arts, crafts, pictures with the Easter Bunny and more!  This is at the Washington County Fair Complex in Hillsboro on Saturday, March 30.

Bunny Visit While Shopping
The Easter Bunny is now at Washington Square and will be in residence daily in his Spring Garden in Summit Court, available for visits and photos through Saturday, March 30. Hop on over to meet the bunny before March 28 and opt for the “daffodil special” discount photo package. Also, new this year is the family portrait area, a designated set for a family photo option.

At Cedar Hills Crossing in Beaverton, the Easter Bunny visits on select days. and an Easter egg hunt specifically for the little kids (ages 5 and under) is Thursday, March 28, at 11:30 a.m.

Last, but not least, at Bridgeport Village in Tigard the Easter Bunny will be strolling through the Center Court area, greeting visitors and offering free photo ops (using your own camera), Saturday, March 23 from noon to 2 p.m.

 

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Learning About Bald Eagles & Beavers at the Tillamook Forest Center

Posted on: March 14th, 2013 by Angie Marsh No Comments

The Tillamook Forest Center is crawling with activity this spring, offering free weekend events to explore and learn about bald eagles, beavers, salmon and other forest inhabitants.

Courtesy of the Tillamook Forest Center

Spring events kick off Saturday, March 23:
Bald Eagles – Learn more about these large birds of prey, the incredible nests they build and how they rely on streams and rivers in the forest. Participants will have the option of heading out to a meadow to look for wintering eagles. Program is at 11:30 a.m. (Repeats March 24).
Creature Cabins – Explore where the animals of the Tillamook State Forest reside–including nests, holes, dens and more. Program is at 1 p.m. (Repeats March 24).

Saturday, March 30:
Nature’s Yucky! – Many animals of the Tillamook State Forest have “gross” behaviors, such as the salmon that rot while they’re still alive. Learn more about both the disgusting and intriguing animal traits. Program is at 11:30 a.m. (Repeats March 31).
Browsing for Beavers – The beavers in this forest are always working hard, and have for decades–as they played a key role in Oregon’s earlier years being trapped and traded. Join in a walk along part of the Wilson River to look for gnawing signs of beaver. (Repeats March 31).

Saturday, April 6:
Arbor Week Celebration – Help plant trees, and create tree art and crafts; go on a tree scavenger hunt; and get a tree seed to take home.

The Tillamook Forest Center is located off Highway 6, approximately one hour from Portland, at 45500 Wilson River Highway.

 

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Wine Trail Weekend Coming April 13-14

Posted on: March 12th, 2013 by Angie Marsh No Comments

The North Willamette Wine Trail Weekend returns for a fifth year, April 13 and 14, 2013, pairing Oregon wines and small bites with demonstrations, tours and fun.

The scenery--and wine--are the big draws for the North Willamette Wine Trail Weekend

The scenery–and wine–are the big draws for the North Willamette Wine Trail Weekend

This year, more than 25 wineries are participating–each with special offerings. Wine tasting is standard; here’s just a sampling of their special Wine Trail events:

A Blooming Hill Vineyard:  Learn how Port is made during an interactive tasting panel.

Abbey Creek Vineyard: “Wine marries art” featuring artists of different mediums, as well as catered boxed lunches for purchase.

Apolloni Vineyard:  Tour the new barrel cave while enjoying a Sangiovese tasting. Paninis available for purchase.

Ardiri Winery and Vineyards: Learn what makes wine and chocolate such a decadent pairing.

David Hill Vineyard and Winery:  Meet cookbook author Ivy Manning and discover culinary samples from her book.

Helvetia Vineyards: Taste Columbia River spring chinook pairings and see alpaca knitting, felting and spinning demonstrations.

J. Albin Winery at Quail Run Creamery:  Enjoy farm creamery tours, which will include adorable baby goats.

Plum Hill Vineyards: Plant your own grape plant to take home, and enjoy a live cooking demonstration.

Provincial Vineyards at Smith Berry Barn:  Provincial’s “top 10” Wine Entertaining Tips with take-away help aids

SakeOne: Sample chocolate and saké pairings by Smitten Truffles.

The Tasting Room at 1910 Main: Discover the new tasting room and small independent producers including Gresser Vineyard and Provincial Vineyards

Tualatin Estate Vineyard: Meet furry friends from the Oregon Humane Society, and choose from a lunch option.

 

New this year is an “early bird” breakfast offering. Prior to heading out on the wine trail, start with one of these specials:

1910 Main: An American Bistro (Forest Grove)
8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.  Enjoy the full restaurant menu with 50% off one breakfast entrée for all Wine Trail participants.

Claeys Catering at Abbey Creek Winery (North Plains)
9 – 11 a.m.  Enjoy a breakfast buffet that includes fresh fruit, muffins, savory crepes, chicken sausage and potatoes.  $10 per guest.

Maggie’s Buns (Forest Grove)
7 a.m. – 1  p.m.  Enjoy the full café menu–including the famous cinnamon rolls–with 10% off for all Wine Trail participants.

Each Wine Trail ticket holder will receive a commemorative wine glass from event coordinator, North Willamette Vintners. Tickets are $45 per person, which covers both days, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. A Sunday-only ticket is $30, and designated driver ticket is $10. Buy tickets. Note: Purchase full-weekend tickets by March 31st and receive $5 off using the promotional code NWVPartner.

 

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Luck O’ the Irish

Posted on: February 25th, 2013 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

“If you’re lucky enough to be Irish, then you’re lucky enough.”

Saint Patrick’s Day is nearly upon us. Don’t miss out on this fun slate of events to celebrate this festive holiday weekend.  Wear your green, and raise your glass of green beer and toast to St. Patty’s Day in Oregon’s Washington County. Sláinte!

Friday, March 15 – Sunday, March 17

Clancy’s Family Restaurant in Sherwood will host its 25th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Party all weekend long, featuring local Irish music, bagpipe and drum performances and door prizes. Don’t forget the traditional Irish fare; corned beef and cabbage and Irish stew will be served. Kids are welcome with parents until 9 p.m. Must be 21+ after 9 p.m.

The party doesn’t stop at the Thirsty Lion, which celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with a three-day festival of live music, bagpipers and Irish food specials. The annual “St. Baldrick’s” head-shaving event to benefit Children’s Cancer Research will take place on Saturday and Sunday. Live music starts at 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, all day on Sunday.

Saturday, March 16

It’s not St. Patrick’s Day without a parade, and this year Murphy’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Party will feature local businesses, car clubs, schools, motorcycle drill team and more. The parade will start and end at Hare Field at Hillsboro High School (151 Northeast Grant Street Hillsboro) and the festivities continue with a traditional corned beef and cabbage meal. Parade starts at 11 a.m. Admission is free.

Luckython 2013Kick off St. Patrick’s Day weekend at the Beaverton Farmers Winter Market (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.). Shop for seasonal produce and artisan food products while enjoying live performances from the Sir James McDonald Pipe Band and the An Daire Academy of Irish Dance and more. Admission is free.

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a Luckython run (first race starts at 3 p.m.). Choose from the 5K, 10K, 15K team relay and a 5K “HeadLamp” nighttime run/walk at The Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club. The little kiddies can take part in the “Lil’ Leprechaun Dash,” which starts the evening of events. There’s a pot o’ gold at the finish line, with a full Irish potato bar with all of the fixings.  Registration starts at $30 For more information or to register, visit the Luckython website.

Sunday, March 17

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Irish style at McMenamins Grand Lodge in Forest Grove and Cornelius Pass Roadhouse & Imbrie Hall in Hillsboro. All ages are invited to enjoy live music, bagpipers and leprechauns at this day-long event.  McMenamins’ Irish Stout beer, Irish coffee cocktails, Irish food specials and more will also be available. Admission is free.

The Dublin Pub hosts a day of live music starting at 12 noon. This Irish-themed pub is a St. Patrick’s Day institution, and features 59 beers on tap–including Irish beers. Must be 21+. Cover charge may apply.

Keep St. Patrick’s Day weekend safe, please drink responsibly. 

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