Well its that time of year again, the time of year when we choose to go through the annual calender and re-cap the events we have all enjoyed last year and expect to see again in the next. I know some of you use this as a master reference calender, just remember that specific details are subject to change and you should call first before making exact plans.
In early March we can all look forward to enjoying the Annual Storytelling Festival. This two day weekend even includes an chance for amateur story tellers to have access to the open microphone as well as expert story tellers to entertain us all. Saturday is a little more formal with a national storyteller providing the entertainment. Both nights have music, food, and fun.
Saturday before Easter Sunday there is always the Brownsville Easter Egg Hunt at Pioneer Park. This is a great time for everyone of all ages and specific events are planned for all of those that are 12 and under. For more information contact the Central Linn County Recreational Association.
Early May we have the Carriage Me Back community immersion drama where we recreate the entire feel for a chosen year in the past pioneer history of Brownsville. This includes full costumes that are authentic to the time as well as food, commerce, and reenactments. This is a fun time for all and is sponsored by the Linn County Historical Museum.
The Pioneer picnic is always around mid June and is in fact a piece of history in and of itself. This picnic is the oldest continuing regular event in the state and has its roots dating back to 1887. It was originally a reunion for the pioneers of the Oregon trail but over time transformed itself into a Brownsville tradition with entertainment, games, and fun for everyone. This is a wonderful event that has something for everyone including a logger jamboree, horse shows, entertainment and more.
Of course the Fourth of July is always a great time to be had in Brownsville. It starts with the annual Pioneer Park Pavilion pancake breakfast served up by the local volunteer firemen and goes into the night with a wonderful fireworks display, community barbecue, and live music. If you plan to attend be certain to check with the Pioneer Parks department for details.
Mid July we give everyone a chance to empty their garages and storage units with the citywide garage sale. This is a great time for all and brings in antique buyers and speculators from across the state as people hunt for those secret treasures that historic Brownsville is known for having. Of course the entire sale encompasses all types of items, but you never know what someone might pull out given this town’s history.
Toward the end of July there is always some fun to be had by coming out to the United Kingdom International dog agility trials. It is an exciting and fun time as the community gets together to watch the top breeders and anyone with a trained dog have their agility tested and rated on a competitive scale. If you are a dog lover this is a must attend event.
The end of July also brings the annual Calapooia Food Alliance benefit with wine tasting from Marks Ridge winery. It’s held at the Sanctuary at Washburn Heights and includes cider, food, and dancing. this is a special evening and you can get more details by contacting the Sanctuary at Washburn Heights on Washburn Heights Drive in Brownsville.
The beginning of August brings the annual antique fair. This even brings collectors from all surrounding areas because of the vast number of participating dealers, vendors, and display booths. The day also includes a classic car show, food, music and fun. All of this is held at Pioneer Park.
If you like Country Music then you will love the Bi-Mart Willamette Country Music Festival. This is the states fastest growing Country Music even and it is all held in historic Brownsville. The overall event is held as a benefit to the TributetoFallenSoldiers.com organization. For more information see their website.
September we are back to dog loving activities with the Eugene Kennel Club dog show in Pioneer park. This annual event includes dog shows, vendors, food and dog information. It is an all weekend event and is a lot of fun for everyone that loves dogs.
May through the end of October there is a wonderful and growing tradition of a Framer’s Market every Saturday from 9-12. It is operated by the Calapooia food Alliance and is a great place to get fresh vegetables, produce and flowers and at the same time support your local community. Come out one Saturday and find what your local farmers are producing.
Let’s not forget the Croquet season between June and September at the Calapooia Croquet Court. Every year is different as many members of the community participate in different competitions and leagues of competitive croquet. It is a lot of fun and all of the equipment is provided.
Early November there is the formal tea benefit at the Moyer House. This tea is a fund raiser for the Moyer House restoration fund and includes music, a silent auction, raffles, and of course a formal tea. This is a time of elegance and learning as well as a time to support our world class historical Moyer House.
In early December there is the festival of trees that highlights Christmas as well as samples of what to expect for Christmas from the various shops and restaurants of Brownsville. Of course there are carolers and musicians and even likely a few chestnuts roasting on an open fire. This is a wonderful way to kick of the holiday season.
Which leads to the last regular event and that is the Moyer House Christmas. Each year the Moyer House is fully decorated for Christmas and is opened up as an open house to the community. It is always fun to drop by and see the ways in which the Moyer House has recreated the beauty of past Christmases with wonderful decorations in this historical treasure.
Well that’s it for the regular events that all of us expect each year. It is very important to check for specific dates and times for each event and it is a perfect reminder that Brownsville is a very active community where there is always something happening. If you ever want to get involved, volunteer, or participate in any of the programs feel free to contact the sponsoring organization. There is always room for more people, fun, and friends in making Brownsville a dynamic and flourishing place to live.
New studies in Oregon suggest that more people than ever are deciding that now is the time to stop smoking. With smoking claiming more and more figures each year in the death toll, Oregon as a whole seems to finally recognize the dangers of smoking and putting out their cigarettes. Imagine finally being able to breathe in deeply and enjoy that crisp Oregonian air. There’s a new product on the market that wants to help you get there. It’s called the electronic cigarette. The electronic cigarette, science’s newest way to curb your cravings, offers real nicotine and smoke with the feeling of holding something in your hand to fill the need to take a drag. Sold in convenient cases, the electronic cigarette starter kit has all of the accessories and nicotine cartridges you need to get started. 
