Annual Local Events
The following is supplied by the Reedsport / Winchester Bay Chamber of Commerce.
|
January through March
Whale Watching on the Oregon Coast
One of the most spectacular sights to see on the Oregon Coast is the annual migration of whales. Gray whales are the most frequently spotted as they travel from the cold waters of the Bering Sea to the lagoons of Mexico to breed and give birth. The 10,000 mile round trip is the longest known for any mammal.
In Winchester Bay, scout for the migration at the Umpqua River Whale Watching Station adjacent to the Lighthouse. A viewing platform and interpretive signage was constructed in 1989 through the efforts of local volunteer whale watchers known as the Umpqua River Spyhoppers. |
March
Dune Musher's Mail Run
Dog sled teams from across the U.S. and Canada make the trek over the dunes in a challenging 3-day event. Musher's carry commemorative envelopes that are cancelled at the beginning of the run and again at journeys end. Collectors prize these souvenirs and proceeds help to send an Oregon Musher to the Alaska Iditarod. The stopover in Winchester Bay gives the dogs a chance to rest and is an opportunity for fans to talk to the mushers and see the teams. |
March
Whale watching week
The Umpqua Lighthouse whale watching platform will be staffed with volunteers to help you spot the whales. This begins the northern migration. |
April
Easter Egg Hunt
A great event for kids - prizes found in each egg. |
May - Memorial Day Weekend
Memorial Day Parade
Come and help us celebrate a Memorial Day weekend packed with patriotic celebrations. . For additional information call the chamber office at 541 271-3495 or 800-247-2155. |
June
Oregon Divisional Chainsaw Sculpting Championships
Professional chainsaw sculpture carvers will gather at Rainbow Plaza in Reedsport . Main event is 17 hours of carving large cedar sculptures with daily timed "quick-carve" events. Come and meet the artists. Super sales on carvings, and a great way to spend Father's Day on the coast! |
July 4th
Fireworks Over The Bay
The most spectacular fireworks display on the Coast. Visitors and locals grab a spot, fire up the barbecue or picnic and settle in for a night of fun. A Car Cruise & other events round out your stay. |
July
Ocean Festival
This annual 3-day event is fun for the whole family. This years festival will feature a parade. Shop with over 100 vendors at bazaars in Winchester Bay and Reedsport. In Winchester Bay there is always a fabulous Seafood BBQ and plenty of classic, vintage and muscle cars on display by the Kool Coastal Cruisers.
|
July
Dunefest
This 4-day event draws thousands of ATV enthusiasts to Winchester Bay, the heart of the Oregon Dunes. Events include drag races, and more. In addition to all the action on the sand, you'll find ATV vendor booths, food, music and exhibitions featuring the latest products and vehicles. Some spectacular "show" buggies and quads are also on display and sale.
Find out all the details at this website: www.dunefest.com
|
August
Crab Bounty Hunt
Crabbing is always great fun and the crab is atasty reward, but during the months of August & September, in Winchester Bay, a whopping $10,000 makes crabbing VERY rewarding. Crab are tagged with numbered metal tags. One of those numbers is sealed in the vault of Umpqua Bank. If you register that number before the end of the contest, you win $5,000.
If you register the number on the secret day, you win an dditional $5,000 for a total prize of $10,000!! Information: 541-271-4471 http://www.winchesterbay.org/crab.html
email: wbma@harborside.com |
August
Kool Coastal Nights
The fun starts on Friday with the Tailgate Party, Muffler Rapping Contest, Burnout and Open Header Contest - hope you like LOUD cars and LOTS of smoke!! Saturday the cars are powdered and permed for the Show 'n Shine and Parade of Champions. There's also a Harbor Cruise for those who are nostalgic for the 50's. Bring your favorite gal or guy and shake your stuff at the Street Dance. Don't forget the famous Sea Food BBQ and the Pancake Breakfast. Come Kool off at the coast and enjoy all the HOT cars!
|
August
Smith River Country Fair
Old-Fashioned Family Fun is a tradition at this annual event. Kids love the greased pig chase, chicken scramble, sack race and egg toss. A traditional pit BBQ Beef dinner is served at noon. Giant vegetable contest, exhibits and a raffle round out the day. Parking is limited, so please take the free shuttle to the Smith River site. A free bus runs every half-hour from the Safeway parking lot.
|
September
Salmon Derby
Sponsored by Gardiner/Reedsport STEP (Salmon-Trout Enhancement Program) this event is timed to coincide with the fall Chinook salmon run. Daily prizes awarded for biggest salmon. All local tackle shops have registration forms and rules. |
September
Tsalila
Pronounced Sa-Lee-La, this festival is part entertainment, part education, lots of fun and both free and open to the public. Centered downtown at the Umpqua River and Discovery Center with activities focused on watershed restoration and salmon recovery. A complete traditional Indian village is set up with tribal drumming, dancing, storytelling and demonstrations of flintknapping and other native crafts by the Confederated Tribes of Siuslaw, Coos & Lower Umpqua Indians. Lots of children's activities, food and crafts booths and a traditional alder smoked Salmon dinner. Last year 2000 students from surrounding schools attended the festival. A great event to bring the whole family.
Learn more here. |
November ..... Thanksgiving Weekend
Holiday By The Sea
Merchants in Winchester Bay gussy up their shops, bake up delicious treats, and wrap up some nifty door prizes. Fill your "Dance Card" by visiting each store on the list and receive a goodie bag full of treats. Santa will be available for a photo opportunity with the children the young and not-so-young. A fun time for all.
|
December
Annual Holiday Bazaar
& Gingerbread House Contest
A vast arrary of hand-crafted wares awaits you at the Reedsport Community Building, along with homemade holiday food treats. Kids visit with Santa and the Gingerbread House contest awards prizes for bakers in several age categories.
|
December - January
Whale Watching on the Oregon Coast
One of the most spectacular sights to see on the Oregon Coast is the annual migration of whales. Gray whales are the most frequently spotted as they travel from the cold waters of the Bering Sea to the lagoons of Mexico to breed and give birth. The 10,000 mile round trip is the longest known for any mammal.
In Winchester Bay, scout for the migration at the Umpqua River Whale Watching Station adjacent to the Lighthouse. A viewing platform and interpretive signage was constructed in 1989 through the efforts of local volunteer whale watchers known as the Umpqua River Spyhoppers. |
