Colulmbia River Gorge & Crown Point Courtesy: Travel Oregon

From the kick-off party February 14,2009, celebrating Oregon's 150th birthday, to date, the plans and events grow bigger and grander. What a thrill to think Governor Kulongoski personally presented the 44th president of the United States, Barack Obama, with Pendleton Woolen Mills #44 blanket especially woven to commemorate the state's sesquicentennial birthday. Pendleton, which is also celebrating its 100th birthday this year, has created these numbered, custom blankets representing the state. They have created a muchacho (child's) blanket which also is custom woven and will make a wonderful keepsake gift for any baby born in Oregon this year. To view these special blankets
go to www.pendleton-usa.com.

And the celebrations are just getting started! As Mary Oberst, Oregon's First Lady so aptly put it,
"Like all milestone birthdays---this is a great time to think about where we've been and where we are going. It's time to think about the beauty and the bounty of our home state, and to reemphasize our tradition of civic engagement to maintain that beauty and bounty. And in this economic recession, it is especially uplifting to realize the riches of our state's natural, cultural and historic landscape."

 

Shakespeare Festival-Ashland Courtesy: Travel Oregon

Happenings are planned statewide-counties, towns and organizations are coming together to make this a celebration to remember. Go to www.traveloregon.com/150 for specific locations and events that are happening throughout this Spring, Summer and Fall. For instance, The stage coach run in The Dalles, The Oregon Artists Exhibit at Hamley's during the Cattle Barons' Weekend in Pendleton,
the special Oregon 150 wines, the historic trails and attractions. The Oregon coast, Southern and Central Oregon, The Gorge--all regions have their own special events. Many of the events are fund raisers for their specific community---a chance to give back. And, a chance to introduce the visitor to Oregon's home grown riches.

The I AM OREGONIAN Scavenger Hunt starts April 7 and runs until September 1. Here is your chance to expand your knowledge of the state or explore it for the first time. To play, one must visit and/or participate in five events, and upload a photo of himself as proof of participation. Once the five experiences have been verified, the game player will receive an I AM OREGONIAN certificate signed by Governor Kulongoski. Go to www.traveloregon.com/150 and click on Scavenger Hunt for forthcoming details. There will also be a Grand Oregon Tour winner with special accommodations, food and adventure. The traveloregon/150 site will also help you customize your itinerary and suggest things you may have otherwise overlooked.

Good Luck, Have Fun, and Reap the Benefits of being an Oregonian (if just while you are visiting)

Mt. Hood Courtesy: Travel Oregon

2010

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