The Big Eclipse and The Big Eclipse Activity Book

With the total solar eclipse making its rare appearance on August 21, the event is also an opportunity to teach youngsters about science and astronomy. Baker City author Nancy Coffelt’s The Big Eclipse children’s book and activity book explain the eclipse in a fun and interactive way. Follow animals through the United States as they chase the solar eclipse—and don’t forget to use the protective solar eclipse viewer found in the back of the book when viewing the sun! 

orbitoregon.org

A Plant-Based Summer Favorite

Just in time for summer, Eugene’s vegan ice cream company Coconut Bliss  has released another summer favorite: ice cream sandwiches. These plant-based treats use gluten-free chocolate chip cookies made with hemp seed to smash a scoop of dark chocolate or vanilla ice cream. All of Coconut Bliss’ ice creams are organic, dairy-free, soy-free and vegan. Find them in grocery stores across Oregon.

coconutbliss.com

Ewethful Fiber Farms & Mill

Very few fiber mills exist in Oregon today, and the newest (and smallest) has just sprouted up in the small farming community of Halsey. Restoring a historic downtown building into a storefront, Kim and Mitch Biegler opened Ewethful Fiber Farm & Mill in 2017. This family business provides processing services, sells local fibers and goods, and will soon host classes on spinning, knitting and crocheting.

ewethfulfiberfarm.com

PDX Coffee at Your Door

Joining the trend of curated subscription boxes this year is the Portland Coffee Box, which gathers coffees from local micro-roasters, delivering them to you on a monthly or bimonthly basis. Partners include brands large and small, from well-known Portland Coffee Roasters to up-and-coming Tanager. Though roasted locally, coffees included come from all over the world, accompanied by artisan profiles and tasting notes.

withlovefrompdx.com

Gear Up for Oregon Rodeo Season

Oregon’s rowdy rodeo season kicks off with the St. Paul Rodeo during Independence Day weekend and goes out with a bang at the famous Pendleton Round-Up in September. Mark your calendars to experience Oregon’s historic Western culture this summer.

St. Paul Rodeo, St. Paul    July 1-4

Elgin Stampede, Elgin    July 5-8

Chief Joseph Days Rodeo, Joseph    July 25-30

Farm City Pro Rodeo, Hermiston    August 8-12

Pendleton Round-Up, Pendleton    September 13-16

Oregon Country Fair

Hop on the bus in Eugene and head to the state’s hippiest event, the Oregon Country Fair, July 7-9. What started as a gathering of 3,000 in Veneta in 1969 has grown to a festival of more than 45,000 people clad in tie-dye, flower crowns and body paint. The whimsical three-day event includes art displays, musical performances, craft booths and various parades.

oregoncountryfair.org