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- 🎡 Fair Week Fun, Big News & Summer Vibes in Central Oregon!
🎡 Fair Week Fun, Big News & Summer Vibes in Central Oregon!
Issue #348
🎉 Welcome to Monday’s edition of Central Oregon Local Buzz! ☀️
From community celebrations to breaking news, we’re keeping you in the loop with everything happening across the High Desert. This week, get ready for the Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo, exciting local events, a few crime and fire updates, and plenty of reasons to get out and enjoy these golden summer days.
Stick around—we’ve got stories worth reading and events worth marking on your calendar. Let’s dive in!👇
In this issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…
🤔Local Trivia Wednesdays
🌄Bend, OR Weather
📅 What’s Up Central Oregon?
🎡 Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo
📰Local News - What’s a Happening?
🐴Famed Budweiser Clydesdales to meet the public in downtown Redmond
👶Missing children safely located in Klamath County
📰84-Year-Old Man Missing From Paulina Lake Campground
🏊♂️Bend's McKean misses 100m breaststroke finals cut at Worlds, still set for 50m breaststroke
🚒⛑Fire & Rescue News
⛑️Search Continues for Missing Tuber at Dillon Falls
🚨Crime News
🔪Man stabbed at Bend gas station, suspect still at large
🔥🚔Intentional Riverbank Fires Near Sawyer Park Quickly Extinguished
📰Regional News
🥰Community News
🚰Shepherd’s House Ministries issues urgent plea for bottled water
👮Bend Police Host National Night Out on Aug 5
🛟New life jacket station added at Miller’s Landing Park
📆City of Bend Calendar of Events
🚧 Road Closures & Construction
🔥Central Oregon Fire Info
🔥Only Level 1 evacuation zone remains for the 96,000‑acre Cram Fire
💖Sponsors
😆Today’s Meme
GOOD MORNING

Bend Airport 7.28.25
BEND


SUNRIVER

REDMOND

What’s Up Central Oregon?
Featured Events

🎡 Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo July 30 to August 3, 2025
📍 Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center, Redmond
Hold onto your hats—Central Oregon’s biggest summer tradition is back and better than ever! The 105th Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo promises five jam-packed days of heart-pounding rodeo action, high-flying carnival rides, toe-tapping live music, and finger-lickin’ fair food.
From morning until late into the night, you’ll find something for everyone—whether you’re riding the Ferris wheel, cheering on the NPRA rodeo pros, or grabbing a corndog and fresh-squeezed lemonade on the midway. Kids will love the bounce houses, animal exhibits, and games, while grown-ups can kick back with a cold drink and enjoy free nightly concerts by big-name headliners (included with fair admission!).
🌟 Highlights include:
• FREE Summer Concert Series every night
• Demo Derby madness on Saturday, Aug. 2
• Livestock shows, artisan vendors & 4-H exhibits
• Over 40 carnival rides & classic fair treats
• And yes—the Budweiser Clydesdales are back!
🎟️ General admission gets you into everything—concerts, rodeo, exhibits, and more. Upgrade to VIP concert access for just $10. Parking is free, and kids 5 and under are often free with a voucher.
Don’t miss this once-a-year celebration of everything that makes Deschutes County shine. Grab your boots, your friends, and your appetite—and we’ll see you at the fair!
📅 Events: Bend
🎧 Silent Disco Outdoor Yoga
📍 Hanai Center, Bend
🗓️ Monday, July 28 | 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
🧘 Fitness & Wellness
Flow under the sky with a silent disco headset and energizing Vinyasa session led by SoulTrip.
🔗 Tickets
⚾ Summer Skills Baseball Camps
📍 Caldera High School
🗓️ July 28–31 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
⚾ Sports & Fitness
MacDougall Baseball Training returns with age-specific skills camps. Ages 8–10: $60/day; Ages 11–13: $100/day.
🔗 More Info
🧘♀️ Vinyasa in the Park
📍 Drake Park
🗓️ Wednesday, July 30 | 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
🧘 Yoga & Spiritual
Free-flow Vinyasa with Shapes of Sound under the evening sky in beautiful Drake Park.
🔗 More Info
🛒 Downtown Bend Farmers Market
📍 Brooks Alley, Downtown Bend
🗓️ Wednesday, July 30 | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
🛍️ Market / Family-Friendly
Local produce, artisan goods, and summer vibes at the heart of Bend.
🔗 More Info
🎶 Dispatch with John Butler
📍 Hayden Homes Amphitheater
🗓️ Thursday, July 31 | Doors 4:00 PM, Show 5:30 PM
🎵 Live Music
Two powerhouse acts join forces for a memorable night along the river.
🔗 Tickets
🎵 Caamp with Futurebirds
📍 Hayden Homes Amphitheater
🗓️ Saturday, August 2 | Doors 5:00 PM, Show 6:30 PM
🎸 Live Music
Folk-rock favorites Caamp take the stage with high-energy openers Futurebirds.
🔗 Tickets
🎸 Joe Bonamassa Live
📍 Hayden Homes Amphitheater
🗓️ Sunday, August 3 | Doors 6:30 PM, Show 8:00 PM
🎶 Live Music
The blues-rock legend returns to Bend for an unforgettable guitar-driven night.
🔗 Tickets
📅 Events: Redmond & Nearby
🎡 Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo
📍 Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center, 3800 SW Airport Way, Redmond
🗓️ Wednesday, July 30 – Sunday, August 3 | 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM daily
🎪 Fair & Festival
The 105th annual county fair returns with PRCA rodeo performances, carnival rides, livestock exhibits, live entertainment, craft vendors, and regional food trucks.
🔗 More Info & Tickets (Instagram)
🎶 Music on the Green
📍 American Legion Park, 850 SW Rimrock Way, Redmond
🗓️ Wednesday, July 30 | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
🎵 Live Music
Redmond’s free summer concert series closes out July with Wildland Blues Band—bring a blanket or lawn chair, grab dinner from food trucks, and enjoy the river views.
🔗 Event Details (Travel Oregon)
🎵 Live at the Vineyard: Kolby Knickerbocker
📍 Maragas Vineyard, 15523 US‑97, Culver
🗓️ Monday, July 28 | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
🍷 Live Music
Americana singer‑songwriter Kolby Knickerbocker brings soulful tunes to the vineyard lawn—chairs & tables provided, rain or shine. Wood‑fired pizzas and light bites available.
🔗 More Info (Visit Redmond Oregon)
🎭 Shakespeare at Maragas Vineyard – “As You Like It”
📍 Maragas Vineyard, 15523 US‑97, Culver
🗓️ Friday, August 1 | Gates 6:00 PM, Show 7:00 PM
🎭 Theater
Guerilla Shakespeare Co. stages a playful, outdoor rendition of Shakespeare’s “As You Like It” amid the vines—general admission seating on the lawn.
🔗 Get Tickets (Maragas Winery)
🎨 Downtown Redmond First Friday Art Walk
📍 Historic Downtown Redmond
🗓️ Friday, August 1 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🖼️ Art & Culture
Stroll downtown galleries, boutiques, and cafes during Redmond’s monthly art stroll—enjoy live music, artist receptions, and special shop‑and‑dine promotions.
🔗 More Info (drycanyonarts.org)
🛍️ Redmond Farmers Market
📍 Centennial Park – 725 SW Evergreen Ave, Redmond, OR 97756
🗓️ Fridays | 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
🍎 Farmers Market / Food & Drink / Family-Friendly
Support local growers and makers—fresh produce, artisan crafts, food trucks, live music, and kids’ yoga every week. 🔗 More Info (Redmond Oregon Farmers Market) (visitredmondoregon.com, Redmond Oregon Farmers Market)
🌄 Events: Sisters
🎶 Big Lawn Series
📍 The Suttle Lodge, 13300 US‑20, Sisters, OR
🗓️ Monday, July 28 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🎤 Live Music
Local & touring acts take the lawn at The Suttle Lodge—Dive Bar Theology headlines on July 28.
🔗 More Info (Sisters Oregon)
🍷 Wine on the Deck
📍 The Suttle Lodge & Boathouse, 13300 US‑20, Sisters, OR
🗓️ Tuesday, July 29 | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
🍽️ Food & Drink
Savor local wines paired with seasonal small plates on the deck at The Suttle Lodge—reservations required, $75.
🔗 Reservations (Sisters Oregon)
🧘 Creekside Yoga
📍 The Suttle Lodge & Boathouse, 13300 US‑20, Sisters, OR
🗓️ Friday, August 1 | 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
🧘 Wellness
Unwind with outdoor yoga steps from Whychus Creek, taught by Ulla Lundgren. Mats provided; $25.
🔗 More Info (Sisters Oregon)
🎸 Cheyenne West Band
📍 Hardtails Bar & Grill, 175 N Larch St, Sisters, OR
🗓️ Friday, August 1 | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
🎶 Live Music
Join Hardtails’ free concert series for Cheyenne West’s high‑energy folk‑rock under the stars.
🔗 More Info (Sisters Oregon)
🛒 Sisters Farmers Market
📍 Fir Street Park
🗓️ Sundays, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
👪 Farmers Market / Family-Friendly
Shop fresh produce, artisan goods, and enjoy live music and kids’ activities at this weekly community market in Fir Street Park. 🔗 More Info (Sisters Oregon)
🌲 Events: Sunriver & La Pine
🥏 2025 PDGA Sanctioned Disc Golf Tags
📍 Paulina View Disc Golf Course (La Pine, OR) Map
🗓️ Monday, July 28 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Weekly PDGA‑sanctioned league play—open to all skill levels.
More Info AllEvents
🎨 Crushed Glass & Resin Sun-Catchers Workshop
📍 Lapine Moose Lodge (52510 Drafter Rd, La Pine, OR) Map
🗓️ Tuesday, July 29 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Design your own stained-glass-style sun catcher in this hands-on craft session.
Find Tickets AllEvents
🏈 2025 NFL Flag Football Camp
📍 LaPine Youth Football (15945 Fir Ln, La Pine, OR) Map
🗓️ Wed, July 30 – Thu, July 31 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Two-day camp with drills, games, and NFL swag—register at LaPineYouthFootball.com.
Register AllEvents
🔭 In-Depth Observatory Nighttime Visit
📍 Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory (57245 River Rd, Sunriver, OR) Map
🗓️ Wednesday, July 30 | 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Two-hour guided stargazing session at Oregon’s largest public telescope collection.
More Info Visit Central Oregon
🔭 1-Hour Nighttime Visit
📍 Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory (57245 River Rd, Sunriver, OR) Map
🗓️ Friday, August 1 | 10:45 PM – 11:45 PM
Seek the stars in an intimate, one-hour telescope tour with expert guidance.
More Info SNCO
🛒 Sunriver Saturday Market
📍 SHARC (56888 Overlook Rd, Sunriver, OR) Map
🗓️ Saturday, August 2 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Shop local produce, crafts, and treats every weekend through September.
More Info The Source Weekly - Bend
🛒 Vegetable Man of La Pine Farmers Market
📍 Vegetable Man LaPine (51530 Hwy 97, La Pine, OR) Map
🗓️ Saturday, August 2 | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Seasonal produce and artisan goods from a local La Pine institution.
More Info AllEvents
🐴 Events: Prineville, OR
🎨 Staking Their Claim: Black Homesteaders of Oregon
📍 Crook County History Center (246 N Main St, Prineville, OR) Map
🗓️ Monday, July 28 | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Join Oregon Black Pioneers for an insightful presentation on the lives and legacy of early Black homesteaders in Central Oregon.
More Info A.R. Bowman Museum
🎈 Children’s Quiet Storytime
📍 Crook County Library (300 NE 3rd St, Prineville, OR) Map
🗓️ Tuesday, July 29 | 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM
A calm, cozy storytime session designed for little ones and their caregivers.
More Info Crook County Oregon
🏛️ Crook County Board of Commissioners Public Community Meeting
📍 Crook County Courthouse (300 NE 3rd St, Prineville, OR) Map
🗓️ Tuesday, July 29 | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Residents are invited to weigh in on local issues and upcoming initiatives.
More Info Crook County Oregon
🚐 WorkSource of Oregon Mobile Tech Van
📍 Crook County Library Parking (300 NE 3rd St, Prineville, OR) Map
🗓️ Tuesday, July 29 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Stop by for free career support, résumé help, and tech access on wheels.
More Info Crook County Oregon
🛒 CROP Farmers Market
📍 Stryker Park (NE 4th St & Elm St, Prineville, OR) Map
🗓️ Saturday, August 2 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Local produce, artisan goods, live music and more at this seasonal market.
More Info Crop
🛍️ Events: Madras
📋 MDA Meeting
📍 Madras Chamber (274 SW 4th St, Madras, OR) Map
🗓️ Monday, July 28 | 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Monthly gathering of the Madras Downtown Association—open to all community members.
More Info Madras Downtown Association
🍎 Madras Saturday Market
📍 Sahalee Park
🗓️ Saturdays | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
🛒 Farmers Market / Family-Friendly
Mark your calendar for this vibrant weekly market at Sahalee Park, featuring fresh produce, berries, honey, eggs, teas, handmade soaps, and unique artisan goods. 🔗 More Info (Travel Oregon)
HAVE an upcoming event you want us to FEATURE?
Other Event Sources:
Local News…
Famed Budweiser Clydesdales to meet the public in downtown Redmond

As part of the Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo, the iconic Budweiser Clydesdales will be at Centennial Park on Thursday, July 31 for a 6:00–7:30 p.m. meet‑and‑greet, then parade down Sixth Street under the Redmond Arch at 7:30 p.m. Fairgoers can also see daily demonstrations, all in support of the Folds of Honor scholarship program for military and first‑responder families. KTVZ
Missing children safely located in Klamath County
Three young children—Dale Beaver (2), Isabella Beaver (1) and Ethan Biven (3)—who went missing with their mother from Bend on July 22 were found at a residence in Klamath County after an extensive search led by the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and Oregon State Police. Following calm negotiation, the children’s mother relinquished custody, and all three were turned over safely to the Oregon Department of Human Services.
Public Asked To Help Find 84-Year-Old Man Missing From Paulina Lake Campground In Deschutes County 07/27/25

Leon Lyle Haigh
Deschutes County, OR - The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating a missing elderly man who was last seen at Paulina Lake Campground earlier today.
Leon Lyle Haight, age 84, of Salem, Oregon, was last seen at the family's campsite around 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 27th. He is believed to have wandered off while relatives were away from the campsite. When they returned, they discovered Mr. Haight and his vehicle were gone. The family also noted that a camp axe was missing, and Mr. Haight had previously mentioned they were nearly out of firewood.
Mr. Haight is 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighs approximately 169 pounds, and has a full gray beard, although the most recent photo provided by the family shows him clean-shaven. He has no known medical or mental health conditions, but does have a history of wandering.
He is believed to be driving a silver 2008 Honda Civic 4-door sedan with Oregon license plate 988 DRD. Law enforcement and family have checked the area's roads and access points, but have not located his vehicle. The Salem Police Department also visited his residence in Salem, but he was not found there either.
Mr. Haight's family remains at the Paulina Lake Campground in case he returns. Anyone who may have seen Mr. Haight or his vehicle is asked to contact the Deschutes County non-emergency dispatch at (541) 693-6911.
Bend's McKean misses 100m breaststroke finals cut at Worlds, still set for 50m breaststroke

National champion swimmer Campbell McKean of Bend failed to qualify for the final of the men's 100-meter breaststroke at the world championships in Singapore. He still has at least one more event to compete. McKean, who won the U.S. title in the 50-meter and 100-meter breaststroke, finished the 100-meter heats at worlds with a time of 59.98 seconds, making the cut for the semifinals by 0.01 seconds. McKean’s semifinal time of 59.74 was 15th best, but only the top eight advance to the final. McKean is still set to compete in the 50-meter breaststroke. Preliminaries are set for Monday night, Bend time.
Events from the world championships are being streamed on Peacock.
Fire & Rescue…
The following story is still unfolding and we will post updates as we are made aware of them.
Search And Rescue Efforts Ongoing After Six People Go Over Dillon Falls On The Deschutes River West Of Bend


Search Continues for Missing Tuber at Dillon Falls

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Dive Team continues to search for a missing person swept over Dillon Falls on Saturday. The highly experienced volunteer team has already recovered two victims from the treacherous Class 5 rapids, where three others survived by swimming to shore. Dive Team Coordinator Kevin Rank emphasized the extreme danger of the area, noting strong currents, debris, and poor visibility ranging from six feet to just six inches. Using sonar mapping, underwater drones, and safety protocols, the team is committed to recovering the final victim—working carefully and tirelessly until all safe search areas have been covered. Central Oregon Daily News
Crime News…
Man stabbed at Bend gas station, suspect still at large

On the evening of July 25, a 33‑year‑old Bend man was stabbed in the arm at the ARCO station on South Highway 97. Bystanders and responding officers provided life‑saving care, and the victim remains in stable condition at St. Charles Medical Center. The suspect—an adult male with chest and arm tattoos, short brown hair and a mustache—fled the scene and remains unidentified as the investigation continues.
Intentional Riverbank Fires Near Sawyer Park Quickly Extinguished

Late Saturday night, Bend Fire crews responded to two small, intentionally set blazes on the west bank of the Deschutes River near Sawyer Park—one roughly 20×20 ft, the other 5×5 ft—and, despite challenging access, had both fully out by 1:30 a.m. No property damage was reported. The Bend Police Department has taken one person into custody in connection with the incident, and potential charges are pending as the investigation continues. Central Oregon Daily News
Regional News…
Community News…
Shepherd’s House Ministries issues urgent plea for bottled water
Amid daytime highs in the 90s, Shepherd’s House Ministries launched its “A Place at the Table” campaign, calling for donations of bottled water (cases or pallets) and financial contributions to support unhoused neighbors facing dehydration. Drop‑off points are at 1854 NE Division St in Bend and 1350 S Hwy 97 in Redmond, with funds also accepted online to provide meals, outreach services and shelter.
Bend Police Host National Night Out on Aug 5

The Bend Police Department invites the community to its annual National Night Out on Tuesday, August 5, from 4–8 p.m. at Bear Creek Elementary School (51 NE 13th Street).
This free, family-friendly event aims to build positive connections between residents and local law enforcement. Attendees can enjoy food, music, lawn games, face painting, a bounce house, and demonstrations from the K9 and drone units. Kids and adults alike can check out police and fire vehicles, including a patrol car, BearCat, and fire engine.
A sensory-friendly hour will kick off the event from 4–5 p.m., with quieter music and reduced lighting, along with sensory support kits provided in partnership with the Central Oregon Disability Support Network.
Event link: Bend Police Facebook Event
New life jacket station added at Miller’s Landing Park

The Bend Park and Recreation District has added a new life jacket loaner station at Miller’s Landing Park. Free life jackets are available at multiple sites to help river users stay safe this summer.

BendRedmond | Deschutes County |
Only Level 1 evacuation zone remains for the 96,000‑acre Cram Fire
Jefferson County authorities have lifted all Level 2 (GET SET) and Level 3 (GO NOW) evacuation orders on the Cram Fire—which has burned nearly 96,000 acres—leaving only a small perimeter under Level 1 (GET READY). Road closures persist for residents and fire personnel as mop‑up operations continue; containment sits at 77 percent
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