In this Issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia Wednesdays

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 What’s Up Central Oregon?

 🐾 Stars, Stripes, and Wagging Tails: Bend’s Beloved Pet Parade Returns July 4th

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

🚙Central Oregon taphouse transforms empty space into RC car track

🚫🎆 Redmond Bans Fireworks After July 4

 🌌 Deschutes County to Hold Hearing on Outdoor Lighting Rule Changes

🚴‍♂️ Oregon State Parks Expands E-Bike Access

🚒⛑Fire & Rescue News…

🚨Crime News…

🚨 Illegal Immigrant Living in Culver Faces Federal Charges in Child Exploitation Case

📰Regional News…

🥰📰Community News…

📆City of Bend Calendar of Events

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

🔥Central Oregon Fire Info

🏘 Real Estate News

🏘📊Central Oregon Market Report by Reed Melton

🌞 Porch Perfect: Create a Central Oregon Outdoor Oasis This Summer

😍Sponsors

😁 MEME of the Day

✅ Answer: A) Juniper Park

🎆 Expanded Answer:
Before fireworks lit up the sky from Pilot Butte, Bend’s 4th of July celebrations often centered around Juniper Park. In earlier decades, locals would gather there for a more modest fireworks show—often launched from nearby fields or even ground-level setups. It wasn’t until the early 1980s that the Bend Fire Department and community volunteers began organizing the now-iconic summit show from Pilot Butte, offering better visibility and a dramatic skyline backdrop. Today, it’s one of the largest and most visible fireworks displays in Central Oregon.

Good Morning!

BEND

Sisters

Redmond

Prineville

What’s Up Central Oregon? 

 🐾 Stars, Stripes, and Wagging Tails: Bend’s Beloved Pet Parade Returns July 4th

One of Bend’s most cherished Independence Day traditions is back: the 4th of July Pet Parade will once again wind its way through downtown Bend on Friday morning, bringing a delightful mix of dogs in tutus, goats in patriotic hats, ponies with braids, and kids with leashes and smiles.

The parade kicks off at 9:30 a.m., with check-in and lineup beginning at 8:30 a.m. in Harmon Park. Participants—both two- and four-legged—will stroll through the neighborhood, ending at Drake Park, where thousands of spectators traditionally gather to cheer on the creatively costumed crowd. This year, the start time has been moved 30 minutes earlier to help pets and people beat the mid-morning heat.

First held in 1924, the Pet Parade is now in its 101st year, offering a sweet and slightly silly slice of small-town charm. The event is free and open to all, and no registration is required. All animals must be leashed or safely contained—dogs are the most common participants, but organizers regularly welcome llamas, ferrets, chickens, and even the occasional pig. Stuffed animals are welcome too, often proudly pushed in decorated wagons or strollers.

Spectators are encouraged to come early, bring water, and find a shady spot along the route. ADA parking and accessible viewing areas are available, and food vendors will be set up in Drake Park after the parade.

Whether you’re marching or watching, the Pet Parade promises a feel-good start to Bend’s busy 4th of July festivities.

👉 More details available at Bend Parks & Rec

READ ONLINE

Bend

🎶 Lake Street Dive
📍 Hayden Homes Amphitheater – Map
🗓️ Wednesday, July 2 · 7 PM
Indie-soul favorites Lake Street Dive bring live music and family-friendly vibes to Bend’s scenic amphitheater.
🎟️ Tickets & Info (bendsource.com, bendconcerts.com)
Live Music · Family-Friendly

 🎸 Munch & Music: Boss Mortgage Stage
📍 Drake Park – Map
🗓️ Thursday, July 3 · 5 PM–9 PM
Free weekly concert series featuring live local music, food vendors, artisan booths & a kids’ zone.
🎟️ More Info (visitbend.com, en.wikipedia.org, us.trip.com)
Family-Friendly · Music · Food & Drink

🎥 Outdoor Movie Night: “The Super Mario Bros. Movie”
📍 Riverbend Park Pavilion – Map
🗓️ Saturday, July 5 · Dusk (~8:30 PM)
Bring chairs, blankets & snacks for this free, riverside family movie screening under the stars.
🎟️ More Info (visitbend.com, visitbend.com)
Family-Friendly · Movies · Outdoor

🎷 Live Jazz at Café des Chutes
📍 25 NW Minnesota Ave – Map
🗓️ Sunday, July 6 · 2:30 PM–4 PM
Relax on the café patio with smooth jazz from the Michelle Van Handel Trio—perfect weekend vibe.
🎟️ More Info (en.wikipedia.org)
Live Music · Arts · Coffee Culture

 Redmond

🎉 Redmond 4th of July Parade
📍 Downtown Redmond – Map
🗓️ Friday, July 4 · 10 AM
Celebrate Independence Day with floats, marching bands, local businesses, and community pride downtown.
🎟️ More Info
Event Type: Holiday · Community

Sisters

🎆 Sisters 4th Fest
📍 Village Green Park – Map
🗓️ Friday, July 4 · 7:30 AM–12 PM
Old-fashioned Independence Day celebration with music, food trucks, kids’ activities, contests, and hometown charm.
🎟️ More Info
Event Type: Holiday · Family-Friendly

🧵 Quilter’s Affair Workshop Kickoff
📍 The Stitchin’ Post – Map
🗓️ Monday, July 7 (preview day) – July This one is just outside your window, but feel free to preview the Quilter’s Affair workshops starting early next week.
🎟️ More Info
Event Type: Arts · Workshops 

La Pine

🤠 2025 La Pine Rodeo
📍 La Pine Rodeo Grounds – Map
🗓️ Friday, July 4 · 6:30 PM–11:30 PM
The “Greatest Little Rodeo in Oregon” kicks off with rodeo events, live concert, and fireworks—$25 General Admission, $20 Kids/Seniors.
🎟️ More Info & Tickets
Event Type: Holiday · Family-Friendly · Rodeo

🎇 La Pine 4th of July Fireworks
📍 Meadow west of Hwy 97/S Third Street – Map
🗓️ Friday, July 4 · 10 PM
Community fireworks show as part of Frontier Days—gather family and friends for a festive evening sky.
🎟️ More Info
Event Type: Holiday · Community

Prineville

🎪 Crooked River Roundup Rodeo
📍 Crook County Fairgrounds – Map
🗓️ Monday, June 30 (Open Riding Frontier) & July 5 private rodeo event
Experience bull riding, horse shows, livestock events, and family fun at the iconic fairgrounds.
🎟️ Check schedule & tickets via fairgrounds site
Event Type: Rodeo · Family-Friendly · Outdoors

🌆 City Council Meeting
📍 Prineville City Hall – Map
🗓️ Tuesday, July 8 · 6 PM (planning session)
Stay informed on local governance, zoning updates, and community planning decisions.
🎟️ Public meeting—no tickets required
Event Type: Civic · Community

Madras

🚗 CRR 4th of July Celebration & Parade
📍 Crooked River Ranch – Map
🗓️ Friday, July 4 · 6 PM
A hometown parade celebration featuring floats, live music, and community spirit—family-friendly kickoff to the evening.
🎟️ More Info
Event Type: Holiday · Community

🎆 Madras 4th of July Fireworks
📍 Madras High School – Map
🗓️ Friday, July 4 · 10 PM
Nighttime fireworks show at the high school—weave in patriotic celebrations to close out the holiday.
🎟️ More Info
Event Type: Holiday · Community

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Local News…

🚙Central Oregon taphouse transforms empty space into RC car track

Central Oregon Daily News Staff

A Central Oregon taphouse had some unused space and came up with a different idea for how to use it. Over the Edge Taphouse has turned it into an remote control race car track.

"And we were talking to our friends a couple months ago and found out that they have over 20 RC cars. And, we didn't know anything about this hobby until we started talking to them. And they looked at this space and said, 'Let's build a track,'" owner Lynnelle Morgan said. "And so they worked on it for about two months. Our friends have and we have a couple of events coming up. July 19, that's our swap and crawl. You can rent a table, bring a table, rent a table, bring your RC stuff and do a swap meet here."

The track includes plenty of off-roading opportunities for those with monster RC vehicles. The taphouse will be opening its track on July 5 for people to come and test it. To use the track during the swap meet there is a fee of around $5.

Over The Edge is located at 13959 SW Commercial Loop.

 🚫🎆 Redmond Bans Fireworks After July 4

🔥 Due to extreme fire danger, Redmond City Council unanimously approved an emergency declaration banning all personal fireworks use starting July 5 at 12:01 a.m. The sale of fireworks is still allowed, and the public show at the Fairgrounds is still on.

⚠️ The move comes after several recent fires—including one sparked by fireworks in Dry Canyon.
💬 Officials urge residents to hold off on personal fireworks for now and help keep the community safe.

💸 Fines:
• $500 for using fireworks after July 4
• $1,500+ for illegal fireworks use

📧 Report fireworks (non-emergency): [email protected]
📞 Do not call 911 unless it’s a true emergency.

 🌌 Deschutes County to Hold Hearing on Outdoor Lighting Rule Changes

In an effort to protect Central Oregon’s night skies, the Deschutes County Planning Commission will host a public hearing on Thursday, July 10 at 5:30 p.m. to consider updates to outdoor lighting rules.

🔦 Proposed changes include:
• Simplifying code for responsible lighting
• Updating outdated terminology
• Aligning with Dark Sky International best practices
• Clarifying exemptions for certain fixtures and facilities

📍 The hearing will be held in person at the Barnes Sawyer Room, 1300 NW Wall St., Bend, or virtually.
📲 Details and login info: www.deschutes.org/meetings

Community feedback is encouraged to help shape the final ordinance.

🚴‍♂️ Oregon State Parks Expands E-Bike Access

E-bikes are now allowed on most Oregon State Park trails where traditional bikes are permitted, unless specifically posted otherwise. They're also allowed on wet sand along the ocean shore, except in restricted or protected areas.

Updated rules clarify where e-bikes are prohibited, outline safety expectations, and apply to Class 1, 2, and 3 e-bikes only. Riders are urged to yield to others, keep speeds low, and stay on designated trails.

📍 Full list of restrictions and safety tips available in the full story.

Fire & Rescue News…

Crime News…

🚨 Illegal Immigrant Living in Culver Faces Federal Charges in Child Exploitation Case

A 25-year-old Culver resident is facing federal charges for allegedly coercing and sexually abusing a minor in both Oregon and Washington, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Leonias Juber Ramos-Garcia was formally charged with coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity, as well as traveling with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct.

Federal prosecutors allege Ramos-Garcia first met the minor at a Jefferson County business in 2024. In February 2025, he reportedly gave the minor a note that included cash and expressed romantic feelings, which investigators say led to sexual encounters at hotels in Central Oregon and Washington state.

Ramos-Garcia, identified by authorities as a Guatemalan national living in the U.S. without legal documentation, was arrested Tuesday in Culver. He made his initial court appearance on Wednesday and remains in federal custody.

Regional News…

Community News…

 City of Bend Events

Friday’s

Real Estate News…

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Central Oregon Market Report | July 2, 2025

by Reed Melton

 Activity was steady again this week, while inventory levels remained flat or declined across Central Oregon. With the Fourth of July on Friday and a long weekend ahead, it is not surprising that some sellers may have pulled back until after the holiday break. The interesting thing to watch will be whether inventory growth continues once activity picks up after the holiday, or if it continues to decline. A flattening or decline would be a relatively early transition to fewer listings compared to past years. However, very little about our housing market has been following typical trends lately.

The Deschutes County inventory of single-family homes this week remains unchanged at 1,543. Pending sales also remain unchanged from the previous week at 80, with an average list price of $936,677 and an average reduction before finding a buyer of -7.37%. Thirty-two more homes closed this week than the previous week for a total of 96 sales at an average of $810,126, and an average reduction below the list price of -5.56%. There were 1,606 single-family sales year-to-date in 2024 in Deschutes County compared to 1,611 this year. The average sale price increased from $850,422 to $870,798, while the median sale price decreased $1,135.

Crook County inventory decreased by three to 236 single-family listings. After a slow previous week, pending sales jumped seven to nine with an average list price of $729,311, and an average price reduction before securing a buyer of -6.67%. Closed transactions increased by four to twelve, with an average price of $665,900 and an average price reduction of 3.38%. Year-to-date sales in 2024 were 202, compared to 182 this year. The average sale price increased from $539,619 to $587,813, while the median sale price decreased from $464,997 to $434,900.

Jefferson County inventory this week is 121, a decrease of one from the previous week. One more pending sale than last week brings this week's total to five, with an average sale price of $346,760, and an average price reduction of -12.88%. There were four closed transactions, with an average price of $480,975 and an average price reduction of 18.24%. The price reduction percentages are striking, attributable to two pending sales: one dropping the list price from $600k to $540k, and another from $300k to $225k. One closed sale had an original list price of $795,000, was dropped to $650,000, and ultimately closed at $550,000. The further from the core of Central Oregon, the more the market is impacted by increased inventory and competition, even though these dynamics are in play throughout much of the market below $1 million. Year-to-date sales in Jefferson County increased by sixteen to 130, while the average sale price decreased from $466,192 to $447,883, and the median sold price decreased from $432,250 to $402,450.

In last week's Luxury Market Report, I compared the year-to-date sales between properties sold above and below $1 million. There is a clear difference as the high-end market has increased sales and rising prices, while homes under $1 million are moving in the opposite direction. In the data above, the rising average sale price in Deschutes and Crook Counties indicates that more expensive homes are selling. In contrast, the decreasing median sale price suggests that a greater number of homes are selling at lower price points. In Jefferson County, the increase in lower-priced sales and lack of high-end inventory have brought both numbers down. The increase in inventory is arguably a positive development for the market as a whole. It has created a very slight buyer's market, helping to offset the impacts of interest rates stuck near seven percent. However, the national average for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage this morning sits at 6.67%, the lowest since October 2024. With pending sales activity remaining steady, inventory growth closing in on the seasonal peak, and mortgage rates decreasing, I anticipate steady activity once buyers re-engage the market in earnest after the Fourth of July lull. 

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Active Listings

🌞 Porch Perfect: Create a Central Oregon Outdoor Oasis This Summer

Summer in Central Oregon means long, golden evenings, cool high-desert breezes, and the perfect excuse to turn your porch or patio into an outdoor retreat. Whether you're hosting barbecues, enjoying quiet mornings with coffee, or just trying to maximize your living space without a remodel, here are some ideas to make your outdoor space shine — and last through the seasons.

🪑 Durable, Comfortable Seating

The key to a porch you’ll actually use? Comfortable seating. Look for weather-resistant furniture made from teak, aluminum, or polywood — all great choices for Bend’s fluctuating temps and high UV exposure. Local tip: Patio World in Bend or Bend Furniture & Design both carry stylish, durable options that fit our Central Oregon lifestyle.

🕯 Lighting for Ambiance & Function

Solar lanterns, string lights, and LED path markers can transform your space from functional to magical after dark. Want something energy efficient? Check out Structure & Tree in Bend for solar lighting options and warm-weather lighting solutions.

🌿 Native Plants for Effortless Greenery

Container gardens are perfect for patios, and native plants like lavender, penstemon, and ornamental grasses are drought-tolerant and pollinator-friendly. Visit Moonfire & Sun Garden Center in Bend or C & C Nursery & Landscape Maintenance in Sisters for locally suited plants that thrive with minimal fuss.

🔥 Warm It Up for Cool Nights

Even in July, Central Oregon evenings can dip into hoodie territory. Add a propane fire table or outdoor heater for warmth and ambiance. Patio World in Bend offers a range of fire pits, tables, and heating options perfect for extending your time outside.

💦 Spa, Pool, or Full Backyard Makeover

Thinking bigger than a patio set or planter box? Consider upgrading your backyard into a full-on retreat. A spa or pool can provide relaxation and summer fun for the whole family. Emerald Pool & Patio offers spas, hot tubs, and custom pool designs built for Oregon climates. If you’re looking for a complete backyard transformation — from hardscaping to water features and outdoor kitchens — Cascade Outdoor Design can help bring your vision to life.

🦟 Pest Control the Natural Way

Don’t let mosquitoes crash the party. Citronella candles are a classic, but planting lemongrass, mint, and marigolds can also help. Bend’s local Ace Hardware carries all-natural pest repellents and foggers that are safe for pets and patios.

Whether you’re upgrading your front porch or transforming the back patio into a second living room, now’s the time to take advantage of Central Oregon’s summer season. A little attention now can turn your space into a favorite spot year-round.

 😎 Just sayin

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