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?

🪓 Downtown Axe‑Throwing Bar to Close

 🎆 Pilot Butte Access Limited for July 4 Fireworks Show

 🐾🌊New dog dock diving pool opens in Bend for water-loving pups

 🛶‘More accessible’ river area opens at Miller’s Landing Park in Bend

🚒⛑️Fire & Rescue…

🔥 Vegetation Fire in Redmond’s Dry Canyon

🔥Fireworks spark Redmond brush fire; four teens cited

💥 Fatal Crash Near Sisters Claims Life of St. Helens Man

🚨Crime News…

🐾 Terrebonne Woman Cited Again for Animal Neglect

🐍💀 Over 100 Dead Reptiles Found in Abandoned Bend Home; One Man Arrested

🥰📰Community News…

🏃‍♂️ College Presidents Run for Student Support

📰Regional News…

📆City of Bend Calendar of Events

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

🔥Central Oregon Fire Info

😍Sponsors

😁 MEME of the Day

👉Expanded Answer on Friday!👉

Good Morning!

 BEND

SISTERS

REDMOND

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…

 🪓 Downtown Axe‑Throwing Bar to Close

Unofficial Logging Co. announced it will shut down its Greenwood Avenue location after July 2 due to ongoing economic challenges, including a 40% drop in sales compared to last year. The mobile axe-throwing trailer remains operational. 

Full Story - Bend Source

Full Story - CO Daily News

 🎆 Pilot Butte Access Limited for July 4 Fireworks Show

Pilot Butte State Park will have restricted access from July 1–5 to prepare for Bend’s annual July 4 fireworks display. The summit and summit road will close entirely from July 1 at 10 p.m. through the afternoon of July 5. Trails and roads (except to the summit) remain open to pedestrians only July 1–3, but the entire butte will be closed on July 4. Pets are not allowed during the show. The fireworks begin at 10 p.m. on July 4, courtesy of Subaru of Bend. Please respect closures and avoid blocking emergency routes.

 🐾🌊New dog dock diving pool opens in Bend for water-loving pups

Dog owners in Bend will soon have a new option to get their pets trained for water sports. Cascade Dog Sports is preparing to offer dock diving sessions at a property off Rickard Road in southeast Bend.

The 32-foot-long pool will serve as a space to help dogs get comfortable with jumping into the water.

Owner Joleen Runk competed in professional dock diving and hopes to bring her expertise to a new round of beginners.

“It’s something we just don’t have in Central Oregon. We have a lot of people pools. We don’t have a dog pool. That’s kind of my goal here. Dock diving is also great to help dogs that are insecure push through their insecurities in a positive way. That’s what my whole purpose was," Runk said.

The first dock diving session takes place July 4, but the first round of lessons are sold out. You can find more information on the Cascade Dog Sports website.

Video CO Daily News

🛶‘More accessible’ river area opens at Miller’s Landing Park in Bend

River access in the Old Mill just got a whole lot easier. The Miller’s Landing Park project wrapped up construction last week and is now open to kayakers, swimmers and paddleboarders - just in time for a hot summer week leading up to the Fourth of July.

Full Story KTVZ

Fire & Rescue News…

🔥 Vegetation Fire in Redmond’s Dry Canyon

Another vegetation fire in Redmond Tuesday -- at least the third in the past week -- prompted evacuations in the Redmond Caves Recreation Area.

The fire -- unofficially 1-to-2 acres --  was reported around 1:15 p.m. in the area of SW 13th Street, Airport Way, SW Umatilla Ave and SW 6th Street. Forward progress was stopped about a half-hour later.

The cause was not immediately available.

This fire came a day after a brush fire in Dry Canyon, sparked by legal fireworks, burned about 1.5 acres. Four teens were cited. That followed a 3-acre fire last Wednesday, also in Dry Canyon.

The Redmond City Council is expected to vote Tuesday whether to ban fireworks for this 4th of July.

🔥Fireworks spark Redmond brush fire; four teens cited

Four teens were cited after legal fireworks they set off led to a brush fire in Redmond's Dry Canyon Monday. This is the second fire in Dry Canyon in the span of five days. 

Redmond Fire and Rescue said the fire was reported around 5:20 p.m. north of Quartz Park. 911 callers reported the brush fire was moving quickly to the southeast and threatening homes along SW Canyon Drive. Twenty-one homes on SW Canyon Dr between SW Newberry Ave to SW Quartz Avenue were placed on Level 3 "Go Now" evacuations.

Firefighters held the fire to one acre before stopping forward progress. Video - CO Daily News

💥 Fatal Crash Near Sisters Claims Life of St. Helens Man

A tragic single-vehicle crash occurred Monday morning, June 30, just outside Sisters on Highway 20 near milepost 95. According to Oregon State Police, a blue Subaru Outback driven by 63-year-old Randolf Lee Burghart of St. Helens veered off the road around 8:59 a.m. for reasons still under investigation. The vehicle struck a guardrail, crossed into the opposite lane, and crashed into a tree.

Burghart, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The crash did not impact traffic during the investigation. Responding agencies included the Black Butte and Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire Departments, Black Butte Police, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, and ODOT.

Crime News…

 🐾 Terrebonne Woman Cited Again for Animal Neglect

Linda Evans of Terrebonne—already on probation for a prior animal neglect case—was cited June 11 for 17 counts of second-degree animal neglect and unlawful tethering. Deputies found 29 cows, 60+ fowl, 18 dogs, and 17 cats on her property in late May. Several cats were in poor condition, prompting the removal of all dogs and cats to Brightside Animal Shelter for care. Evans cooperated with authorities and is working to relinquish the remaining animals. The case is under review by the DA’s office.

 🐍💀 Over 100 Dead Reptiles Found in Abandoned Bend Home; One Man Arrested

Deschutes County detectives arrested 68-year-old William Griffiths on June 19 for 25 counts of first-degree animal neglect. The charges stem from an October 2024 investigation, when over 100 dead animals—including snakes, lizards, tortoises, rodents, and tarantulas—were found decomposing in an abandoned home south of La Pine. Griffiths, the former caretaker, was found living in a trailer near Bend and taken into custody without incident. No live animals were recovered.

Regional News…

Community News…

🏃‍♂️ College Presidents Run for Student Support

COCC President Dr. Laurie Chesley and Clackamas CC President Tim Cook have launched a 1,500‑mile run across all Oregon community colleges this summer to raise awareness and funds for basic student needs. They reached Bend on June 30 (Day 15 of the run). Full Story - Bend Bulletin

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