Central Oregon: July Events & Community Updates From the Editor In this issue, we delve into the lively Independence Day celebrations across Central Oregon, showcasing parades, fun runs, and patriotic art unveilings as part of the America 250 commemorations. Explore our articles on these events and more, including festival highlights, local incidents, and community updates. 📰Local News Featured 🇺🇸 Central Oregon Ready to Celebrate Fourth of July and America's 250th Anniversary Central Oregon is preparing for one of its biggest holiday weekends of the year as communities across the region celebrate both Independence Day and America's 250th anniversary. From Bend and Redmond to Sisters, La Pine, Prineville, Madras, and Sunriver, residents and visitors can enjoy a packed schedule of parades, live music, festivals, family activities, and fireworks throughout the long weekend.
In Bend, longtime favorites return, including the Pet Parade, Freedom Ride and Float, a free open house at the Deschutes Historical Museum, and the annual Pilot Butte fireworks display. Redmond's celebration features its America's 250 Community Block Party, where a new public art installation created by local artists Wendy Wheeler Jacobs and Dale Rae Samples will be unveiled during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Centennial Park. Meanwhile, La Pine's Frontier Days marks its 50th anniversary with a parade, rodeo events, and family entertainment, while Sisters, Prineville, Madras, and other communities will host their own hometown celebrations filled with patriotic traditions.
With thousands of people expected to attend events across the region, officials encourage everyone to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, stay hydrated, and celebrate responsibly. Whether you're watching a parade, enjoying live music, visiting a community festival, or ending the day with fireworks, there are plenty of opportunities to celebrate this historic Independence Day across Central Oregon. 🚨Crime News 🛹 Teen Cited After Vandalizing Redmond Skate Park Sprinklers A 13-year-old boy was cited for criminal mischief after allegedly damaging newly installed sprinkler heads at the Redmond Skate Park in the Central Dry Canyon on the evening of June 29. Redmond Police identified the juvenile using witness information and park security camera footage. The damage is estimated at approximately $200.
Police say they continue to investigate several recent vandalism incidents at Redmond city parks and will increase patrols throughout the summer. Anyone who witnesses damage to city property is encouraged to contact non-emergency dispatch at 541-693-6911. Officials say the city has invested millions of dollars in its parks and is committed to protecting these community spaces.
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🚨 Bend Police Seek Possible Additional Victims in Sexual Abuse Investigation Bend Police detectives are asking the public for help after arresting 19-year-old transient Alex Roger Stanley on multiple felony charges, including rape, sexual abuse, using a child in a sexual display, and distributing methamphetamine to a minor. The charges stem from an investigation involving a 15-year-old victim that began in February after the victim underwent a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) examination at St. Charles.
Investigators believe Stanley has had periodic access to children while living in the Bend area over the past several years and are concerned there may be additional victims. Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact Bend Police non-emergency dispatch at 541-693-6911. ⛰️Bend 🍔🎤Munch N' Music Festival Returns to Bend Munch N' Music, a favorite summer series in Bend, is set to return with live music, food carts, and family-friendly activities. The event promises to bring the community together and is scheduled to take place in Drake Park, providing a wonderful atmosphere by the river.
Our 2026 series dates:
July 2nd: Moontricks
July 9th: The Original Wailers
July 16th: Leftover Salmon
July 23rd: Queen Mother
July 30th: Larry And His Flask
August 6th: Precious Byrd Read more →
🏓 Half of Pine Nursery Pickleball Courts Closing for 10 Days Pickleball players in Bend should plan ahead beginning this week as eight of the 16 courts at Pine Nursery Park will temporarily close for about 10 days while crews resurface the playing surface. The maintenance project is designed to improve the courts and extend their lifespan, while the remaining eight courts will stay open during construction.
The temporary closure comes as Pine Nursery Park continues its multi-phase expansion, which includes the addition of eight new lighted pickleball courts expected to open later this year. Bend Park & Recreation District asks players to be patient during the improvements and to follow posted signs while work is underway. Read more →
🍔 McDonald's Proposed for Former Shari's Site in South Bend A new McDonald's restaurant has been proposed for the former Shari's Restaurant property along Highway 97 near Murphy Road in south Bend. Plans recently submitted to the City of Bend call for a new 4,220-square-foot restaurant to be built on the site, which has sat vacant since Shari's closed.
The location has attracted interest before, including a proposed Chick-fil-A project in 2024 that never moved forward. The McDonald's proposal is still in the early stages and will go through the city's development review process before any construction can begin. Read more → ✈️Redmond 🎨 New Public Art to Be Unveiled at Redmond's America 250 Celebration Redmond will unveil a new public art installation during its America's 250 Community Block Party on Friday, July 3, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for 5:45 p.m. at the southwest corner of Centennial Park. The two-sided display, located in front of City Hall, features artwork by local artists Wendy Wheeler Jacobs and Dale Rae Samples, celebrating America's 250th anniversary through themes of community, history, and the Central Oregon landscape.
The unveiling is part of Redmond's Independence Day festivities and will include remarks from the artists and city officials. The public art display is designed to showcase rotating works while strengthening Redmond's commitment to public art and community engagement. Read more → 🪶Madras 🪶 Warm Springs Tribe Marks 171st Anniversary of Historic Treaty The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs recently celebrated the 171st anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of 1855 with five days of Pi-Ume-Sha Treaty Days events, honoring the history, culture, and resilience of the Warm Springs, Wasco, and Paiute peoples. The annual celebration featured a powwow, parade, rodeo, cultural activities, community gatherings, and traditional food, drawing tribal members and visitors together in celebration.
Signed on June 25, 1855, the treaty established the Warm Springs Reservation while preserving important tribal rights to hunt, fish, and gather on ancestral lands outside the reservation. Today, Pi-Ume-Sha Treaty Days serves not only as a celebration of Native culture and heritage but also as a reminder of the enduring significance of the treaty and the Confederated Tribes' connection to Central Oregon. Read more →
🎡 Jefferson County Fair Carnival Canceled Due to Staffing Shortage The Jefferson County Fair will go on as scheduled July 22–25, but this year's carnival rides have been canceled after the fair's longtime carnival operator withdrew because of a staffing shortage. Fair officials said they explored other options but were unable to secure a replacement in time.
While the missing midway will be a disappointment for many, organizers emphasize that the rest of the fair will continue as planned, including livestock exhibits, food vendors, rodeo events, live entertainment, and other family-friendly activities. Read more → 🐎Prineville ☀️ Crook County Weighs Temporary Moratorium on Large Solar Projects Crook County leaders are considering a temporary moratorium on new large-scale commercial solar developments while they review current land-use regulations and gather additional public input. Commissioners say the pause would give the county time to evaluate how future solar projects could affect farmland, wildlife, infrastructure, and surrounding communities before accepting new applications.
The proposal does not stop existing approved projects but would temporarily pause new applications if adopted. County officials say the moratorium is intended to allow for a thoughtful review of development standards as interest in commercial solar projects continues to grow across Central Oregon. Any final decision will follow additional public discussion and legal review. Read more → 📰Deschutes County 🌊 Lake Billy Chinook Algae Advisory Downgraded, Pet Owners Still Urged to Use Caution The Oregon Health Authority has downgraded the harmful algae bloom advisory for Lake Billy Chinook from a recreational health advisory to a precaution after recent testing showed cyanotoxin levels have fallen below guidelines for people. While the lake is considered safer for recreation, officials say a bloom is still present, and toxin levels remain high enough to pose a risk to dogs.
Visitors are encouraged to stay alert for signs of algae blooms, including water that appears foamy, scummy, pea-green, blue-green, or contains thick mats or floating clumps. Pet owners should keep dogs out of affected areas, as cyanotoxins can remain in clear water even after a bloom begins to fade. Read more → 📍Regional News 🚤 Marine Patrols Target Impaired Boaters Over Fourth of July Weekend The Oregon State Marine Board and marine law enforcement agencies across the state will participate in Operation Dry Water from July 3–5, increasing patrols to crack down on boating under the influence. Officials remind boaters that operating a vessel while impaired by alcohol, marijuana, prescription drugs, or other intoxicants is illegal and significantly increases the risk of serious accidents and drowning.
Boaters convicted of BUII can face hefty fines, jail time, and the loss of boating privileges. Safety officials say the leading factors in this year's boating fatalities have been alcohol use, falls overboard, and not wearing a life jacket. Anyone who observes an impaired or reckless boater is encouraged to call 911 and provide as much information as possible, including the boat's description and registration number.
🚗Anticipate Crowds and Delays During July 4th Travel With the Fourth of July falling on a Friday this year, the Oregon Department of Transportation expects heavy traffic across the state throughout the holiday weekend. Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and check road conditions before leaving home using TripCheck. Popular recreation areas are also expected to be especially busy, with increased pedestrian and bicycle traffic near parks, campgrounds, and trailheads.
ODOT also reminds travelers to drive sober, avoid distractions, and make sure their vehicle is fueled or fully charged before hitting the road. Packing water, snacks, and an emergency kit is also recommended for longer trips. Officials say a little extra planning can help make holiday travel safer for everyone. Read more → Thank you for tuning into today's edition, where the vibrant spirit of Central Oregon truly shines in community events and activities. Whether you're celebrating Independence Day or enjoying local festivities, there's plenty to see and do. Stay informed and connected with the buzz around town! | 
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