Crackdown on 4th of July fireworks

This year the Bend Police Department along with the Fire Department are going to be cracking down on illegal fireworks use this year; you can read it in the release I’ve included below, but essentially they will be patrolling on the Fourth and anyone caught with illegals will face confiscation … Continue reading

Deschutes’ 20th Anniversary and a press release

This is a big weekend for Deschutes Brewery; not only is it their 20th Anniversary—and they’re holding a party—but they are also releasing two big beers, their Black Butte XX (in wax-dipped bottles) and their 20th Anniversary Wit. They’ve got parties going on Friday and Saturday (see below) and, if … Continue reading

More (nearly) free summertime activities

Last year about this time I wrote up the Top 8 Free (or nearly!) Summertime Activities. Since summer is finally upon us—both on the calendar and by the weather—I thought I’d revisit that list and add some more. And "saving money" seems to be a bigger theme this year. So … Continue reading

Dinner deals at Jake’s Diner

Lyle on the Jake’s Diner blog has a post this morning which highlights some of the great dinner deals they’re offering: Tuesday night is Spaghetti night. All you can eat for a very reasonable price of $7.99 with the kids eating for $1 each. I meant this to be a … Continue reading

MAGIC in the Parks: Great free summertime kids program

Bend Parks and Rec is offering a fantastic free summertime kids program: MAGIC in the Parks, which takes place four days a week in the afternoon from today (June 23rd) through August 13th. I don’t see anything about this on their website, so here are some pertinent details from the … Continue reading

Blacksmith/Deschutes beer dinner

Just in case you can’t get enough Deschutes beer and Blacksmith goodness, I notice that on the Blacksmith’s blog they announced a beer dinner for tomorrow, June 24th Tuesday, July 8th. Blacksmith and Deschutes Brewery team up on Tuesday, June 24 July 8th to create a five-course meal paired with … Continue reading

The Bite of Bend

It’s this weekend; I already wrote about the Iron Chef competitions they’re having, but here’s the overall rundown: Saturday and Sunday, June 21st and 22nd, from 11am to 10pm and 11 to 7, respectively. Downtown Bend, in the usual locations: Bond Street from Franklin to Oregon; Minnesota and Oregon Avenues … Continue reading

Tonight’s Blacksmith beer tasting

Tonight’s lineup of "Western Beers" is online on the Blacksmith blog: Mac & Jacks African Amber (American Amber | Redmond, Washington | 5.6% ABV Rogue Younger’s Special Bitter (English Special Bitter | Newport, Oregon | 4.8% ABV Green Flash West Coast IPA (American IPA | San Diego, California | 7.0% … Continue reading

Marine Minute: "Boating and Booze"

Another "Marine Minute" dispatch from the County, which I’m finding pretty interesting. This week’s topic: drinking and boating. Not trying to be preachy—I genuinely find this interesting. Ask any ten Oregon boaters if they can legally drink alcohol while operating a boat (powered or otherwise), and there’s a good chance … Continue reading

Project Blue Book Festival is back for a second year

I didn’t see this coming (I really didn’t): Redmond’s Project Blue Book Festival (see last’s year’s post) is back for their Second Annual edition. Here’s the email I got tonight (I bolded the date): Hey! Last years festival was great for a first time event! And surprising how many people … Continue reading