Local EVENTS Schedule
Baker County is now in phase 1 of the reopening process. While this still precludes holding major annual events at this time, things are happening in Hells Canyon! Check back frequently for updates and current information. Please note that face coverings are required in indoor public spaces throughout the state of Oregon effective July 1.
Art Camp begins June 22! Classes are geared for children aged 5 to 14, and are free of charge this summer. Class offerings and schedule are available here. All classes will be held from 9:30 to 11:30am in the covered picnic area at the Halfway Lions Park. Classes are limited to 10 students and social distancing, mask wearing, and use of hand sanitizer will be required. Register through the Pine Eagle Art Camp Facebook page to ensure your child's space. For more information, call Ruai Gregory at 541-519-6192 or Ashley Bauchereau at 541-285-0590.
Movie Night - I Still Believe Thursday, July 2, 6pm, Richland Christian Church. The true story of Christian musician, Jeremy Camp, and how his faith was tested through hardship and loss...bring your tissues! The movie is free and suggested for ages 12 and up; no childcare will be provided. Social distancing will be observed.
Fourth of July Celebration - the annual Fourth of July fireworks show will be held with modifications to accommodate COVID-19 restrictions. The fairgrounds will not be open to the public, but all are welcome to view the show from parked cars, yards, or other nearby locations while following social distancing guidelines. As there will not be a Pie Auction or other fund-raising concessions this year, so those who would like to ensure next year's fireworks may donate through the Chamber's Go-Fund-Me campaign.
There will also be an indoor Yard Sale at the Exhibit Hall from 9am to 3pm to benefit the horse barn refurbishment project. Social distancing rules will be in place: there will be one entry, one exit, and one-way aisles. There will be no early sales, and those who arrive before 9am will be asked to keep six feet apart while waiting for the doors to open. Donations to the yard sale are welcome; call Liz McCullough at 541-742-7892.
Jacob's Dream reopened on May 26. The staff and volunteers welcome customers back, but with new restrictions. All customers are asked to use the provided hand sanitizer before entering, and there will be a limit of one family or two people in the store at any one time. Donations are once again being accepted, but please limit the amount to one large or two small bags until things get more settled.
Halfway Whimsical is open once again, and the Farmer's Market will be held in the open space on the corner starting June 6th. Come see how creative our local artisans have been during the closure! Hours are Monday through Saturday, 10am to 4pm.
The Community Connections Bus is still making its weekly trip to Baker City on Wednesdays, and is available to pick up prescriptions at Bi-Mart for Panhandle residents. Call William Jackson at 541-742-7433 by Tuesday evening to arrange a ride or prescription pick-up.
Community Connections Meals-to-Go in New Bridge and Halfway--Thursday senior meals are still being provided to residents of the Pine Valley and Eagle Valley areas on a "to-go" basis out of the New Bridge Grange and at the Old Pine Market parking lot. Meals are distributed starting at noon; please follow the one-way traffic directions and stay in your car. Entrees are made fresh each week, but will come frozen and ready to microwave. To order a meal, call Leanne Hinkle at 541-554-5549 or William Jackson at 541-540-7600 before noon on Monday.
Baker County Libraries are once again closed to public visitations starting Wednesday, June 17, due to the surging outbreak of COVID-19 cases in neighboring Union County. Library services will continue through the drive-through window at the main branch in Baker City and curbside services at the community branches.
The Hells Canyon Junior Rodeo, scheduled for June 26-28, has been cancelled.
Rodeo Playdays have been canceled for the 2020 season. Organizer Deania Corrigan hopes the young participants will work independently to keep up their horsemanship skills. The fairgrounds are available for them to ride, as long as they follow the rules and keep their distance from each other.
Clear Creek Music Festival has been cancelled for 2020. Event organizers issued the following statement: Given all the uncertainties of travel and gathering, the longing to share music and fellowship must be outweighed by the health risks of doing so. We are working on plans to present performances by faculty and alumni online, including the premiere of this year's trio for piano, cello, and flute by Blaise Ferrandino. Updates on progress soon on our Facebook page. Stay well!
The Hells Canyon Motorcycle Rally, which was scheduled to take place July 9-13, has now been cancelled. Participants who have already registered have the option of receiving a full refund or rolling over their registration to the 2021 event. For questions, refunds, or other information, please email , or contact Mark Dukes at High Desert Harley-Davidson, 208-338-5599.
Pine Fest has been canceled for 2020 due to continued uncertainties surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. Tickets or camping reservations that have already been purchased will be honored at the 2021 event with a valid receipt. If a refund is preferred, or if you have any questions, contact the Pine Fest committee by email at , specifying "Pine Fest 2020" in the subject line.
New Bridge Grange has decided not to resume Grange activities at this time. As the organization's purpose is not economically driven and there are still safety and health concerns, the members agreed that there is no essential reason for doing so.
Crab Feed Cancellation
The Halfway Lions Club has decided to cancel this year's Crab Feed rather than try to hold it at a later date. Please read their full statement, which includes ticket refund information, here.
The Shorthorn Oyster Feed, scheduled for Saturday, May 2, has been canceled for this year. Tickets already purchased will be honored at next year's event, or contact the restaurant for a refund.
Local Resources for Assistance During Coronavirus
Help is available for grocery delivery or other basic services while sheltering at home through the Halfway Helpful Facebook page or the Panhandle Response Team. To have groceries delivered in Halfway by the PRT, contact Old Pine Market at 541-742-4366 or Halfway Mercantile at 541-742-6171. Grocery deliveries in Eagle Valley may be arranged by contacting Thorny Hampton at The Hitching Post at 541-893-6175.
Economic assistance is offered by the newest local group, The Village Fund, facilitated by UCP. The application form is being developed and will be available by April 23 as a PDF through the UCP website to print, complete, and mail to The Village Fund committee. Donations and pledges to contribute stimulus checks are currently being accepted; checks may be made payable to United Community Partners with "The Village Fund" noted in the memo line and mailed to P.O. Box 545, Halfway, 97834. For more information, visit the project page on the UCP website, or email TheVillageFund20@gmail.com.