Local EVENTS Schedule
Baker County is now in phase 2 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 all indoor public spaces and outdoors when not able to maintain a physical distance of six feet throughout the state of Oregon effective July 14.
Queen's Court Tryouts
Saturday, September 26, 11am
Pine Valley Fairgrounds
Tryouts for the 2021 Panhandle Fair & Rodeo Queen's Court are open to all girls in Baker County between the ages of 12 and 18.
Crafters & Quilters
Wednesdays from 9:30am to 2pm
New Bridge Grange
The Wednesday gathering of crafters & quilters is on once again, with COVID-related stipulations to allow for use of the Grange Hall.
Flu Shots
Thursday, October 1, 10:30am to noon
New Bridge Grange Hall
Helen Loenning from the Bi-Mart Pharmacy will be set up outside the Grange hall and is encouraging everyone to come get their flu shot. They are free with your Medicare card and most insurance, so remember to bring your card with you...and your mask.
Halfway Whimsical is open once again, and the Farmer's Market is being held every Saturday morning from 9am to noon in the open space on the corner. Come see how creative our local artisans have been during the closure! Hours are Monday through Saturday, 10am to 4pm.
Eagle Creek Orchard is open by appointment with pears and apples. Call 541-893-6790 for availability and to schedule a pick-up. Their fruit is also available at the weekly Saturday Farmers Market next to Halfway Whimsical.
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 Open - The county's main and branch libraries reopened Monday, July 20, with limited services and special access requirements: face coverings are required while indoors; children under 12 must be accompanied by a responsible person 16 years or older; visitor occupancy is limited to 8; visitation time is limited (timed passes issued at front desk upon entry); public restrooms, meeting rooms, and drinking fountains are closed; seating is restricted; people unable to wear a mask will be provided outdoor drive-up/curbside service. For more details, see the new Director's Message on the library website.
Virtual Clear Creek Music Festival - The "live" premieres are done, but you can still enjoy each performance whenever you'd like via the festival's YouTube channel. There are four full concerts and a series of five short segments hosted by Blaise Ferrandino introducing and discussing his new piece, "Frames of Reference" composed for flute, cello, and piano. Revisit memorable performances from past years and view new ones, along with photography and art inspired by the music.
Donate for Next Year's Fourth of July Celebration - Earlier this month, the Fourth of July fireworks show was the most spectacular display seen in several years, as the team of fusiliers had enhanced their certification, allowing them to launch fireworks that traveled higher and finished with bigger bursts. It was enjoyed by spectators all over the valley, parked on the roadside or lounging in backyards. As there was not a Pie Auction or other fund-raising concessions this year, please donate to the Chamber's Go-Fund-Me campaign to continue the tradition for 2021.
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.