Dig Into Archaeology In Oregon

We were unaware that Oregon even has an Archaeology Week, but nevertheless, the program at the High Desert Museum celebrating that week is of note.

Children can take a day-trip to participate in an archaeological dig. There’s a tour of the Reservation of the Confederated Tribes at Warm Springs, an artifact day at the museum and a cider season celebration.

An all-day cultural history tour of the Fort Rock Valley will focus on the people who first inhabited the region.

The events are all between Sept. 20 and 28, and the High Desert Museum is in Bend, Ore. For information about dates and fees, call (541) 382-4754.

Surf’s up

Traditionally Labor Day Weekend marks the unofficial end to the big travel season. But those inclined to continue getting away through the fall might want to head for the ocean next weekend.

The 29th annual Ocean Shores Arts & Crafts Festival runs Sept. 5-7 at this resort community due west of Olympia.

There will be more than 100 booths and activities throughout the weekend. Last year the event attracted about 5,000 people. For more detailed information, call (800) 76-BEACH or e-mail oschambr@techline.com.

Fairest of the Fair

The 50th Okanogan County Fair opens Thursday and continues through Sept. 7 in Okanogan, Wash.

Fair hours are 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. except Sunday when the gates close at 5 p.m.

It’s not the biggest fair in the area, but it boasts an old-style country atmosphere which last year attracted 27,000 fairgoers.

For details call (800) 225-6625.

Singing the blues

Got the autumn blues? You’re right in tune then for the annual Sun Banks Blues Festival Sept. 26-28 at Banks Lake.

The headliner is Joe Lewis Walker, but the tunes go from 6 p.m.-midnight Sept. 26, from noon to midnight Sept. 27 and from 10 a.m. to dark Sept. 28.

Tickets are $35 at the gate and campsites are available for a separate fee. For more info: (509) 644-3786.

Focus on fish

The salmon have headed upstream to spawn; some will end up in Issaquah at the Issaquah Salmon Days Festival, Oct. 4-5.

The town just east of Seattle boasts the only downtown salmon hatchery in the state.

The fest will include a parade, arts and crafts, entertainment, kids activities and, of course, food. Last year more than 200,000 people and 30,000 salmon showed up for the event, which is a funraiser for area non-profit organizations.

For more information, call the festival headquarters at (425) 392-0661.

, DataTimes