Dalles Days puts town in spotlight
How in the world does this happen?
Men’s Journal recently named The Dalles, Ore., one of the up-and-coming towns in the United States.
Why, for heaven’s sake, were the men even there? Evidently, they had the whole sea-to-shining-sea country from which to choose – yet they were drawn to north central Oregon as though by a siren.
Now I’m sure The Dalles is (are? it’s hard to say) very nice. I’ve been through there myself with nary a complaint. But I certainly can’t vouch for the men’s thinking.
Happily, however, you can. Simply attend The Dalles Days, Sept. 18 to 21, to see what all the hubbub is about with your very own eyes.
This tribute to the town’s “historic legacy” spreads itself out across the city with a jaunt across The Dalles Dam, the “history costume ball,” music, food, family-friendly entertainment, and tours of several historic buildings and museums.
The agenda sets out a specific schedule for a tribute to veterans in the civic auditorium; downtown talking murals; a tour through The Dalles School District Archive Museum; the formal ceremony at the Port of The Dalles; an open house at The Dalles Center/Carnegie Library; another open house at Commodore II, where you can have a gander at a restored apartment reminiscent of the 1920s; and a good deal more.
Out at Fort Dalles and the Anderson Homestead, they’ll pack Saturday full of wagon rides, the petting zoo, spinners, Native American storytellers, historical re-enactments, a speech on “Relic Hunting, Archeology & Loss of Native American Heritage at The Dalles,” and swing, bluegrass and “Dufur Valley String Band” music.
That all sounds good and fun, but it’s hardly “up and coming.”
More proof: Men are incomprehensible
Get to know The Dalles at www.historicthedalles.org or (800) 255-3385.
Woof over your head
I’ve already told you how silly we are about our dog at my house. My husband says she has a Ph.D. in being sweet. Do you want to see a picture?
We should probably reward her for her canine superiority with a visit to Seattle’s pet-friendly Edgewater Hotel for the “super fun ‘It’s Wagnificant’ dog lover’s package.”
Right out of the chute, she’ll receive a “Welcome Woof Amenity” of collapsible portable water bowl, peanut butter cracker treats, rawhide ring, bouncy ball and an off-leash guide to the city. (She loves to read.)
We get treats, too: biodegradable bags (handy after she does her business), Chukar Cherries trail mix and a bottle of water we don’t have to lap out of a bowl.
Post-walk, we can all kick back with the current and complimentary copy of City Dog Magazine.
Rates for all this doggy fun start at $299 for two humans and one canine. Presumably, the Edgewater raids that kitty for the $10 contribution it makes to Puget Sound Greyhound Adoptions with every package.
Reserve your spot (get it – Spot?) at www.edgewaterhotel.com or (800) 624-0670.
Regional events
•Native American Awareness Days, Sept. 16 to 18, Pablo, Mont. Schools on the Flathead Indian Reservation will showcase Salish, Kootenai and Pend d’Oreille crafts, history, food, demonstrations, drumming, singing and dancing. Give beading and basket making a shot at the hands-on presentations. ( www.visitmt.com/406-675-0160)
•Portland Pirate Festival, Sept. 20 and 21. Aargh! Grab your parrot and head to “a vast marauders market of pirate treasures.” Obviously, buccaneers love nothing more than children’s rides and activities, international cuisine, jugglers, puppeteers, and the Rose City’s Cathedral Park – so they’re all on board for the festivities. Grub and grog, too. ( www.portlandpiratefestival.com/503-453-7107)