Cole Goodwin 4/1/24 Cole Goodwin 4/1/24

From Garden Beds to Sourdough Breads: Dive into Goldendale’s Home & Garden Show

This year, the Goldendale Home & Garden Show will celebrate thirteen years of hometown delights on May 3 to May 5 at the Klickitat County Fairgrounds. This family friendly festival is gearing up to inspire green thumbs and home improvement D.I.Y.’ers everywhere to transform their home and garden dreams into a reality.

By Cole Goodwin

Goldendale, WA April 1, 2024 – This year, the Goldendale Home & Garden Show will celebrate thirteen years of hometown delights on May 3 to May 5 at the Klickitat County Fairgrounds. This family friendly festival is gearing up to inspire green thumbs and home improvement D.I.Y.’ers everywhere to transform their home and garden dreams into a reality.

The three day event will be jam packed with an array of home and garden exhibits, arts and craft vendors, culinary delights, workshops, seminars, and family-oriented activities like storytime, karate, yoga, and more!

"We have a really good balance of vendors, speakers, and activities this year. We anticipate a jam packed weekend filled with engaging seminars, hands-on workshops, and entertainment for the whole family," said Teja Finch, Executive Director of the Goldendale Chamber of Commerce.

Keynote Speaker and Culinary Delights

Azure Standard Founder & CEO, David Stelzer, will be in the spotlight as the event’s keynote speaker, offering his expertise on home gardening, laying good foundations for soil health, and sustainable and abundant gardening practices.

“David is incredibly knowledgeable. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss,” said Finch.

David Stelzer began farming organically as a teenager in the 1970s with a passion for providing truly healthful foods grown without conventional chemical inputs. From small beginnings selling grain grown on the family farm, he **founded Azure Standard** in **1987** as a way to market not only what he grew but other products requested by his customers.

The festival will also feature a selection of local food vendors, including Siebert’s Custom Meats and Slaughter, D’Avanzo’s, and Crush Smoothie & Juice Bar, to ensure that festival goers will have the fuel they need during the experience.

Workshop and Seminar Schedule

The show's schedule has been thoughtfully arranged to showcase local small businesses and cater to a wide range of interests:

Friday, May 3rd, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sourdough Basics: A Beginners Guide to Sourdough
When: Friday, May 3rd, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Learn how to make Sourdough with July from Gorge Sourdough!

**About July:**
I started baking sourdough almost a year ago. I fell in love with the delicious bread, the gut friendly benefits and the entire fascinating process of keeping and maintaining a starter and baking a consistent loaf. I want to share this with my community by offering sourdough bread for sale as well as my dehydrated starter to get started on your own baking journey!”

Septic’s 101 and Q&A with Bishop’s Sanitation
When: Friday, May 3rd, 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Learn the in’s and outs of septic systems from experienced professionals!

Abundant Health with Azure Standard
When: Friday, May 3rd, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Learn how to make your garden work for you and your family!

Saturday, May 4th, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Pollinator Protectors: Intro to Beekeeping with Charlie Vanden Heuvel
When: Saturday, May 4th, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Charlie Vanden Heuvel, years ago Charlie set out to make his childhood dream of beekeeping a reality. As a member of the Oregon Master Beekeeper Program, he now spends much of his time studying bees, mentoring others on their bee keeping journey, and learning all he can about the ancient and modern art of beekeeping.

Compost 101: Turning Waste into Gold with Klickitat County Solid Waste
When: Saturday, May 4th, 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.

Klickitat County Solid Waste breaks down the fascinating science of composting to help you turn your kitchen scraps into nutrient rich soil.

Sourdough Basics: A Beginners Guide to Sourdough
When: Saturday, May 4th, 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.

Learn how to make Sourdough with Gorge Sourdough!

Farming and Soil Health with Azure Standard
When: Saturday, May 4th, 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Learn how to lay sustainable foundations for your farm!

Septic’s 101 and Q&A with Bishop Sanitation
When: Saturday, May 4th, 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Learn the in’s and outs of septic systems from experienced professionals!

Discovery Garden and Kid’s Corner Schedule

The Discovery Garden will host the Kids' Corner, featuring activities from PAK Fitness, Goldendale Community Library, Washington Gorge Action Programs and more. Highlights include Little Ninjas Garden Dojo, library storytime sessions, karate demos, and the Bloom & Groove dance for families.

Sunday (FREE DAY) 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Want the totally free option? Admission will be free on Sunday May 5th!
Enjoy vendors, food, and inspiration from 10 to 3 on Sunday May 5th!

ADMISSION

This year is the first year the event will be charging $8 for admission.
All workshops and seminars are covered with the cost of admission.

“Admission is new this year. This is to help promote sustainability for the event and ensure that the Chamber can continue to host the event in years to come,” said Finch.

Festival goers who want to save some money and have a charitable impact can get a $3 discount when they bring a non-perishable food item to donate to Washington Gorge Action Programs.

Admission is free for Seniors and Kids 8 and under.

Teja Finch encouraged the community and the region to attend saying that the show would be an unforgettable weekend of creativity, community, family, fun, gardening, and learning.

"This festival is a great opportunity for families to engage, learn, and play. The event is a really amazing testament to our communities commitment to fostering a sustainable future and supporting our local businesses," said Finch.

“It’s going to be very exciting, flavorful, educational, and absolutely worth it!” she added.

Secure your spot for a weekend filled with growth, learning, and springtime joy! To register as a vendor, presenter or sponsor for this event or inquire about next year's show visit the Goldendale Chamber of Commerce website.

Cole Goodwin 8/30/23 Cole Goodwin 8/30/23

Celebrate Autumn at Sunshine Mill Winery’s Harvest Party Sept 16!

As the summer sun starts to wane and the crisp scent of autumn fills the air, Sunshine Mill Winery, is all set to host their much-anticipated “Harvesting Sunshine” festival. This exciting event, promises a perfect blend of autumn themed fun, food, and festivities (including grape stomping) for folks of all ages.

Dive into autumn festivities at Sunshine Mill Winery’s Harvest Party on September 16th!

By Cole Goodwin

***In the vineyard.*** The grape harvest is complete! Now it’s time to celebrate!

The Dalles, OR, August 29, 2023 – As the summer sun starts to wane and the crisp scent of autumn fills the air, Sunshine Mill Winery, is all set to host their much-anticipated “Harvesting Sunshine” festival. This exciting event, set to take place on September 16th, promises a perfect blend of fun, food, and festivities for folks of all ages.

From 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., visitors can partake in an array of activities that not only celebrate the spirit of the harvest but also the community that gathers around it. For those who have always been curious about the architectural splendor of the winery, guided Tours to the Roof offer a chance to soak in panoramic views of The Dalles. If you fancy a more immersive winemaking experience, dive feet-first into the much-anticipated Grape Stomping event.

*A look at the iconic interior of the Sunshine Mill Winery* makes for an inviting space to make memories with loved ones.

Families will be delighted to discover the Bounce House and intricate Face Painting sessions courtesy of Fairy Godmother's Events. The Workshop is set to inspire creativity in attendees with free craft sessions.

Local vendors will be out in full force, offering a curated selection of products that mirror the region's vibrant arts and culture scene. As for gastronomy, the Harvest Party promises gret food. Indulge in an eclectic mix of food, wine, beer, cider, and refreshing sangria that truly epitomizes the flavors of fall.

Music lovers can sway to the autumnal rhythms under the open sky.

For those looking to take home a piece of the harvest season, the Pumpkin Patch is the place to be. Hand-pick your favorite pumpkins and get a head start on the Halloween festivities.

Studio Fit will also be doing a sunset yoga session on the roof at 7 p.m.

The grand finale? As twilight envelops The Dalles, attendees can snuggle up for a FREE Drive-In Movie, at 7:30 p.m. marking a whimsical end to a day steeped in harvest traditions and community bonding.

The Sunshine Mill Winery’s “Harvesting Sunshine” festival is more than just an event – it’s a celebration of the season, of community spirit, and of the simple joys that come with them. So, mark your calendars and ensure you’re in The Dalles at 901 E 2nd St on September 16th, 2023 and let’s toast to the harvest!

Sponsored Content

Cole Goodwin 8/16/23 Cole Goodwin 8/16/23

New Weekend Shuttle Offers Connection to Hood River, White Salmon and Bingen Flavor, Fun, and Farmer's Markets

From pool dips to sips of wine: CAT’s new weekend shuttle offers a chance for fun-filled exploration of neighboring communities. But if you're planning to take advantage of this service, you'll need to act quickly – it ends September 6th!

From pool dips to sips of wine: CAT’s new weekend shuttle offers a chance for fun-filled exploration of neighboring communities.

Sponsored Content
By Cole Goodwin

White Salmon, WA, August 15, 2023– Since July, residents and tourists alike have been enjoying a seasonal weekend shuttle connecting Hood River, Oregon, White Salmon, Washington and Bingen, Washington. Run by Columbia Area Transit, (CAT) the weekend shuttle offers an economical and environmentally friendly way to travel between the two communities. But if you're planning to take advantage of this service, you'll need to act quickly – it ends September 6th.

The shuttle aims to boost local tourism and encourage economic activity by providing a direct link between two of the Columbia Gorge region's most vibrant towns and showcases the best of what they have to offer.

White Salmon Farmer’s Market has plenty to offer! Photo Credit: Emily Reed

Farmers markets, a popular destination for locals and visitors alike, are made even more accessible by the bus route. Shoppers can easily visit markets on both sides of the river, exploring a wider selection of locally grown fresh produce and artisanal goods while soaking in the lively atmosphere.

For White Salmon residents who live within the city limits, the bus route offers a hassle-free way to reach the Hood River Pool and use their free pool passes become even more valuable as residents can easily cool off during the summer heat without worrying about transportation.

The bus service promotes responsible and sustainable travel choices, too. Passengers can enjoy the scenic ride along the river without the stress of driving and parking. This is especially appealing for those visiting White Salmon’s new wine bar, Soca. By taking the bus, wine lovers can sample to their heart's content and still get home safely.

For those looking for non-alcoholic fun, White Salmon's newly opened Nativ Cafe, which serves artisan coffee, pastries, and soothing kava is at the top of the list of destinations.

Inside Nativ Cafe. Photo Credit: Cole Goodwin

Or if you’re looking to beat the heat with a sweet treat, Cool Beans, the town's new ice cream shop, tempts you with homemade ice cream sandwiches and locally roasted espresso.

Other attractions include Bingen's newly opened Gogi Grill, which serves up delicious Korean barbecue and the all time local favorite Beneventi’s Pizza.

For those looking for handmade artisan jewelry, incense, art, and some crystals for their collection Moon Mountain Highway has it all.

Riders can also take their dog on the bus to the Bingen Waterfront park for a romp on the waterfront, or enjoy a plunge into The Society Hotels indoor saltwater soaking pool, outdoor hot pool, cold plunge pool, or cedar sauna.

Also on the must see list is Margie’s Outdoor Store, lauded as “the most unusual store in the gorge” this is an ideal place to file a paranormal report and get a feel for paranormal activity in the area.

The new shuttle hopes to benefit everyone involved: locals gain better access to amenities, tourists have more convenient transport options, and businesses can increase their visibility.

“We’re very excited about connecting White Salmon/Bingen and Hood River by reducing transportation barriers on summer weekends. We look forward to continuing our partnership with MATS and the Cities of Bingen and White Salmon to provide this service!” said Amy Schlappi, Executive Director of Columbia Area Transit.

With only a month left in the summer season, now is the time to take advantage of this unique bus route. Whether you're a resident or a visitor, hop on the bus and explore the distinctive charms of Hood River and White Salmon before the weekend shuttle ends!

Check out the weekend shuttle schedule, stops, and nearby attractions at: https://www.ridecatbus.org/white-salmon/.

Need to travel between Hood River and White Salmon during the week?
Mt. Adams Transportation Services has you covered!

For their most current schedule and map visit:
https://gorgetranslink.com/transit-agencies/mt-adams-transportation-services/.

“Our routes will continue to run on weekdays throughout the year,” said Sharon Carter, Director of Mt Adams Transportation Services. “It’s a great way to get across the bridge, with or without your bike. And a great way to avoid parking issues, gas prices or the bridge toll.”

Looking to Ride Year Round?
To purchase an unlimited-ride annual GOrge Pass for fixed routes on CAT, The Link, MATS, & Skamania transportation visit: https://gorgepass.com/. The pass is good for a year from purchase. The pass costs $40 for adults and $20 for kids under the age of 17.