Pink gets personal tonight as downtown TD Fights Cancer with fun, food & entertainment

Allison Turner at Skookum Outfitters shows off some of her cancer fighting merch that she will have tonight for First Friday as merchants “Think Pink” for cancer awareness. Turner’s own life has been impacted by the disease as she was recently diagnosed with colon cancer. And she’s fighting back.

By Tom Peterson

The Dalles, Ore., Oct. 3, 2025 — Downtown The Dalles is turning pink tonight as businesses and community groups come together for the latest Main Street First Friday, an event designed to spotlight the fight against cancer.

You don’t have to look far to find friends and neighbors who are fighting the disease. 

Allison Turner who runs Skookum Outfitters with husband, Nate, at 109 East Second Street and neighboring business Lines of Design run by Louise Langheinrich have both been diagnosed with cancer in the past year. 

Turner said she recently had surgery for stage-2 colon cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy, after going months to get a diagnosis. She quickly advocated for earlier colon screenings and was adamant about fighting the disease. She was unabashed about her feelings about cancer. She  displayed her Fu#$ Cancer sweatshirts that she will be selling tonight. 

Louis Langheinrich who operates Lines of Design next door to Turner also recently battled breast cancer successfully. She will feature a Chai Explosion tonight.

Similarly, Langheinrich had a mammogram last January and discovered she had breast cancer. The cancer is in remission now, but it took the strength and help of her family to make it through. Louise is having a “Chai Explosion” tonight offering free samples of her varieties.  

So tonight is a chance for locals to have some fun and kick cancer in the bal#$. 

Running from 5 to 8 p.m. and thereafter the event features a mix of live music, food and drink specials, art, and shopping deals under the theme “Think Pink.” The focus is on raising awareness for breast cancer while encouraging residents to enjoy a night out in the historic downtown district.

Brick City Games is turning 2, and proprietors Leslie Sullivan and Jay Wilson have recently returned from Billund, Denmark, the mothership of Legos and now have designer-signed lego packs to show off. They will also be dishing on cake!

Several downtown shops are rolling out specials tied to the theme. Brick City Games is celebrating its second anniversary with sales on Magic the Gathering products, while Vibe Consignment, also marking two years, is offering 50% discounts on much of its inventory.

MsFitz Store Inc. is taking 15% off all pink merchandise and $10 off piercings, and the Artisan Market is selling breast cancer ribbon earrings for $5 while giving away carnations.

Kaahreena Ochoco owner of Vibe Consignment is also celebrating two years at her store at 416 E. Second Street, The Dalles with 50 percent off tonight.

Skookum Outfitters & Wasco County Mercantile is promoting items meant to support cancer patients during treatment and recovery, while Pizza The Gathering will be downtown with its woodfired pies alongside The Link, which is highlighting new bus routes and reduced fares for downtown riders.

Above - one of the many watercolor paintings that will be on display at The Dalles Art Center, which is hosting the Watercolor Society of Oregon’s fall juried exhibit.

The arts also have a major presence this month. The Dalles Art Center is hosting the opening of the Watercolor Society of Oregon’s fall juried exhibit, with more than 80 artists from across the state participating.

The reception, scheduled from 5 to 7:30 p.m., is expected to draw over 200 visitors and includes wine, small bites, and an opportunity to see some of Oregon’s top watercolor work.

Mixology goes to the next level tonight at The Alleyway Bar, the latest and possibly most intricate of adult libation gathering spots.

The evening also coincides with the opening of The Alleyway, a new cocktail spot tucked behind River City Saloon, which will be offering drink specials for First Friday guests.

Organizers say the October installment represents more than just another downtown celebration. 

“This event brings together our businesses, our history, and our community spirit, while shining a light on an issue that touches so many families,” said Cynthia Kortge with The Dalles Main Street.

About The Dalles Main Street

Since its launch in 2013, The Dalles Main Street program has emphasized downtown revitalization, community beautification, and historic preservation through its nationally recognized four-point approach. First Fridays have become a centerpiece of that effort, drawing crowds to support local shops while fostering civic pride.

With the holiday season approaching, businesses are also hoping the pink-themed evening will give shoppers an early start on their gift lists. For downtown leaders, it’s another chance to remind residents that keeping dollars local helps sustain the vibrancy of The Dalles’ historic core.