The first day of fall arrived this past week. Out in the orchard, the mornings carry a chill, the sky deepens to that September blue, and the seasons shift once again. Farming teaches you that change is certain — the blossoms of spring give way to summer fruit, and autumn reminds us that nothing stays forever.

On the latest CCCNews Podcast, Executive Director and co-founder Kiara Kashubs described how the Gorge Farmer Collective started in March 2020, when farmers suddenly lost access to restaurants and markets. What began with five farms experimenting with an online marketplace has since expanded to more than 35 producers serving families, schools, food banks, and restaurants across Hood River, White Salmon, The Dalles, Mosier, and Lyle.

All The Best is here in this week’s Giggin Guide - Get Out There!

Columbia Center for the Arts (CCA) is proud to present two powerful, nature-inspired exhibitions this fall, on view October 3–November 9, 2025: Sky Hunters by Jen Smith in the Lobby Gallery, and Patterns in Nature, Variations on a Theme: A Retrospective by Steve Stegall in the Main Gallery.

The plan was for the rescue dog I’d chosen to be crammed in a crate and driven by van from Texas to The Dalles. The first text message I received from the Mutts and Meows Rescue in Missouri City, Texas, said they were departing from Texas on Sunday, then it was changed to Monday morning, then to late Monday afternoon. After a flurry of text messages, they reported the van left on Monday evening.

Mt. Adams Institute’s Sense of Place event series kicks off its 16th season on Wednesday, October 8 with Woven in Place: A Rancher’s Journey from Sheep to Fashion and the Olympics at Columbia Center for the Arts.

Mid-Columbia Community Action Council (MCCAC) announces the release of its comprehensive 2025-2030 Strategic Plan, outlining the organization's priorities for building a better future for community members across Hood River, Wasco, and Sherman counties over the next five years.

All The Best is here in this week’s Giggin Guide - Get Out There!

Wasco County Community Development is partnering with Columbia River Gorge Commission (CRGC) and USDA Forest Service staff to modernize disaster recovery in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. This collaboration aims to address the recovery needs following the Rowena, Burdoin, Broughton, and Tunnel Fires.

Not long ago, we talked about how fragile America’s food system has become. Farmers and ranchers face growing challenges — from water regulations and rising input costs to corporate consolidation and uncertain markets. Yet one thing hasn’t changed: when farmers and rural communities stand together, we are stronger.

Columbia Gorge CASA is pleased to announce the return of the CASA Fall Family Run for its second year, presented by McDonald’s of the Gorge. This festive, family-friendly event will be held on Friday, October 4, 2025, at the Mark O. Hatfield West Trailhead in Hood River. The event serves as a meaningful opportunity for the community to come together in support of CASA’s mission to advocate for children who have experienced abuse or neglect.

The Hood River Valley Parks and Recreation District is continuing its Pool Options Study to evaluate the future of the aging Hood River Aquatic Center.

For more than two years, retired lawyers and other volunteers have been helping Gorge residents apply for expungement (or “set aside”) of their Oregon criminal records. The volunteers operate free walk-in clinics twice a month in The Dalles and Hood River. More than 220 people have sought help through the clinics since June 2023. Most who come to the clinics live in the Gorge, but the clinics are open to anyone who needs help.

Art and culture take center stage this week across the Gorge, from juried pastel exhibitions to Hispanic heritage celebrations, live music, and community festivals filling Hood River, The Dalles, and beyond.

New! Gorge Gigging Guide Highlights gives you a quick look at the week ahead in music, comedy, performance, festivals, and more! It’s a Great Way to get a handle on planning for the Best in what The Gorge has to offer! 

Not that long ago—within the lifetime of folks still living in Wasco and Sherman Counties—the farm fields echoed with the steady clop of draft horses. Harness jingled at dawn, sweat darkened their hides by noon, and at day’s end the team pulled the wagon home. It was the rhythm of farm life.

The History Museum of Hood River County is proud to present Timewinder Tales (formerly Cemetery Tales). This year’s performances are a bit different than those in the past, and we could not be more excited to present this new version of the show! You will hear from four powerful and influential Latina members of our community who will share their stories and inspirations.

Columbia Center for the Arts (CCA) is proud to present the Northwest Pastel Society Members Show 2025, featuring more than 100 works by 66 artists. This juried exhibition, celebrating the vibrancy and versatility of pastel as a medium, will be on display at CCA September 5–28.

On Wednesday mornings across the Columbia Gorge, coolers snap open, boxes are labeled, and flats of greens, fruit, eggs, breads, cheeses, and flowers head out the door. By afternoon, those orders—placed through Gorge Farmer Collective, a farmer-owned cooperative of 35+ local farms- are waiting at neighborhood pickup spots from The Dalles to Mosier and Lyle.

New! Gorge Gigging Guide Highlights gives you a quick look at the week ahead in music, comedy, performance, festivals, and more! It’s a Great Way to get a handle on planning for the Best in what The Gorge has to offer!