When it comes to live music, Jim Drake can get you plugged in. Our local columnist for entertainment Gorge-wide has a good sampling of coming shows and events, including Gary Pryor of Mosier’s new release, Families in the Park Concert Series, an open mic, and a Pacific Coast Trail Party. Read more here. CCCNews.com Columbia Community Connection

“It’s a milestone for the LGBTQ community in Goldendale to celebrate their first Pride event,” said Kent Apostal, Goldendale Pride Organizer.

Riverfront Park will see some pretty awesome steel this weekend as The Dalles Rotary and The Mid Columbia Car Club put on the Show in the Shade starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 14th.

This year’s Wasco County fair will feature a rodeo, demolition derby, 4-H livestock and small animal showings and auctions, Kid’s Day, Farmer’s Fun Day, Cook’s Racing Pigs aka “the fastest bacon in the west”, old fashioned horse-drawn carriage rides, local artisans, agriculturalists, ClockTower Ales beer garden, and live music from Smock Dogs and The Rock Doctors.

The city of HR will be blowing smoke this week. Right in the old sewer pipes. They will be looking for defects and smoke helps detect them. It’s set to occur on Thursday and Friday, Aug. 12 & 13. Take a look at the map. Maybe they're blowing smoke in your neighborhood. Oh, and you might notice an odor.

CGCC is bringing a new aviation maintenance technician program to the Gorge to address a shortage in the industry. “The average starting annual pay for a certificated mechanic is $45,000,” and this is increasing every year. Experienced mechanics earn $70,000 per year or more. Read more here.

North Waco County School District is holding registration for all students this week starting on Tuesday, Aug. 10th. Like last year, registration will take place online for all returning students through your PowerSchool Parent Portal. New students can pick up registration forms at their neighborhood schools. Read more for times and locations.

North Central Public Health District has announced three winners in the $10,000 COVID-19 lottery held for people willing to get vaccines. They all rolled up a sleeve to become winners. Read More Here.

“This exhibition is a glance at what a common laborer lives during cherry season, it’s just a small slice of the story, but a story that not everyone in the Columbia River Gorge is aware of,” said Méndez.

CGCC is now taking applications for its new dormitory, Chinook Residence Hall. The building features some incredible views and good energy with blues, whites and light wood tones. The building will be able to house 50 students in its current configuration. Read and SEE more here.

Local Musicman Al Hare is forging ahead with the creation of the Little Music City Hall of Fame - an entity that will honor and promote the history of music in The Dalles. The series kicks off on Saturday, Aug. 7, with an induction ceremony for Don Tibbets (guitar), Truman Boler (bass & vocals), Stan Ruehlow (drums).

Hector Valdez and Rober Salcido of Isaac Painting give the porch ceiling a new coat on Thursday Morning, Aug. 5th. The father-son team really got after it, giving the body of the building an entire coat during the day.

600 goats descended on Maupin on Aug. 4th in an effort to restore Bakeoven Creek in its first two miles. Maupin’s Randy Klettke was able to build a team around the idea, bringing the Goat King from Pendleton and some pretty amazing Peruvian goat herders and their trusty guard and herding dogs. It’s the beginning of a long process, but one that could restore salmon spawning beds.

Wind Advisory for cities of Arlington, The Dalles, White Salmon. Gusts up to 45 mph.

Eleven-year-old Tavin Smith is a hustler in a good lemonade, hot chocolate kind of way. His sister, Sydney, chips in with her cookies.

Cody Miller’s recent return to The Dalles to operate Grocery Outlet did not come without some hard-earned experience. The 33-year-old essentially has been moving for the past 15 years, learning how to motivate people to keep a clean well-stocked store. He also avoided a couple of fists on the way. Read more here.

After a two-year hiatus, the inaugural season and community-run/walk is BACK! The hilly 3K AND 5K courses loop around Sorosis Park and CGCC on gravel, grass, and pavement. Runners and walkers of all ages and experiences are welcome.

Remember a time when you gathered with friends; the sun shining, live music hopping, and delicious food sizzling on the grill? That time is now! The annual Kiwanis Steak Feed is back!

When it comes to live music, Jim Drake can get you plugged in. Our local columnist for entertainment Gorge-wide has a good sampling of coming shows and events, including the classic horror movies, stand-up comedy and some Burgin Blues. Read more here.