Gorge Games charge through
Windsurfers, kite-boarders, kayakers, riverboarders, cyclists, skaters, longboarders, and all manner of extreme summer athlete descended upon White Salmon and Hood River this weekend for the 2008 Gorge Games.
Outdoor activities took place in two states, six counties, seven cities, and with 10 different sporting events occurring simultaneously, bringing revenue and a host of tourists through town.
Music, food, festivities and parades accompanied hte athletic events for four days, appeared to be a success for fans and athletes alike.
"Other than a few minor challenges the event went pretty smoothly especially at the individual sporting venues," said Co-founder Joshua Ryan.
The competitive events themselves drew strong crowds especially for the wind events, outrigger canoeing and skateboarding. Organizers estimated spectator turnout between 8,000 and10,000 thoughout the weekend.
Athlete registration set a high water mark with 1328 athletes registered despite a 4-year hiatus since the last Gorge Game was held.
Organizers will now begin planning the 2009 Winter Gorge Games.
HR museum looking to bring back Bridge of the Gods opera
A community meeting will be held Thursday, Aug. 31, to discuss interest in reviving the historic performance of the “Bridge of the Gods” opera, first performed in Hood River in 1951.
The community is invited to attend and share thoughts and ideas about the history of this opera and how it might become a significant performance to honor the state of Oregon’s sesquentennial in 2009. The museum is specifically interested in people willing to assist with ideas in areas of potential locations and funding for this project.
The museum is also looking for anyone with information on the location of the original orchestra and vocal scores for this opera. Anyone with ideas of where these might be stored is asked to contact the museum.
Members of the Portland Chamber Orchestra and Portland Opera Company will attend this session to be involved in the planning discussion.
The History Museum of Hood River County will be hosting the meeting from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. The museum is located just of Interstate 84, at exit 64 in the Port Marina Park.
“This wonderful historic performance would be a great way for Hood River to be showcased in the celebration of Oregon’s important birthday in 2009. I would love to see community members, businesses and music lovers all attend this meeting and give their support and input towards this project,” said Connie Nice, of the Museum.
For further information about this meeting, call Nice at (541) 386-6772 or email to: thehistorymuseum@hrecn.net.
Farmland interaction dinner and meeting coming in August
The Washington State Office of Farmland Preservation Task Force will conduct a tour, interaction dinner and meeting Aug. 5 and 6, in Goldendale.
• Tuesday, Aug. 5 - Farmland Preservation Tour (11 a.m.-5:30 p.m.)
Several stops relating to farmland preservation challenges and solutions are planned before a 5 p.m. conclusion at the Goldendale Quality Inn and Suites. Those who have pre-registered for the tour will board the tour bus promptly at 11 a.m. at the Quality Inn and Suites. Tour participants will see sites and hear presentations relating to farm and ranch preservation, including a row crop operation on a 100-year-old family farm, a major cattle ranch, an organic dairy, a cluster development and possibly other sites.
Participants will hear input from local farmers and ranchers as well as descriptions of wind energy generation and the factors considered when landowners sign the long-term agreements involved. There will be information about the restrictions on agriculture within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. The impacts of fuel prices, migrant workers, unique land zoning methods, dam de-commissioning, hay prices and changing grazing rules on public lands will all be discussed.
• Tuesday evening, from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m., the Task Force will hold an interaction dinner in the meeting room of Ayutla’s Restaurant. Everyone is welcome at 7 p.m. to interact informally with members of the Task Force. Participants can order dinner from the menu on their own if they wish.
• Wednesday, Aug. 6, -Farmland Preservation Meeting.
The Farmland Preservation Task Force will hold its regular meeting beginning at 9 a.m. at the Goldendale Grange. Anyone interested in attending the farm tour, is asked to reserve a spot by calling the office at (360) 407-6200 or e-mail Lori Gonzalez at lgon461@ecy.wa.gov. Reservations need to be made by Tuesday, July 29. |
