Happy Birthday Oregon! It's your party the 14th and all year! Sesquicentennial Doings.

Oregon was admitted to the union on Valentines Day, 1859 - shouldn't that mean Oregon is for Lovers, not Virginia? After all we have had 150 years of love, not just 40!

All kidding aside, the 14^th is the start of the Oregon Sesquicentennial Year. Special events and doings all year!   Over 500 statewide events featuring elk viewing, arts and crafts festivals, trail clean up, painting contests, win a trip contests (see next post), paddling the South Slough Estuary at the Oregon Coast and many more incredibly fun and exciting things to do.

From the Coast to the Blues, the Columbia to the Redwood Highway,

you'll findsome great activities and events! From Portland, Albany, Eugene, Newport, Astoria and all along the Oregon Coast, to Philomath, Dayton, St. Paul, Salem, Lafayette, La Pine, Sisters, Baker City, you'll find something almost anywhere you go. Many events are planned for the 14^th, the annual Charleston Crab Feed for example - but you'll find more than enough to take you into spring, summer and fall by visiting the Oregon Sesquicentennial web site.

Speaking of love - I Love Oregon Wines (who doesn't?) is a Valentine's Day and weekend event in wine country starting Saturday, February 14^th. You can celebrate Valentine's through the 16^th at number of tastings and culinary events (think fine chocolate and great Oregon cuisine!).  The weekend also kicks off 150 days of wine in the Willamette Valley in honor of the 150^th birthday.   

Birthday Bash events in Salem, the capitol city, include  Family Day, the Sesquicentennial Soiree, and the Oregon Ball. You could be dancing next to the Governor!

Another way to kick off the next 150 years in grand style, and benefit the Portland Art Museum at the same time, is thePortland Art Museum's Beaux Arts Ball on Feb 21^st.  Themed after the famed Ecole des Beaux Arts Balls of 17^th century Paris you'll find all details at their web site.

There's lots more going on and lots more to let you know about.  It's a great year to visit Oregon, it's better than ever here! As always I'm available to answer questions about Portland and the state that I love - real estate and more.  Let's stay in touch!  I'll post some more sesquicentennial notes in the next weeks.