Continuing our journey exploring La Grande Main Street Downtown (LGMSD), we will now visit the most public-facing aspect of LGMSD, our events. Throughout the years, LGMSD has provided the citizens of our region with many and varied celebratory participatory events.
We will start off this journey with the 2nd Annual Shamrock Shuffle, a 5K/10K fun run through La Grande, which will be held on March 16th, with the 10K starting at 9:00 AM and the 5K at 9:30 AM, with participation encouraged for all ages and experience levels. Last year, the Shuffle attracted more than 122 shufflers, from enthusiastic children to the over 70 crowd, as well as young ones in carriages and dogs on leashes. There is still time to register if you want to join this exciting event—a tee shirt and chip timing are provided. Click on this link: https://www.facebook.com/732090478542213 and become part of the fun!
Next on the calendar comes the Eastern Oregon Beer Festival (EOBF), held this year on June 15th at the Union County Fairgrounds. This is LGMSD’s primary fundraiser, providing funds for community and business development, community events, and beautification projects. Following this is Crazy Days on Friday and Saturday, July 19th and 20th. A popular fixture of the La Grande scene for almost 70 years, Crazy Days includes downtown stores offering discounts on selected items starting on Friday. The discounts continue Saturday with family friendly recreation, vendors, and food trucks.
Safe Trick or Treat, happening on October 31st this year, is hosted by LGMSD to offer young and old a safe trick or treating alternative with Adams Avenue closed to traffic and businesses along the way offering treats to the costumed revelers making their way through downtown. There is also a costume contest with great prizes awarded. Then, on the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving, LGMSD highlights Plaid Friday and Small Business Saturday, celebrating local businesses and shopping locally for the holidays.
The holiday season kicks off with the LGMSD Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting with everyone gathering to watch the many and varied floats and parade participants, culminating with the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus and the lighting of the Holiday tree in Max Square. The last event of the year is the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop and block party to ring in the new year. This is the only ball drop event in the State of Oregon and launches the new year in style.
Throughout the year, La Grande Main Street Downtown highlights the many seasons of our lovely city with unique celebratory events.