John Day River Territory Rounds-Out the EO Sweepstakes Month

What about curing those winter blues with an adventure into Eastern Oregon's John Day River Territory for some winter fishing, great food, and a night relaxing in the ranch house?  Sounds like the perfect "Get-Away" and all you have to do is "LIKE" us on Facebook.  You can enter as many times as you'd care to, or suggest us to your friends to get even more ballots in the box.  Check it out at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Eastern-Oregon-Visitors-Association/357079793407

John Day River Territory Sweepstakes Package (Value $500):   One night’s lodging for two at Wilson Ranches Retreat – Value:  $109 http://www.wilsonranchesretreat.com; Sandi’s Catering Gift Certificate – Value:  $30  http://www.condonchamber.org/; Big Timber Family Restaurant – Value:  $40;  http://businessfinder.oregonlive.com/663270/Big-Timber-Family-Restaurant-Fossil-OR; A one day (6 hours) guided trip for four people to explore geology and fossils in the area – from Oregon Paleo Lands Institute.  Value: $250.00. http://www.paleolands.org/; Mah-Hah Outfitters Gift Certificate – Value:  $75 http://johndayriverfishing.com/


That's not ALL that's happening in Eastern Oregon...

Take the "Spirits" of EO Home and Share!

Spray, Oregon... Looking for a way to take a piece of Eastern Oregon home with you and help also boost a small rural community at the same time? Share a bottle of 9 Rocks, a refined martini vodka distilled to perfection, with a friend or special someone as you recall your ‘Just Don’t Tell’ experiences. 9 Rocks is premium vodka sold at a mid-range price distilled at Black Rock Distillery in Spray, Oregon. Their product is found in 1/3 of Oregon’s liquor stores and numerous restaurants with an increasing demand as the news spreads of this surprisingly smooth yet sophisticated spirit. A bottle of 9 Rocks will not only make a positive, lasting impression, but will also help boost the economy of a rural eastern Oregon community.  To learn more visit their website www.blackrockdistillery.com or call them at 541.224.3248 or 541.468.3113 today!  Read about it: http://www.eastoregonian.com/news/distillery-showcases-spirit-of-spray/article_2d167a76-9a77-11e0-a0ec-001cc4c002e0.html

Eastern Oregon in the Music World's News ~ Even Songwriters 'Just Don't Tell'!

Pendleton & La Grande, Oregon... As you click on the radio this month or tape into the newest music video, you will hear and see Eastern Oregon.  Ronnie Dunn’s new up-tempo cowboy-rocker anthem officially impacts country radio and a supporting music video debuts at RonnieDunn.com. The music video was filmed partly in Pendleton, Oregon during the Pendleton Round-Up with rider Blake Knowles (lead character) serving as the backdrop.

Not to be outdone by the country-side of things, well-known singer/songwriter Laura Gibson debuts her new album entitled...La Grande.  Gibson recalls traveling to the little eastern Oregon town while writing songs and says, "people usually pass through on their way to somewhere else, but which contains a certain gravity, a curious energy," Gibson tells Paste Magazine.   Check out the music at: 

http://www.lauragibsonmusic.com/

Experience Heritage ~ Learn About Community

Pendleton, Oregon...Tamástslikt Cultural Institute will inaugurate a new program series dubbed the Community Academy, from 10 a.m. – noon, Feb. 11. Set four-times-a-year, Community Academy will bring together cultural experts from the community to share their knowledge and expertise with others and keep cultural assets alive.  “We are hoping to grow the cultural assets of our reservation by connecting interested people with a teaching resource,” said Bobbie Conner, Director, Tamástslikt. “However, Community Academy won’t always be about a tribal-specific activity. It’s very much a community-driven program, and we are open to suggestions.”

 The first Academy, focused on storytelling, provides an open microphone opportunity for individuals wishing to share stories and techniques. Three experienced Tribal storytellers will kick off the event, with novice storytellers invited to exercise their bravery in front of a live audience by sharing a story or two. For more information, contact Susan Sheoships, Education Coordinator, (541)429-7723, tci.education@tamastslikt.org or visit www.tamastslikt.org
Crossroads Art Center ~ First Friday Fun  Baker City, Oregon…Crossroads Art Center kicks-off February with Jennifer Godwin of Baker City and Abbey Godwin-Prevot of Seattle as featured artists.  The mother and daughter team both work in oils, acrylics, watercolor, pencil and gesso. Refreshments will be served. Music by Leon Brown. The show will be on display through Saturday, February 25th. Opening Reception: Friday, February 3rd, at 5:30pm. 
http://crossroads-arts.org/

Get Ready ~ The Red to Red Mountain Bike Race is Coming!

Echo, Oregon…March 3, 2012 is a date for all mountain bike and wine enthusiasts to mark on the calendar.  Red to Red  mountain bike race will be held in and around Echo Oregon.  This is a very unique race in many ways. Called  Red to Red after the old red express freight service I Echo this race in is fourth year will likely be the largest mountain bike race in the Northwest in 2012. 435 competitors in 2011 made it larger than any other event in 2011.The town will have food vendors, live music for two evenings in the winery, last year an art show, the museum open little shops open. The race itself  consists of approximately 28 miles of 70% single track. The trail goes through 12 miles of steep desert arroyo, then through the Echo West and Flying B vineyards. The trail drops off a precipice to the Umatilla river bottom where it winds through the alder and cottonwood forest over streams across log bridges and crosses from river bank to island on several occasions. For more info and to sign-up contact: LLoyd Piercy, Sno Road Winery 541-376-0419 

http://www.echo-oregon.com/r2r.html