Create a one-of-a-kind souvenir of your visit to Florence, as you follow the Charm Trail through town. Pick up your bracelet and signature charm, available only at a Trail Head (Florence Chamber Visitors Center!) for $5.00. Then visit each Stop around Florence and add other charms for $2.00 each to complete your bracelet. Download locations here! Look for the YELLOW door signs! Follow the trail in any order you choose, and have a Charming time in Florence! The Charm Trail is a Program of the Siuslaw News (541) 997-3441.
Button, button—who’s got a button? By the third weekend of May, Rhododendron Festival organizers hope everyone in Florence will have, and be wearing, one of this year’s Rhododendron Festival buttons. And this year, there is a delicious, old-fashioned benefit that comes with pin ownership. Get your pin here. This year’s pin follows the festival’s theme, “Always Ready to Rhody”—a motto borrowed from the Coast Guard’s “Semper Paratus,” or Always Ready. In honor of the Coast Guard’s centennial anniversary in Florence, USCG Station Siuslaw River was chosen to be this year’s honorary parade grand marshals. The festival button features the Always Ready motto, an anchor, a patriotic red, white, and blue color scheme, and the traditional rhododendron bloom. The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce, organizer of the May 19-21 event, is bringing back two of the festival’s past traditions—metal campaign-style buttons and clam chowder. For many years of their history, the Rhody […]
This is the year to celebrate Oregon’s beautiful—and singularly protected—beaches. It’s the 50th anniversary of Oregon’s Beach Bill, signed into law on July 6, 1967 to safeguard beaches from development. But it easily could have been a different story. When lawmakers first introduced it, the bill faced steep opposition from private developers. Luckily, a few individuals alerted Oregonians to what they stood to lose, which helped turn a trickle of public support into a tidal wave. After months of battle, the bill was signed into law. And so it is that today, 50 years later, Oregonians and visitors from all over the world can continue to explore Oregon’s beloved beaches. Take a stroll, hunt for agates, dip your toes in the sand—and know this beach is yours and mine and everyone’s to treasure and protect, forever. Now that’s something to celebrate.
Submit Nominations Now for Siuslaw Awards Click HERE for award category descriptions and online nomination form. The eighth annual Siuslaw Business Awards event is fast approaching. This prestigious awards banquet sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce recognizes excellence in the local business community. Awards in Excellence in Customer Service, Curb Appeal, Non-Profit Achievement, Community Caring, and the Stu Johnston Business of the Year Award will be presented. A new category for Innovation in Business has been added this year. The Siuslaw Awards also recognizes two outstanding individuals in the community by honoring them with the Future First Citizen Award and the First Citizen Award. The First Citizen Award recognizes that individual who has given selflessly to the community based on community involvement, leadership and overall community impact. The Future First Citizen Award recognizes a student, nominated by the school district, for his or her academic success, civic involvement and contributions to […]
The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the 110th Rhododendron Festival Logo Contest. Professional and amateur graphic designers of all ages and from across the state are invited to submit logo designs by e-mailing bettina@florencechamber.com by Monday, October 17th at 5:00 p.m. for consideration. DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS HERE. The winning design will be printed on official festival t-shirts, commemorative pins, banners, advertisements, and print guides. The grand prize winner will receive a cash prize of $250, a framed festival poster, two complimentary festival t-shirts and two tickets to the carnival. They will also earn mention in community wide publicity, online posts at florencechamber.com, and press releases related to the festival. “We’re looking for fun, original designs that capture the energy of the festival and celebrating our community.” Jenna Bartlett, Chamber board president, says of the contest. A full list of rules is attached above. Logos must incorporate the […]
11 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 1,“get your German on”with the Scandia Dancers, Tyrollean Dancers, Alpine Echoes Band, Sam’s Polka Gems, food vendors, and the famous Oregon Coast Championship Wiener Dog Races at 3:00 p.m. Immediately following will be the traditional Happy Hour from 4 to 5 p.m., and exciting games (with prizes) until 5:30 p.m. Then the not-so-German (but they’d be popular there) T Club band takes over the Florence Events Center from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. OK, so a “Bob-Marley-meets-Pink-Floyd” music group isn’t your grandfather’s polka-dancing “oompah” music. So what? You’ll have a great time with Eugene’s own The T Club band. The T Club has been shaking dance floors from Ashland to Portland since the turn of the century with catchy reggae-rock infused psychedelia. Full Event Pass is just $7 at the door the day of the event.
New this year to the mix of fun Rods ‘N Rhodies events is the Florence debut of the cult classic film Deuce of Spades.Hot Rod Magazine calls it “The best hot rod film since American Graffiti.” The Deuce of Spades itself will be on display during the show ’n’ shine events in Old Town Florence. The film will show Saturday, September 10, at 7:30 p.m. at City Lights Cinemas, 1930 Highway 101. Adult admission is $9. On Friday, September 9, the public is invited to a free Rods ’N Rhodies social at City Lights at 7:30 p.m. to meet the producer/director and see the documentary Against All Odds, The Making of Deuce of Spades at 8:30. For more information about Rods ’N Rhodies, visit FlorenceChamber.com or call 541-997-3128. To get tickets for either screening, contact City Lights Cinemas at CityLightsCinemas.com or call 541-305-0014. Listen to here to her interview with […]
This fun and informative interview will wet your whistle and get you even more excited about hitting the road to Florence! You can see the link and listen to the interview HERE. Here’s what Tiny Town Travels say about their purpose. Tiny in size, big in character. Tiny towns bring a unique flavor to a world that can often feel like it’s being manufactured in a warehouse and differentiated only by the welcome sign as you arrive. Our scope is simple. Bringing together local voices and fun facts, we hope to inspire you to burst out of the every day bubble and explore the wondrous offerings of tiny towns near and far. Toe-curling historical legends, stunning vistas, delectable seasonal produce, and colorful locals with arms wide open awaits. Join us as we visit destinations with a population of 10,000 people or less, Listen, enjoy, and share the tales of Tiny […]
Construction projects to be topics of conversation for City Council Capital projects will be a key component Monday evening for the Florence City Council. Elected officials will hear a report on the costs involved in seeking LEED certification for the new Public Works headquarters that will begin construction later this year. In a report to […]
Volcanoes claim rubber match Jesus Castillo gave up six hits, including a two-run homerun in the third inning and the Eugene Emeralds fell to the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes 5-4 last night. The loss gave the three game series to the Vols… only the second series loss of the season for the Ems. Eugene is on the […]