Founded in 1953, the Oakridge-Westfir Tree Planting Festival is the largest tree planting festival held in the same location anywhere in the world, and one of Oregon’s oldest heritage events. Post – Covid, the festival committee is breathing new life into a number of events after a two-year hiatus.
This year’s festival runs May 6-8. Kicking off the festivities is a talent show at Oakridge High School, 6 p.m. and Zero Clearance Theater’s first performance of “The Poles of Inaccessibility” at Lion Mountain Bakery beginning at 7:00 p.m.
Weekend highlights:
The festival’s crown jewel is the Grand Parade beginning at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 7. The parade traditionally begins on West 1st at Oakridge High School and commences down East 1st to Beech Street looping onto Commercial Street and back to the high school.
- Vendor Fair at Oakridge Elementary School starts at 12 p.m. rain or shine. If weather is wet booths will be moved indoors.
- Children’s Fair and the Piecemakers Quilt Show at Oakridge Methodist Church 48137 E. 1st, 12 p.m.
- Burger and Brew is a traditional lunch at the Circle Bar Golf Course, 48447 Westoak Road, beginning at 1 p.m.
- Mini Olympics for school-aged children is held at Oakridge High School track beginning at 1 p.m.
- Oakridge Museum tours begin at 1 p.m. at the corner of East 1st and Pine Streets.
- Oakridge Art Council Art Walk, East 1st Street, 1 p.m.
- Second performance “The Poles of Inaccessibility” at Lion Mountain Bakery 47781 Highway 58, 7 p.m.
Sunday
- Women of the Moose Mother’s Day Brunch, Moose Lodge 2191, 48086 Highway 58, 9 a.m. All are welcome, members and non-members.
- Salmon Creek Walk & Run, race begins at Green Waters Park 9 a.m.
- Spring for Your River Clean-Up, Westfir Covered Bridge Portal, 47365 1st Street, Westfir, 9 a.m.
Youngsters are ready to race during the Mini Olympics one of the many events of the Tree Planting Festival Photo courtesy of Oakridge-Westfir Tree Planting Festival
- Disc Golf Clinic, Osprey Park, 47400 Perkins Road, Oakridge, 11 a.m.
- Tree Planting Ceremony, Oakridge Industrial Park, 48513 Highway 58, 2 p.m.
- Third performance “The Poles of Inaccessibility” at Lion Mountain Bakery 47781 Highway 58, 2 p.m.
Other events throughout the weekend include a Geocache Scavenger Hunt, Trap Shoot at Oakridge Gun Club, food trucks, live music in the Uptown District.
For any updates check OakridgeWestfirTreePlantingFestival.com.
Oakridge-Westfir Tree Planting Festival
PO Box 67
Oakridge OR 97463
Media Contact: Janet Hansen
615.390.1401
George Custer lives in Oakridge with his wife Sayre. George is a former smokejumper from his hometown of Cave Junction, a former captain in the U.S. Marine Corps. and ran a construction company in Southern California. George assumed the volunteer duties as the Editor of the Highway 58 Herald in 2022. He loves riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, building all things wood, and playing drums on the weekends in his office.
📣 Support Your Local News Publication: Donate to Highway 58 Herald! 📣
The Highway 58 Herald is your trusted source for all things local, from community events to breaking news. But we need your help to keep delivering the stories that matter most to you. Your generous donation ensures we can continue providing in-depth reporting and vibrant coverage of our community.
Every dollar helps us maintain high-quality journalism and keep you informed. Please consider making a donation today and support the voice of our community. Donate today!
Thank you for helping us keep Highway 58 Herald strong and vibrant!
OFFICE SERVICES AVAILABLE: Copying, Scanning, Emailing & Faxing Services are now available at The Herald’s office in Oakridge.
