Albany, Oregon July Events

A community fireworks show will follow the River Rhythms concert series in celebration of Independence Day.

Image Courtesy: City of Albany

(ALBANY, Ore. ) - The Albany, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department along with the Albany Public Library are hosting some events that have something for everyone.

From the 2014 River Rhythms concert series, to workshops on estate planning, and classes on rock climbing, there is something for every age group.

Albany Events in July:

River Rhythms Concert Series:

The 2014 River Rhythms concert series, presented by Oregon Freeze Dry, opens Thursday, July 3 at Monteith Riverpark in downtown Albany.

John Nemeth and the Bo-Keys featuring Percy Wiggins starts the series’ 31st year. A community fireworks show will follow the concert in celebration of Independence Day. The concert starts at 7:00 p.m. The fireworks show is expected to begin about 10:00 p.m. Admission is free but donations are encouraged.

Food vendors open at 5:00 p.m. The blanket seating area and beer garden, featuring beers and cider by Gilgamesh Brewing of Turner, open at 5:30 p.m. Children’s art activities, sponsored by the locally-owned Red Robin, are from 5:30-7:00 p.m.

Bryant Park will be closed to the public until 10:00 a.m. July 3 to allow set-up for the fireworks show. Bryant Park will reopen at 10:00 a.m. for spectator viewing/parking for a fee of $5 per vehicle.

River access, and the lower (north) Bryant shelter area will be used as the fallout zone for the fireworks and will be closed all day.

The concert series and fireworks are made possible entirely by donations from Albany-area businesses and individuals attending the concerts.

Estate Planning Workshops:

The Albany Public Library will host the second of a four-part series of workshops on estate planning at 6:30 p.m. July 1, at the Main Library, 2450 14th Avenue SE.

Bruce Bailey of Transamerica will discuss how to utilize insurance in estate planning goals. The program is presented by Corwin Insurance.

On Tuesday, August 5, Jeff Webb will speak on Social Security. The series concludes on Tuesday, September 2 with a panel discussion by professionals in several different aspects of estate planning. A question-and-answer period will follow.

These programs are free and open to the public.

Summer Reading Parking Lot Sale:

Kids up through age 18 are invited to practice their business skills at the annual Summer Reading Program Parking Lot Sale from 9:00 a.m. until noon Saturday, July 12 at Albany Public Library, 2450 14th Avenue SE.

Young entrepreneurs are invited to label their toys, books, and other items with a selling price as they set up and manage their own booths. Space, cold fruit juice and water, and restrooms will be provided by the Library at no charge. No food, live animals, weapons, or items inappropriate for children may be sold.

Everyone is invited to shop for children's items at bargain prices and to support these young shopkeepers in their efforts to run a profitable business.

How to Draw Animals Class:

Albany Parks & Recreation Department is offering a new class for ages 17 and older to learn how to draw animals.

The class is 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 8, at the Albany Senior Center, 489 Water Avenue NW.

The workshop will use basic art principles and techniques using graphite pencils. Lines, shading, light and shadow, shape, patterns, and composition will be discussed. Drawing animals will be the focus including faces, and personality. Handouts will encourage and guide further independent study. Each student will produce a pencil drawing.

Registration is required one week prior to the class start date.

Cost for the class is $20 for Albany residents or $26 for those who live outside the Albany city limits. A supply list will be provided at registration.

For information or to register, call 541-917-7777.

Introduction to Rock Climbing:

Albany Parks & Recreation Department is offering an introduction to rock climbing at the Skinner’s Butte Columns in Eugene.

Instructor is outdoor enthusiast Brett Gallagher, who has over 10 years of outdoor teaching experience.

The course provides an introduction to climbing for all levels and will cover basic aspects of climbing, including gear, belay techniques, climbing techniques, anchor building, and the climbing environment. Participants must be age 12 or older; children under the age of 16 need to be accompanied by a paying adult). Three day trips are available: July 7, July 28, or August 25.

Class time is 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Cost is $125 per session, with all equipment and transportation included. Each participant should bring a sack lunch and water, and wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes.

For more information and how to register, call 541-917-7777.

Magic in Our Own Backyard:

Students going into kindergarten or school grades and their families are invited to “Go Wild: a Scientific Look at the Magic in Our Own Backyard” at 2:30 or 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 1, at the Carnegie Library, 302 Ferry Street SW or 2:30 p.m. Thursday, July 3, at the Albany Main Library, 2450 14th Avenue SE.

This program of science, magic, and puppets is presented by Curt Nelson of Slightly Illusional, featuring Professor Mega-Noggin, Roosevelt Rat, Leanne the Magic Bunny, Superhero Frog, and a crazy bird named Beauregard.

The Library will provide a display of books available for checkout on related subjects for continuing the fun at home.

These programs are part of the Library’s Summer Reading Program events scheduled through August. They are free of charge, and no registration is required.

For more information call, 541-791-0015.