"Children's Dreams The World's Potential", the Kiwanis International float at the 2017 Rose Parade in Pasadena, California (photo by Prayitno, Wikimedia Commons) I grew up watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City and the Rose Parade in Pasadena on TV. Although this is an enjoyable experience, attending the parades in person provides … Continue reading Start the new year by seeing the Rose Parade live in Pasadena

Featured image credit: geralt, Creative Commons Looking for fun activities for the entire family on New Year's Eve? Or you and your friends? Or maybe you and that special someone? These four First Night celebrations in Washington State and Montana have something for everyone. Washington First Night Tacoma Photo credit: First Night Tacoma Now in … Continue reading Four First Night celebrations in the Northwest

Featured image: The Christmas tree in Boston Common, with the State House glowing in the background (photo by Cheryl Landes) In 1912, several cities had public Christmas trees, and apparently there was a race to be the first to light theirs. New York City and Boston are fierce rivals in sports, and it appears they … Continue reading Which city lit its public Christmas tree first?

Featured image: This is not the goat who will eat your flowers, but the two who do are absolutely adorable. (photo by Cheryl Landes) It's always nice to receive flowers for a special occasion, but what do you do with them? You can admire them for a week or two until they die. Or when … Continue reading Goatgrams: Receive bouquets, watch goats eat them in Portland-Vancouver

Photos by Cheryl Landes Updated November 25, 2018 More than a half million lights all colors of the rainbow, 90-plus animated displays, and 3D displays and glasses. A holiday village with a tree that dances to Christmas music. Wagon rides and visits from Santa. And the World's Largest Nutcracker. It's all at River Forks Park, … Continue reading Umpqua Valley Festival of Lights in Roseburg spreads holiday cheer, gives back to community

Featured image: The curtain waiting to rise for The Nutcracker at the Hult Center for the Performing Arts in Eugene, Oregon Photos by Cheryl Landes, except where noted The Nutcracker is one of my treasured holiday traditions. For years, wherever I travel, I attend performances by different ballet companies. Sometimes I even plan a trip … Continue reading Eugene Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker a masterful tale in dance

Featured image credit: Creative Commons, via pixabay The Mercer Island Art Council needs performers for its Mostly Music in the Park concerts, which start Thursday, July 19, 7-8:30 p.m., for five weeks. Performances are held at Mercerdale Park in downtown Mercer Island, east of Seattle. A sound system will be provided. The deadline for applications … Continue reading Performing artists wanted for Mercer Island summer shows

Photos by Cheryl Landes It's that time of year again when more than 20,000 gray whales travel to their breeding grounds off the Baja Peninsula, and it's possible to see them on the Oregon Coast. Look for water spouts from their blowholes and their long bodies arching as they surface and dive. And, if you're … Continue reading It’s Whale Watch Week on the Oregon Coast

Featured image: The Queen Mary (photo credit Wikimedia Commons) Welcome the new year aboard the Queen Mary in Long Beach, California, with live entertainment featuring Sir Mix-A-Lot and Los Chicos Del 512, a Selena tribute band. Other entertainment includes dueling pianos and country music, dancing, and casino gambling spread over multiple decks and ballrooms of … Continue reading Celebrate the new year’s arrival aboard the Queen Mary

Featured image credit: Mount Hood Meadows Happy New Year from Mount Hood Meadows! The ski area kicks off 2018 with a big celebration commemorating its 50th season, and you're invited Ski late. Lifts run after midnight. Buy a special New Year's Eve lift ticket for $49. Go to the Shipyard for Party in the Park, … Continue reading Mount Hood Meadows celebrates 50th season with New Year’s Eve bash