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Albany Visitors Association 33rd Annual Nighttime Magic Holiday Light Contest. This yearâs theme is âCherished Traditions in a New Light.â Pictures of entries are posted on the AVA Facebook page, and addresses are included for people to drive by. A holiday light drive is posted on the Albany Explorer app via Google Maps. Lights will be on at least 5 to 10 p.m. daily through at least Jan. 1.
Albany Helping Hands Christmas trees, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., last day, AHH Woodlot, 5150 SE Santiam Highway; Mid-Willamette Family YMCA, 3201 Pacific Blvd. SW.; North Albany Road and Hickory Street, North Albany; the Party Store, 1230 Pacific Blvd. SE. Masks, social distancing and hand sanitizer required at lots.
Very few Oregon industries have suffered more than our arts and culture sector this year. Performing arts organizations, museums, concert halls, libraries, theater groups and dance companies across the state have taken a huge hit due to ongoing closures and restrictions on large gatherings.
In June, an Oregon Cultural Trust survey revealed the devastating financial impact of the pandemic on arts and cultural organizations. By mid-July, Oregon led the nation in allocating $25.9 million in federal CARES Act funds to the arts and culture community through the Cultural Trustâs County Cultural Coalition network. The funding reached 621 organizations in every corner of the state and saved many from permanent closure but the crisis and their losses continue.
What’s Happening is a free service of Columbia Gorge News and may be edited for length. Items can also be found online on the Columbia Gorge News website (Gorge Life tab); calendar items are updated daily. Send items to trishaw@gorgenews.com.
Fundraisers
Jan. 9 Wasco County Medical Reserve Corps Eighth Annual Blanket Drive, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at E. Third St., The Dalles. Donations go to The Warming Place, The Dalles. Warm socks, coats and gloves, and travel sized soap and shampoo also accepted. Face masks, social distancing required. More at tanyaw@co.wasco.or.us or 541-506-2631.