A special virtual First Friday garden party 

Our business owners have been extremely creative during COVID-19 restrictions and virtual online parties and events have blossomed; they continue to be a way to connect with our community and support our local business owners.

Urban Ag Supply in Downtown Historic Albany is encouraging first-time gardeners or experienced pros to share their progress during the store’s Virtual First Friday event “Groovin’ with Growing Gardens” on June 5.

Post photos of your seedlings, flower garden and anything related to growing outside. The fun begins at 10 a.m. on Friday, June 5, and continues until 8 p.m., when a few modest prizes will be awarded for entries selected at random.

Get the details on how to participate on our blog.

Image "Millie And Her Herb Garden" by Maddie MacGregor

Albany Summer Explorer Program for kids

Have the kids been feeling a bit restless and stuck at home? Our Albany passport partners hope to give them something to look forward to with the 2020 Albany Summer Explorer program, a new physically distanced approach to the old program set to kick off July 1!

All our Explorer sponsors are following state and federal guidelines about re-opening businesses, parks and keeping children safe during the COVID-19 outbreak. And, while we are still in the process of designing this year’s activities, they will most likely include challenges via social media, so make sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more information and get ready to earn some fun prizes!

Photo of child with drone in Linn County, OR by Dan Bateman

Get outdoors to discover your bliss

Getting outdoors with your family is a great way to stay local and stay safe, and Albany has a lot of areas to explore: Sneak up on sun-basking turtles at Talking Water Gardens, spend an afternoon fishing at one of our area lakes, or just hop on the bikes and take a ride over miles of trails the city has to offer.

Come check out suggestions on our blog to get safely out and about for a day of fishing, bird-watching or cycling.

Photo of Waverly Lake in Albany, OR by Dave Maestes