Newcomer’s unusual Christmas collection becomes centerpiece of “Find Your Elf in Waldport” contest

December 18, 2024

By GRETCHEN AMMERMAN/Oregon Coast TODAY WALDPORT — When Rhonda D’Amico left Idaho, she fairy quickly found her elf in Waldport. The reception she received dwarfed the sadness she felt after leaving the home she had gnome for so long. Part of the positive reception came because when she arrived, she was not alone. Her baggage included tiny passengers with

Hatfield visitor center offering special programs during whale watch week Dec. 26-31

December 18, 2024

By Oregon Coast TODAY You can see them on the license plates of cars or spouting offshore from the window of your own — whales are as integral to the central Oregon coast as crabs and conifers. The twice-yearly Whale Watch Weeks are times to catch the peak southern migration times of gray whales along the Oregon coast. Multiple

Heceta Head Lightstation prepares for two weekends of its Victorian Christmas open house

December 11, 2024

By Oregon Coast TODAY Heceta Head Lightstation is celebrating 28 years of its annual Victorian Christmas Open House this weekend and next. During each evening of the open houses, local performers will share holiday favorites in the historic Keeper’s House, Santa will be visiting to welcome children of all ages and cookies and warm drinks will be available. Entry

Performing Arts Center supporters celebrate completion of $2.2 million campaign Saturday

December 11, 2024

By Oregon Coast TODAY There are so many reasons to visit the Newport Performing Arts Center and on Saturday, Dec. 14, the reason will be to celebrate the building itself and the long-awaited conclusion of its $2.2 million capital campaign. Saturday’s reopening begins at noon and will last approximately two hours with remarks, backstage tours, entertainment and light food

Two groups combine to help rejuvenate Newport’s annual Lighted Boat Parade

December 5, 2024

By Oregon Coast TODAY Whether a floating parade packed with colorful craft or just a few festooned boats, it’s always a stunning sight. The lights of the annual Lighted Boat Parade, reflecting off the water in the Yaquina Bay with the Yaquina Bay Bridge arching over the bay nearby, is an original Newport holiday. Thousands of twinkling holiday lights

Lincoln County communities begin host of holiday events this weekend

December 4, 2024

By Oregon Coast TODAY Weaving holiday lights and displays through the already stunning displays at Oregon Coast Aquarium makes the Sea of Lights one of the coast’s most unique holiday light displays. The Sea of Lights will be lit from 5 to 8 p.m. on the next three Friday and Saturdays, beginning Friday, Dec. 6. Entry is included with

New executive director of Newport Symphony Orchestra wants to help develop signature “sound”

November 28, 2024

By ELIOT SEKULER/Oregon Coast TODAY NEWPORT – The Newport Symphony Orchestra is entering a new era with a new executive director bringing fresh ideas and an ambitious agenda. Founded in 1989, the symphony has flourished under the musical direction of conductor Adam Flatt, who has led the ensemble since 2007. The orchestra’s new executive director, Dan Howard, will oversee

Done with Thanksgiving’s leftovers? Christmas civic celebrations kick off Friday through Dec. 8

November 28, 2024

By Oregon Coast TODAY Christmas lights are one of the season’s greatest gifts, whether on a cozy conifer in a corner, on a towering community tree or dancing on the side of a hill in ever-changing shapes. Here’s a roundup of some civic holiday events beginning the day after Thanksgiving. Lincoln City Cultural Center party This fun and festive

Oregon Coast Aquarium unveils two new exhibits featuring sea jellies and tropical species

November 21, 2024

By GRETCHEN AMMERMAN/Oregon Coast TODAY NEWPORT — Familiar sights on Oregon beaches, sea jellies that have been tossed unceremoniously onto the shore blend into the flotsam of seaweeds, sticks and shells. Ranging from the graceful Pacific sea nettles to the goofy blue blubbers that move as if late for a very important date, these living, albeit brainless, organisms positively

New Maritime Heritage Center exhibit explores history of Blacks in the Pacific’s seafaring world

November 20, 2024

By Oregon Coast TODAY Most accounts of the United States’ maritime enterprises are disproportionately populated by white seafarers. A new exhibit at Newport’s Pacific Maritime Heritage Center, “Take Me to the Water: Histories of the Black Pacific” expands that narrative to include the many Black whalers, commercial mariners, fishers, explorers, soldiers and sailors who traveled along the Pacific Coast