Celebrating its 150th birthday, Roseburg and the greater Umpqua Valley have aged like the fine wine it produces – abounding in rich history and culture while also full of innovation and progression. This autumn, not only will visitors want to experience the Umpqua’s ideal weather and vibrant leaves, but also the festivities and beautification being done in celebration of Roseburg’s Sesquicentennial.
On Sunday, October 2, the fun kicks off with the Roseburg 150 Run/Walk which will be held at 8:30 a.m. at Stewart Park. Following the run will be Roseburg’s 150 Party in the Park, a community-wide celebration also in Stewart Park. The party will feature speeches and a proclamation, music, birthday cake and Umpqua Ice Cream, storytelling, games, kids’ activities and a “Walk Through Time” of historic photos and figures staked out along the Stewart Park multi-use path.
On Saturday, October 8, the first annual Blocktober Fest will fill the streets of downtown Roseburg from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The free, multi-block party will feature local breweries, wineries, food trucks, live music and family fun. Roseburg’s unique and abundant businesses, artisans and vendors will also be showcased. Visit roseburgblocktoberfest.com for more information.
While you’re downtown, two new murals are a must-see. Experience Roseburg and The City of Roseburg are collaborating on a downtown Roseburg beautification project that includes a series of murals, with two recently completed by well-known muralists. The first is a 442-square-foot mural painted by artist Raymond Argumedo of Gramercy Art Company and located on the back wall of downtown’s The Wine Destination. The other mural is hard to miss as its bright colors splash over a 1,638-square-foot wall off Main Street on the North Forty Beer Company building. This mural was painted by artists Travis Czekalski and Jon Stommel of Rather Severe. Learn more about the ongoing project at experienceroseburg.com/mural-project or follow us on Instagram @ExperienceRoseburg to see the progress!
Visitors can also embrace Roseburg’s historical sights and spooks with the Ghosts of Roseburg Past – a self-guided historic walking tour of downtown Roseburg. The public will be able to view historic photos and information, and download a GPS-enabled audio tour for a small cost, from the website, GhostsofRoseburg.com.
At some point during your Roseburg stay, make sure to visit the Experience Roseburg Visitor Center, located in the heart of downtown at Kane and Oak – right next to the U.S. Post Office. Find themed itineraries, dining suggestions, and a one-stop-shop for unique Roseburg apparel and souvenirs.
Check out roseburgturns150.com and for more on Roseburg’s 150th celebrations.
On October 3, 1872, Roseburg became officially incorporated by the state of Oregon. That makes this coming fall Roseburg’s 150th birthday. We’re celebrating with a series of articles on Roseburg’s rich past and blossoming future. For more information, visit the Roseburg 150 page.
