Sharon Stockman observes the corn planting simulator on May 11, 2018, at the SAGE Center. Free admission is available Dec. 27-29, 2023, at the interactive visitor’s center in Boardman.

BOARDMAN — The SAGE Center in Boardman is preparing to harvest a celebration in recognition of its 10-year anniversary.

“We’re really excited just want to celebrate with the community,” Brooke Kaschmitter, the center’s STEAM education advisor, said. “We support our community as a local gathering place for people to come and enjoy different activities and events.”

Developed by the Port of Morrow, the SAGE Center — Sustainable AGriculture & Energy — opened its doors in May 2013. The interactive museum provides visitors with unique opportunities to learn about the region.

“It’s not often that you see a museum that focuses on sustainable agriculture and energy,” Kaschmitter said. “It shows our history in Morrow County, how we’ve grown and how we feed the world.”

The public is invited to the weeklong celebration on May 15-20. Regular hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at 101 Olson Road, Boardman. However, there will be Friday evening and Saturday activities. In addition to the special events, visitors have chances to win door prizes and raffle items.

Also, the museum store showcases local products and the creations of regional artisans.

And during the weeklong anniversary celebration, visitors receive a 10% discount on purchases.

The center features interactive displays, including a corn-planting simulator, a processing sculpture that shows how potatoes go from farm to table and a virtual hot air balloon ride that showcases all of Morrow County. It also houses a theater and museum store, which features local artisans and products.

And it’s not just locals who enjoy the facility. The SAGE Center has consistently appeared on Oregon Business magazine’s top 100 best fan-favorite destinations in Oregon. Other than the inaugural year in 2017 — and during the pandemic years in 2021 and 2022 when a list wasn’t produced — it has claimed a spot: 2018 (53), 2019 (86), 2020 (28) and 2023 (66).

“This is a wonderful achievement for the SAGE Center. It means our guests continue to enjoy their experience,” SAGE Center Manager Torrie Griggs said in September 2021. “It is a great opportunity to gain valuable exposure across the state of Oregon and beyond.”

May 15-20; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

101 Olson Road, Boardman

Features door prizes, raffle items and 10% off at the museum store. Special activities include:

Lamb Weston Fry Truck

May 19; 1:30-5:30 p.m.

Free fries and potato products.

“Night at the Museum”

May 19; 6 p.m.

Free movie, water and popcorn.

SAGE Saturday

May 20, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Free crafts and sensory play, face painting (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.)

Tillamook Cheese Day

May 20, 12-2 p.m.

“Tilla-moos” cheese giveaways, free lunch with admission and shaved ice treats.

Visit the SAGE Center’s Facebook page for additional information about the celebration at bit.ly/3LCz2ev.

Regular admission to SAGE is $5/adults, $3/students and seniors, and free/military and children under 5. For more information, call 541-481-7243 or visit www.visitsage.com.