As temperatures continue to climb, outdoor activities are heating up throughout the region. 

If you missed Hermiston’s Stars & Stripes Celebration, you can view photos taken by reporter Beau Glynn — including the fireworks show above the Hermiston Butte.

Glynn also reported on the Boardman Farmers Market and its new venue at the SAGE Center. In addition to farmers and producers, it features local businesses and artisans — check it out each Monday from 5-8 p.m. through Labor Day.

Also, Northeast Oregon Now shared some exciting news from Hermiston Parks and Recreation and its recently completed restoration project at Riverfront Park.

After flooding wiped out the playground in 2019 and 2020, a new adventure structure was relocated to avoid future issues with high water. It includes a “lookout tower” with multiple slides, swings and a great view of the river.

And Michael Kane, of Northeast Oregon Now, caught up with Christianson Realty Group as they celebrated a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the site of a new subdivision in Hermiston. 

Located at Southwest Third Street off Sky View Drive, lots at Gettman Hill Estates are available for purchase. Bennett Christianson of the realty group said buyers will enjoy larger lot sizes than are typically available within the city limits.

In the coming edition, look for a story on the Outskirts page as Glynn catches up with officials in Echo regarding flood prevention efforts. In January, city administrator David Slaght said they were working on rock and tree mitigation to assist in shoring up the river banks.

And in community news, read about important deadlines for open class exhibitors at the Umatilla County Fair. With the theme, Watch Us Grow!, the 2023 event is Aug. 9-12 at the Eastern Oregon Trade and Event Center.

It’s all part of the Hermiston Herald’s efforts, both in print and online, to keep you informed about the latest happenings throughout Umatilla and Morrow counties. As always, if you have a news tip to share or want to ask a question about our news coverage, drop a note to Herald publisher Andrew Cutler at this email address: acutler@eomediagroup.com.  

And, finally, let me take this opportunity to thank our subscribers: We simply would be unable to do this vital work without your support. 

Tammy Malgesini is the community editor for the Hermiston Herald.