Marion County and more than 50 partner organizations are hosting a 150-Miles for 150 Years Relay event through each of Marion County’s 20 cities and a number of unincorporated communities.
The relay, to commemorate the Oregon Sesquicentennial, takes place over five weekends, starting Saturday, June 13 in Gates and concluding July 11 at the County Fair.
SATURDAY, JULY 11
Gervais: The last day of the 150-mile trek begins at Centennial Park in Woodburn, with a three-mile walk to Gervais, sponsored by the Woodburn Chamber of Commerce and Habitat for Humanity. From Gervais, the trek continues to Mt. Angel by classic car.
Mt. Angel: Come to Mt. Angel for the “wurst” time of your life! Relay participants break for lunch under the Glockenspiel on Garfield Street. The whole town is invited for sausage and birthday cake, sponsored by Oktoberfest and Marion County. Come prepared to sing Happy Birthday to Oregon and Marion County (in English and in German). Mayor Rick Shiedler presides at the festivities.
Scotts Mills: After the Glockenspiel rings at 1 p.m., the John F. Kennedy High School cross-country track team takes the baton from Mt. Angel through Scotts Mills, taking a break at Scotts Mills Park. Mayor Ron Bielenberg and Scotts Mills residents greet the runners. The track team continues to Silverton, via Hazelnut Ridge and North Abiqua roads.
Silverton: In Silverton the baton is passed from the track team to the Silverton Runners Club, convening at Town Square Park. Silverton residents and Mayor Stu Rasmussen send off the runners, who take the last leg to Salem.
Marion County Fair (at the Oregon State Fairgrounds): Join the crowd to greet the runners as they arrive at their final relay destination at the Marion County Fair. Everyone who participates in the 150-mile relay anywhere in Marion County gets a free ticket to the fair for the Saturday evening celebration. The 150 Miles for 150 Years relay baton takes its rightful place in the annals of Marion County history, while fairgoers celebrate with cake and entertainment.
For more information on Marion County’s Oregon 150 activities, visit the website at www.co.marion.or.us and click on the Oregon 150 icon.
