CALENDAR ALERT! ALIENS AND APRICOTS COMING TO MAC

Spring has finally arrived in McMinnville, and the trees and flowers are blooming all over town. For those of us who live here it means that it’s time to dust off our antennae and spaceships, find the wicker baskets in the back of the closet and otherwise prepare for the many events and festivals that are happening over the next few months. Quick, save the dates for these don’t-miss events coming our way.

UFO FESTIVAL, May 13 & 14
The annual event that puts the whack in Mac. This over-the-top fest celebrates the sighting of UFOs near McMinnville back in the ‘60s with a parade, speakers, music, food and general merriment centered around the Hotel Oregon on Third Street. Don’t miss the Alien Costume Parade on Saturday, beginning at 1 p.m.; it really is one of the funniest, freakiest processions you’re likely to see anywhere, with people dressed up in full alien regalia and parading down Third.

FARMERS’ MARKET, Thursdays beginning May 26
There is nothing that announces spring for us like our beloved Farmers’ Market, which is held Thursday afternoons between the hours of 1:30 and 6 p.m. on Cowls Street between Second and Third Streets. It’s a great place to pick up fresh produce and food items from local farms, taste local wines and beers and mingle with the locals. Bring your basket and stock up on the freshest veggies and fruits of the season. Runs this year to October 13.

BROWN BAG CONCERTS, Thursdays beginning June 9
Concurrent with the Farmers’ Market are the free concerts held every Thursday from noon to 1:30 p.m. (starting June 9 and running through August 18) at the U.S. Bank Plaza on Davis Street & Third Street. Favorite performers like Mike Strickland and Whistlin’ Rufus are back on the schedule, along with some new artists who perform jazz, folk and bluegrass music. Bring a lunch and come out to the plaza to enjoy the shows.

TURKEY RAMA, July 8 & 9
McMinnville’s big mid-summer bash celebrates the memory of our town being a major processor of turkeys. Now TurkeyRama is a street festival and community barbeque, and this year will see the addition of the McMinnville Cruise-In to be held on Saturday night on Third Street, with members of the North Valley Cruzzers proudly displaying their classic street rods.