Let's Skate

It’s time to lace up your skates for an all-ages skate party at the Bob Keefer Center, 250 S 32nd St. in Springfield. Bring your roller skates, in-line skates, and rollerblades, or rent them at the 2-hour event for $3 worth of skating in style with a live DJ, lights, decorations, and more. Registration is not required. Learn more at willamalane.org/skate

The Skate Party can accommodate up to 200 people at one time. Willamalane has limited skates in various sizes available for rent for $3—admission: $8 in-district folks and $11 out-of-district.

Trees & ornaments

It’s time to find the perfect Christmas tree and ornament for your holiday celebrations. But that’s not all. Once again, one of the Willamette Valley’s most beloved traditions is returning - the seventh annual Willamette Valley Ornament Hunt.

U.S. Forest Service Christmas tree permits are available online at Recreation.gov, in person from local vendors, or from one of the Willamette offices. They allow people to cut one tree in designated areas; each household can purchase up to five permits. Permits are $5 each; online purchases at bit.ly/WNFtree have an additional $2.50 service fee. For downloadable maps of tree-cutting areas and a list of local vendors selling tree permits, visit bit.ly/WNFtree

Locally crafted wooden ornaments have been hidden in the McKenzie River Ranger District, where eagle-eyed hikers can seek them out and register to win this year’s grand prize, which includes a two-night getaway in the Willamette Valley. Trails include the Waterfalls Loop Trail, the McKenzie River Trail, and the King-Castle Trail.

See the Grinch

The Thurston Grangers invite all Lane County communities to Christmas shop at their Holiday Craft Sale Event from December 13th to the 15th, from 2 to 5 p.m.

Also, on Sunday, Dec. 15th, from 12 to 2 p.m., people will have a fun opportunity to meet and greet the Grinch. Please bring your camera to take a picture with the Grinch.

Admission is free to this Family-friendly shopping experience at 6596 Thurston Road in Springfield.