What a difference a year makes! While we aren’t out of the COVID woods yet, this May is looking very different from last. Instead of listing events that have been cancelled in this blog, I’m happy to report that some of our favorite events are returning, albeit in Covid-friendly versions.

Here are some things to look forward to in Lake Oswego in May.

Summer Camp Registration. Parents, set your alarms. Lake Oswego resident registration for Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation Summer Camps opens up at 9:00 a.m. on May 3. There is an extensive lineup this year including 17 preschool camps, 6 art, 10 dance, 5 music, 3 mad science, 6 science and stem, 5 Lego, 10 technology, 7 Lego, 8 Teen Service Corp, 12 outdoor, 10 sports and fitness and golf and tennis. Camper groups are limited to 20 participants and social distancing is encouraged while masks are required. Your best strategy is to visit the brochure ahead of time and if you see something good, add it to your wishlist to save until registration day. Then once the clock strikes 9, add it to your cart! Luckily, you’ve probably been training for this already if you’ve had to strategize how and where to get your vaccine. Good luck!

Walk4Water. WaterAfrica is hosting this year’s annual event once again in support of its partner, World Vision’s goal to “Finish the Job in Zambia” which means providing clean water everywhere the organization works in Zambia within the next five years. That translates to reaching one million people who now find themselves walking an average of 3+ miles a day just to get dirty water, that often carries water-borne disease.

Here’s how to participate in the 14^th annual event:

Register online. Once you’ve registered, you’ll receive an automated email with a link to a page to sign up for a timeslot for the Foothill Parks walk. There are only 120 spots available spread out across three time slots: 8:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. If no time slots are still available, registrants can participate through their own chosen walk and are encouraged to share their experience and the WaterAfrica mission to Finish the Job in Zambia with friends and family through social media. Registration fees are $25/child; $50/adult; $300/family.

LAKE RUN. This annual event (which had to be cancelled last year due to COVID-19), typically draws in 1,000 participants and raises $100,000 for charity. Since 2018, the event has been organized by and benefitted Northwest Housing Alternatives which builds new homes and opportunities for seniors, families, veterans and people with special needs across Oregon as well as providing homeless intervention programs for families in Clackamas County.

This year’s event will be virtual, May 1 and 2, enabling participants to run any course they wish (which for those of us who dread that McVey climb could be a good thing!) Simply register online and then on race weekend, run a 5K or 10K course of your own choosing, and upload your time to compare your results with other Lake Run participants.  Entry fee is $35.

FARMERS’ MARKET. This summer favorite returns in a hybrid version between pre and post Covid. Covid-19 safety guidelines from the Oregon Health Authority are still being followed meaning face coverings are required, there will be reduced booth space to provide more room for attendees to maintain social distancing, and entering and exiting will be limited to one location each. We will see the return of some attractions like artisan/nonprofit/community booths, Farm Fresh Kids and live music featuring soloists or duos. Watch for a more detailed blog in May for information about vendors included in this summer’s lineup. Market hours will be 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. every Saturday From May 8 through October 2.

SAMURAI IN THE OREGON SKY WITH ILANA SOL. For all you history buffs out there, this one is a must-see. In 1942, Japanese pilot Nobuo Fujita catapulted his seaplane off of a submarine, flew over the Oregon coast, and became the only pilot to bomb the U.S. mainland during WWII.  He never dreamed he would one day be invited back to the region, where he would begin a lifelong friendship with the people of a small Oregon town.  SAMURAI IN THE OREGON SKY chronicles how Mr. Fujita came to refer to his former target as his “second home.” Filmmaker Ilana Sol joins for a post-viewing virtual discussion with LOPL librarian Todd Feinman, Pat Ginn from Respond to Racism and Greg Oberst who is in the film. Friday, May 7 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Register online.

VILLAGE FLOWER BASKETS. This community-funded program sponsored by the Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce will splash our streets with color once again starting in May. The Garden Corner of Tualatin has been hard at work for months planting the baskets so they are ready to burst into color for the summer months. Donations pay not only for the baskets but also for their maintenance all summer long so please contribute by calling 503.636.3634, sending a check to the LO Chamber Foundation, PO Box 368, Lake Oswego Oregon 97034 or donating online.

COMMUNITY AWARDS CELEBRATION. It takes a village, they say, and the Chamber of Commerce sponsors this annual event to acknowledge some of those villagers who help keep Lake Oswego thriving. I’m proud to find myself included in the impressive lineup of past recipients of their Community Leader of the Year award. Other distinction is paid to the Business of Year, Headlee Beautification Award, Exemplar of Education and more. This year’s event is set for May 22 and will be both live and virtual. Check the website for details.

Stay up-to-date on what’s happening in Lake Oswego by clicking on the “Sign me up” button in the top right-hand column and receive weekly updates in your inbox. If you are considering moving to Lake Oswego, give me a call at 503.939.9801, email me at costellok@hasson.com and/or check out my website. I’ve been a top-performing Lake Oswego Realtor for over 30 years and I’d love to share my enthusiasm for and knowledge of Lake Oswego with you to help you make your next move your best one!