Last year at this time I posted an article speaking to the growing list of traditional summertime activities that had been cancelled due to Covid-19 and the Covid-approved versions of the ones that remained.

Now 365 days later, I’m happy to announce that Lake Oswego continues to find ways to make summer its finest season with smaller-scale, capacity-monitored outdoor events. From concerts in the park to flicks on the farm, there are a variety of options for Lake Oswegans to make the most of the glorious weather and daylight-filled days coming our way.

Here’s a sneak peek at the coming attractions:

Lake Oswego Farmers’ Market. I’ve already touted about this popular summer attraction but in case anyone missed it, I wanted to make sure the market, which is already underway, is top on everyone’s “Summer To Do” list for Lake Oswego. Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. May 8 to October 2 in Millennium Plaza Park, 200 First Street.

Pop-Up Concerts on the Lake. The Lake Corporation is staging eight pop-up concerts at various locations around the lake beginning June 11 through September 9. Locations are revealed at 5:30 p.m. on the day of the concert through emails to members and on their Facebook page. Concerts begin at 6:00 p.m. (except for Hot August Night on August 7 which begins at 6:30 p.m.)

Juneteenth. Head down to Millennium Plaza Park to participate in the city’s commemoration of the day slavery ended. Programming TBA.

Picnic in the Park. Our popular summer concert series returns in a new and Covid-approved version. Since capacity will be monitored based on county risk levels, the Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation Department is issuing ticket purchases on a lottery basis. Interested attendees must register individually for each of the concerts they wish to attend. A drawing for the July concerts (held at Millennium Plaza Park) will be held June 15; July 13 for the August concerts (held at Westlake Park). If selected, participants may purchase up to six tickets (at $14 each which includes a meal) and then bring low sand chairs and/or blankets for their socially distanced assigned space the night of the concert. The show will go on, rain or shine. Check back for a complete lineup.

Lake Grove Swim Park. Tentative plans are to be open from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. beginning Friday, June 18 and closing the week of August 23. Most likely, attendance at the Lake Grove Swim Park will resemble last summer’s guidelines; however, depending on the risk level assessment, things could change. As always, entrance is limited to residents within the  boundaries of the former Lake Grove School District, who pay an additional property tax to support the swim park. Residents must have a park pass in order to use the swim park. Passes are issued at the swim park and require picture ID with proof of residency (i.e., drivers license). Resident addresses are verified via tax records to determine eligibility.

In addition, these restrictions most likely will apply:

•There will be a park capacity

•Masks will need to be worn within six feet of patrons who do not enter the park together

•A time limit will be enforced to ensure access for everyone

•Food will not be served

•No swim lessons

• Kiddie pool may not open

• There will be no equipment or games rentals; however, guests can bring their own

Lake Oswego Swim Park. This swim park, located at 250 Ridgeway Road, is operated by the Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation Department and is open to all residents of Lake Oswego. In order to accommodate swimmers safely this summer, certain Covid-19 protocols will be followed including:

•Proof of LO residency with photo ID

•25-person maximum capacity

•2-hour maximum visit

•1 visit per day

•Face covering required for ages 5 and over (not in water)

•Children 11 and under must be accompanied by an individual 16 years or older

Petals & Punch. Millennium Plaza Park will be transformed into a flower-filled venue for a enchanted afternoon tea party on Sunday, June 27 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Enjoy savory bites and sweet pastries along with your tea and making magical memories with your child. Entertainment provided by Angel Ocasio Comedy and music by Mr. Hoo. Register online: Residents $30/pair; Non-Residents $45/pair.  

Festival of the Arts Art in the Park. This two-day event featuring visionary artists of the Pacific Northwest returns in a newly imagined way to follow Covid-19 safety guidelines. Artists will be spread out throughout the entirety of George Rogers Park to allow for social distancing. Come get your artistic fix and support these regional artists. Saturday and Sunday, June 26 through June 27. 611 S. State Street. Watch for more details.  

4^th of July Pancake Breakfast. The pancake breakfast is going virtual again this year which you can access and donate to here. The Lions Club is hoping to host an event in August, possibly along the lines of a hamburger/hot dog feed. Stay tuned.

 4^TH of July Fireworks on the Lake. This annual event is tentatively being planned; however, there were no details at posting time.

Masque Alfresco. Families can once again enjoy free outdoor theatre productions in George Rogers Park Memorial Garden (next to the Iron Foundry) Fridays through Sundays from July 23 through August 8 at 7:00 p.m. This year’s antics tell a version of Alice in Wonderland in the silly, slapstick way Masque Alfresco is known for.

Flicks at the Farm. Carpool cinemas are another example of the Covid-pivot. Go back in time and enjoy a popular flick under the stars with your family and/or friends. Reserve your spot (and be prepared to provide contact information for each person—up to 6—attending for contact tracing, if needed). Staggered load-in begins at 7:30 p.m. with spaces assigned on vehicle size. Movies begin around 8:45 p.m. Fee is per space: $39 Resident/$45 Non-Resident. The lineup includes Raya and the Last Dragon on Friday, July 30, and Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark on Saturday, July 31. Register online.  

Twilight on the Farm. This fundraiser to support numerous programs offered at Luscher Farm is set for August 14 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. featuring a farm style picnic dinner with wines and beers from local producers. Check online for details.

Movies in the Park. There’s more than one way to watch a movie. Fans can return to Millennium Plaza Park to watch Moana on Tuesday, August 10 or Westlake Park on Tuesday, August 17 for The Croods. Movies begin at dusk (approximately 8:45 p.m.). While the event is free, registration is required for contact tracing purposes.

Drive-In Concert. Enjoy some physically distanced fun at a double-header drive-in concert at Luscher Farm on Saturday, August 21. Opener is CJ Mickens followed by Hit Machine. Staggered load-in begins at 5:15 p.m. with spaces assigned on vehicle size. Concert runs from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Price is per parking space: $40 Resident/$49 Non-Resident with a maximum of six persons per car. Again, contact tracing protocol requires all attendees be listed with contact information.

Oswego Heritage Council Collector Car & Classic Boat Show. Organizers are deciding if, when and how to hold this annual event and hope to have a decision by the end of May so stay tuned.

Barnyard Bolt. Sign your family up for this 5K family fun run at Luscher Farm. Dash your way through sprinkler splashes, bubbles and other obstacles sure to leave you laughing (and slightly dirty and/or wet). Participants are encourage to dress up as their favorite barnyard animal. Open to ages 5+. Staggered start times enable capacity monitoring. Saturday, August 28 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. $15/person until July 31; $18/person August 1.

Barks in the Park. Who says humans get to have all the fun? Bring your furry friends to Hazelia Dog Park on Thursday, September 9 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. where you and they can have some dog-gone fun from maneuvering around obstacle courses, listening to music, checking out the pet-friendly vendors and snacks and entering the costume competition.

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