Community

KIDSPORTS is a private non-profit organization that has been helping “All Kids Play” in Lane County since 1953. Through a variety of sports and activities, they teach pre-K through 12th grade children and families the value of physical fitness, sportsmanship, practice, and teamwork. The programs are open to any child who is able to participate, and registration fees are kept as low as possible along with the availability of scholarships to allow as many children as possible to be involved. KIDSPORTS offers a number of sports and activities, including: baseball, basketball, soccer, football, rugby, lacrosse, and more, along with camps and tournaments. For more information:KIDSPORTS2190 Polk St.Eugene, OR 97405(541) 683-2374info@kidsports.org

Eugene’s Saturday Market is the oldest weekly open-air crafts market in the U.S. It is open every Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. rain or shine, from the first Saturday in April through mid-November on the Park Blocks at 8th and Oak in downtown Eugene. On the weekend before Thanksgiving the Market opens its Holiday Market, which runs weekends through Christmas Eve at the Lane County Fairgrounds. The first Saturday Market was held on May 9, 1970, with 29 vendors participating. It now boasts more than 700 members annually, with 200 – 300 of them participating each Saturday. Lotte Streisinger, founder of the Saturday Market, is still an active member of the Eugene arts community. She brought the vision of a Saturday marketplace to Eugene from market plazas she saw in Central America coupled with childhood memories of European markets. The first Saturday Market was held in the alley next to the Oak…

City of Eugene Recreation provides recreational opportunities to all Eugene residents for sharp minds and strong bodies. With three pools, seven community centers, and a variety of activities for the whole family ranging from dance to art classes, or paddleboarding to martial arts, they offer something for everyone. Three editions of the Recreation Guide are published each year (summer, fall, and winter / spring). Each edition includes programs, events, and camps throughout the community for all ages and abilities, including adaptive recreation for individuals with disabilities. For more information:City of Eugene Recreation100 W. 10th Ave., Suite 321Eugene, OR 97401(541) 682-5333

Lane County Arts presents the First Friday ArtWalk, which is held year-round in Downtown Eugene, rain or shine, and is always free! Follow the host for a guided tour to hear from featured artists, or explore the galleries on your own from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. Check out the First Friday Events page for information on other ArtWalk events, including dance performances, presentations, live music, sketch comedy, and more. For more information:Lane Arts Council1590 Willamette St., Suite 200Eugene, OR 97401(541) 485-2278lanearts@lanearts.org

The University of Oregon is a member of the Pac-12 Conference along with the NCAA Division I Football Subdivision. The UO Ducks currently have 18 varsity teams: Fans can cheer on the Ducks at a number of venues around the UO campus, including Autzen Stadium, Hayward Field, and PK Park. There are also 41 different club sports (including bass fishing, cricket, equestrian, and sailing) that include 1,200 club athletes. Check out sporting event schedules and purchase tickets at www.goducks.com.

Willamalane Park and Recreation District serves more than 60,000 residents along with 1.8 million annual visitors at their facilities and events. They offer hundreds of recreation programs to people of all ages and abilities and maintain and operate a number of facilities throughout the Eugene / Springfield area, including:

The South Willamette Wineries Association (SWWA) is comprised of a group of vineyards, wineries, vintners, and related businesses that are passionate about increasing the awareness, visitation and prestige of the South Willamette wine growing region. The South Willamette Valley is home to dozens of tasting rooms and vineyards showcasing Oregon’s award-winning wines. Thanks to a climate similar to that of France along with rich volcanic soils, the southern Willamette Valley produces many renowned wines, particularly Pinot noir. Oregon Wine Country is often toured by charter bus for larger groups, or by bicycle, offering a scenic and memorable journey. Wine events are held year-round, including harvest dinners, grape crushes, live music, barrel tastings, tours, and more.