Good morning, Bend.

The new Central Library in Bend attracted large crowds on Friday with over 60,000 visitors and 80,000 checkouts since its May 11 opening, and it is hosting a flute ensemble concert today & various family activities are underway.

Bend's 99th Pet Parade takes place on Fourth of July with volunteers needed for road closures and cleanup from 8:15 to 11:30 a.m. Volunteers must be 16+ or join with an adult to ensure smooth operations at this long-standing local event.

A free art library is set up outside Two Suns Art Studio + MakerSpace at 70 SW Century Drive in Bend.

The supplies change daily with community donations, letting everyone borrow art tools for any project at no cost.

Central Oregon Community College requested a state mediator to guide contract talks with its faculty union after the union contract expired June 13.

The college has been bargaining with the union plus the next meeting is scheduled for Aug. 12 amid disputes over salary increases and workload.

Gov. Tina Kotek’s Prosperity Council will release its final report on June 25, proposing to revamp Business Oregon after critics noted poor job creation performance — lawmakers and business leaders expect the overhaul to better coordinate economic development efforts.

Bend Fire & Rescue hosted a free car seat clinic Friday at its north station on Jamison Street, where volunteer Kathy Alexander explained that using both the lower anchors and seatbelt system is unsafe — only one method should be used.

The next free inspection will be held on Aug. 21.

Bill Martens donated a kidney to his son Blake after a rare genetic disease caused renal failure — Blake is now back playing lacrosse ahead of Father's Day.

The Oregon Health Authority released new air quality guidelines this week to help families, schools and sports leagues decide when to limit or cancel outdoor activities during wildfire smoke and poor air quality (the update is based on research showing children are particularly sensitive to pollution).

After 72 days in hospital and multiple brain surgeries, Trinity Lutheran baseball player Kai Bamford left the hospital on his own and joined his team in prayer before their final tournament (a milestone in his recovery), though he will need continued outpatient therapy.

After a season where Caldera softball clinched its first state title with a 29-1 record, coach Lisa Kienzle earned the 5A Coach of the Year title while junior Brooke Chapin shared 5A co-Pitcher honors—other players also received state team selections.

Bend youth soccer club Apex FC held a watch party at Cascade Lakes Brewery Friday to cheer Team USA’s 2-0 win and raise funds for a spring trip to Spain; the team will host another watch party at Greg’s Grill for the Turkey game on June 25.

Caldera’s Ty Hattenhauer (Player of the Year) and Summit’s Andrew Guthrie (Pitcher of the Year) have been named to the 5A first team along with Ridgeview’s Ryden Nakamura and Mountain View’s Ryder Carpenter.

The announcement highlights four Intermountain Conference players earning top honors in the all-state baseball awards.

Father's Day Celebration

9 AM – 5 PM — High Desert Museum — Free admission for dads — Celebrate Father’s Day with free admission for all dads at the Museum.

Beertown Comedy Open Mic

6:30-9 p.m. — Silver Moon Brewing — Free entry — Enjoy laughter with the best locals’ night open mic in Bend.

Volunteer Project Day – Social Trail Closures

9 a.m. – 12 p.m. — Shevlin Park — Free — Contribute to the upkeep of local parks by helping close social trails and support native vegetation growth.

Food Cart Friday Featuring Soul’d Out

5-8 p.m. — Discovery Corner Plaza — Free entry — Enjoy local food carts and the soulful sounds of live music under the Central Oregon sky.

Comedy Night at Craft Kitchen

8-9:30 p.m. — Craft Kitchen & Brewery — $15 online/$20 at the door — Experience an evening of laughter with talented local comedians and delicious BBQ.

Munch & Music Concert Series

5:30-9 p.m. — Drake Park — Free entry — Celebrate 35 years of community music, food, and fun at this beloved local concert series.

Fourth of July Open House

10 AM – 4 PM — Deschutes Historical Museum — Free admission — Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of independence with games, treats, and the new exhibit showcasing pivotal moments in local history.

Alpaca Piano Picnic

2-3:30 p.m. — Flying Dutchman Alpaca — Ticketed event — Experience a charming outdoor piano concert amidst friendly alpacas and delightful high tea.

Bend Elks & Boss Baseball Summer Camp Week 2

Mon-Fri — Vince Genna Stadium — $200 for the week or $50 per day — Develop baseball skills and enjoy camper activities with local coaches and players.

AJR Concert

6:30-8 p.m. — Hayden Homes Amphitheater — Tickets available online — Experience indie pop sensations AJR as they perform their hits and new tracks.