Good morning, Bend.

The Oregon Hidden Bottle Hunt is underway in Zone 4 courtesy of the Roberts family who wrote its first clue — further clues will drop today at 9am and 5pm, Saturday at 9am, and Sunday at 9am, with each winner earning a commemorative bottle and a $1,000 charity donation.

Pilot Butte State Park will be partially or fully closed from June 30 through July 5 as crews prepare for Bend’s official July 4 fireworks show starting around 10 p.m. on Saturday; trails will be accessible to pedestrians only and pets are not allowed (visitors should follow posted restrictions).

The Bend Elks honored retiring AirLink flight nurse Phil Kolkow (74), believed to be the nation’s oldest, with a helicopter landing and ceremonial first pitch at Vince Genna Stadium ahead of his final shift on July 21.

Family, friends and colleagues celebrated his over 40 years of service to Central Oregon.

Humane Society of Central Oregon is letting adopters name their own fee for dog adoptions this weekend as its dog pens near full capacity.

They expect more strays after Fourth of July fireworks — so interested adopters are urged to visit soon.

Bend Fire and Rescue responded to two fires caused by landscaping tools this week (one Monday near Southwest Yates Drive and a quarter-acre incident Tuesday on the Deschutes River trail) after bystanders and Axe Contracting used fire suppression, and officials urged residents to check equipment safety amid hot, dry days.

Upper Deschutes Watershed Council is hosting its annual river cleanup on Saturday, July 11 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.—over 200 volunteers will gather at six sites, including Farewell Bend Park, to remove invasive weeds and litter and support Mirror Pond’s cleanup.

Sparks Lake near Mt. Bachelor is drying up earlier than expected — a poor winter snowpack has left it too shallow for paddling today.

Local kayak tours have shifted to nearby Devils, Elk, and Hosmer lakes.

As wildfire risk increases and Oregon's forestry districts have been declared in fire season since June 15, researchers from OSU and the Nature Conservancy have developed a model that blends physical + social factors to predict fire exposure in over 400 communities, including Bend. The commentary suggests that AI may soon help improve local wildfire management.

Bend bans the sale and use of most fireworks without a permit, while Redmond follows similar rules for 364 days (fountain fireworks are allowed on the Fourth except in Dry Canyon Parks).

City officials urge residents to follow safety measures to prevent fire hazards.

Cascades East Transit said most bus services and customer offices will be closed on Friday and Saturday, July 3-4 for Independence Day — while recreation rides like Ride the River will run on schedule.

Regular transit service will resume Monday, July 6.

Big Sky Park’s Perimeter Trail offers a peaceful 1.5-mile walk along a bright canal lined with wildflowers and views of the Cascades — park officials remind visitors to keep dogs leashed by city rules.

In Bend, the median sale price for single-family homes jumped to $795,000 in May from $699,000 in April — the highest in over a year — as buyers tapped into a summer market with 3.5 months of inventory, while nearby Redmond and Sisters also saw rising prices and sales.

Former Summit runner Barrett Justema (a junior at Georgetown) became one of the nation’s top collegiate steeplechasers after improving her personal best at Hayward Field on June 13 and earning a spot in the NCAA Outdoor Championships.

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.

Munch & Music Concert Series

5:30-9 p.m. — Drake Park — Free entry — Celebrate 35 years of free live music, food vendors, and family fun in the heart of Central Oregon.

Screening of Without a Doubt

9:30 – 10:30 AM — Patagonia Bend — Free entry — Experience a behind-the-scenes look at Braydon Bringhurst’s new film with pastries and exclusive giveaways.

Second Sunday Market at Gathered Wares

10 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Old Iron Works District — Free entry — Celebrate vintage clothing and home goods with local vendors while enjoying live music on vinyl.

Beertown Comedy Open Mic Night

6:30-9 p.m. — Silver Moon Brewing — Free entry — Enjoy a night of laughs at Bend's top-rated open mic for comedy enthusiasts.