Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 5th of December.
Good morning, Bend.
🏘️ Community
Leighton Tuttle and Tyler Regan are expanding the Central Oregon Toy Drive through their Telos Initiative by collecting toys at 15 local businesses + hosting an alcohol-free benefit event with local bands, free haircuts and a raffle at the Volcanic Theater Pub today to support Bend shelters until Dec. 20.
On Friday 12/12, Bend hosts the 2025 Holiday Lights Paddle Parade (featuring decorated kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards) that will light up the Deschutes River in the Old Mill District.
This event is part of a week-long calendar showcasing local activities.
Fourth graders at Sisters Elementary painted over 50 downtown storefront windows this holiday season, carrying on a 25-year tradition that celebrates local artistic expression.
Teacher Clay Warburton said the project connects generations (students featured scenes from Elf and creative Santa displays).
🚧 Accidents
A swift response from Bend Fire Rescue stopped a garden shed fire—sparked by disposed hot ashes from a wood burner— from spreading to nearby homes in southwest Bend on Thursday morning.
The incident caused about $20,000 in damages and led officials to remind residents of proper ash disposal.
💼 Business
Lexington Manufacturing is reopening the former Owens Corning plant in Prineville and hiring 50 workers immediately while planning to add more in 2026 and beyond.
The door and window components facility (600,000 sqft) taps into the region's skilled wood-products workforce.
🎭 Culture
KTVZ will stream the Bend Christmas Parade live at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday and the community tree lighting live at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday on KTVZ+ for viewers to enjoy the holiday spirit from home.
🌲 Environment
City of Bend is giving away free Deterra pouches so residents can safely dispose of unwanted medications and protect groundwater — available for a limited time at the Public Works Campus, Billing Office, and Police Department Lobby.
🏥 Health
Perk Imaging will open a new breast cancer screening clinic next year at Shevlin Crossing in Bend using Oregon’s only QT scanner — a pain-free, noninvasive screening option for women with dense breast tissue.
📰 Lifestyle
Local riders and hikers can explore a 10-mile trail loop at Cline Buttes near Redmond with steep climbs and panoramic views as mild temperatures near 50°F prevail this weekend.
Meanwhile, monthly trout stocking keeps Fall River open above the falls for fly-fishing (ODFW reminds anglers to use barbless hooks) as rain is forecast next week.
🏈 Sports
The winter high school sports season begins this week with contests in basketball, wrestling and swimming held at local venues.
Bend teams will compete in games scheduled through early March.
🎉 Bend Events
Submit an event →
Christmas in July with Central Oregon Holiday Toy Drive Santa
Central Oregon Holiday Toy Drive has taken over for the Toys for Tots which has suspended operations in Central Oregon and Marines from MCL 1308 with support from Summit Health are taking over with our Santa on the 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st of July and 7 of August every Thursday at 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm BRING A TOY PLEASE its needed
Kids Night Out with Camp Fire Central Oregon
1:30-4:30 a.m. — 437 NW Wall St, Bend, OR — Donation-based event — Kids enjoy games, crafts, and dinner while parents have a night out.
Schilling's 2025 Holiday Makers Market
6 PM - 12 AM — Schilling's Garden Market — Parking ticket required — Celebrate creativity and community with local vendors, festive food, and holiday cheer.
Community Leaders Christmas Party 2025
6-8 p.m. — The Haven Coworking — Free entry — Celebrate the Christmas season with leaders from across Central Oregon in a casual holiday gathering.
Evan Mullins Live Performance
6-8 p.m. — Silverleaf Café — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of amazing covers and original music with talented local musician Evan Mullins.
Holiday Lights Paddle Parade
4-10 p.m. — Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe — Free entry — Experience the enchanting spectacle of illuminated kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards on the Deschutes River.
SantaLand Celebration
11 AM – 5 PM — Old Mill District — Free entry — Experience the festive spirit with Santa, holiday gifts, and special moments in SantaLand!
Open Mic Night at Silver Moon Brewing
1-4 a.m. — Silver Moon Brewing — Free entry — Hone your craft in a supportive environment during this lively open mic night.
SHINE Acoustic Performance
8-10 p.m. — The Commonwealth Pub — Free entry — Enjoy classics from the '70s, '80s, '90s and beyond with SHINE's acoustic trio.
Swingin' Tower Christmas
7-8:30 p.m. — Tower Theatre, Bend, OR — RSVP required — Experience a festive holiday show with swingin' Christmas songs and local performers against a backdrop of a live big band.
Swingin' Tower Christmas
2-5 p.m. — Tower Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience a festive family holiday show filled with swingin’ Christmas songs and seasonal stories.
🏠 Bend Real Estate
Submit a listing →
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
💼 Bend Job Board
Submit a job →
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
📣 Bend Announcements
Submit an announcement →
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
Stay in the know, Bend.
Free, always. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.