Good morning, Bend.

Holiday Lights Paddle Parade returns Friday at 4 p.m. on the Deschutes River between the Colorado Avenue bridge and the Old Mill District pedestrian bridge.

Tumalo Creek Kayak and Canoe invites paddlers to decorate their watercraft by 2 p.m. (free event) while spectators watch the festive scene.

Residents in Petrosa and Easton remain frustrated as the promised walkable commercial centers have yet to be built; local homeowners now drive over 2.5 miles for groceries (a key community need).

Pahlisch Homes cited economic shifts and state law changes while the city readies its next growth review.

Deschutes Historical Museum will host its second annual Holiday Gelatin Salad Show on Saturday, Dec.

13 in Bend. Cooks can enter vintage-inspired gelatin dishes in four categories (Best Presentation, Most Savory, Family Recipe, Nailed It) to win a pie and a grocery store gift card.

Bend’s Volcanic Theatre Pub will host bass music producer Shlump featuring Shanghai Doom, Tphunk and Beam at 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec.

11—tickets cost $20 in advance and $30 at the door.

Visit Central Oregon wants groups in Deschutes, Crook, Jefferson and south Wasco counties to submit tourism project ideas for grants up to $300,000; proposals must focus on sustainability, culture or access and be finished by May 2027 (webinars run at 9 a.m. Thursday and 12 p.m. Jan. 7).

Obsidian Middle School got a $15,000 grant on Monday to turn part of its weight room into a Career and Technical Education space from the SELCO Community Credit Union Steps Up initiative, winning a public vote among nine statewide finalists.

Teacher Dan Grubb will lead a trades program for students.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office invites community members to take a short, confidential survey on natural hazards to help update the county’s plan in partnership with FEMA and the Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council — survey responses will guide risk-reduction projects and funding efforts, and the survey remains open until January 5.

St. Charles NICU is the first in Oregon to use NAVA (Neurally Adjusted Ventilatory Assist) to adjust breathing support using an infant's own signals and reduce lung damage.

A premature baby, Ronan, born at 28 weeks, has been on NAVA for 40 days and is expected to go home around Jan. 17.

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

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.

No School Day Camp

9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. — Amity Creek Magnet at Thompson School — Registration fee applies — Turn a day off into a fun-filled adventure with creativity for kids K-5.

Christmas Eve Dinner at Juniper Preserve

9 AM – 4 PM — Juniper Preserve — Cost varies — Enjoy a lavish holiday brunch buffet with festive cheer and seasonal favorites.

Tony Smiley Live Performance

7 p.m. — McMenamins Old St. Francis School — Cost Info Not Provided — Experience a vibrant evening of live music from Tony Smiley.

JuJu Eyeball New Year's Celebration

8-10 p.m. — The Commonwealth Pub — Ticket information not provided — Celebrate the year's end with live Beatles tunes from Bend's very own JuJu Eyeball.