People Helping People

On the first Saturday in August for the past 11 years, more than 200 volunteers put on an event to give back to the community of Madras and the surrounding area. Starting at 9 am in Sahalee Park, a vast array of venues are set up to offer free services and items, including haircuts, bike repair, automotive care, used clothing, and lots of food. Last year’s event had 47 venues, and 4,500 people turned out to attend.

Everything offered by the vendors is 100 percent free of charge. This was a vital part of the vision for the project, which began when Gary Buss saw a need in the community and spent two years in planning to make it happen.

“This is simply an outreach to the community,” said Buss. “We don’t allow any soliciting or proselytizing; it’s all given away with no strings attached.”

All the goods and operating costs are donated by local churches and private donors. A grant supplies the funds for the various medical venues that provide health screening and exams, as well as covers the costs of prescriptions for certain medications.

“Last year we had four people diagnosed with blood sugar levels over 600,” Buss shared. He also said that the dental care van is one of the busiest medical stations. “By 9:30, we’ll have 30 to 40 people waiting to be seen. This is a service that helps many people who don’t have insurance—they don’t have any other help.”

Buss’s genuine love for the community and his desire to help people in need has given rise to a truly remarkable event. Buss serves on the board for LINC, a nonprofit resource agency in Madras.

Other health-related services include hearing and vision exams, back massage, veterinarian care for pets, and multiple venues from St. Charles that offer screenings and information on childhood obesity and diabetes, among other things.

Besides physical well-being, there are venues with sketch artists and photographers who create free family portraits. Live music adds to the carnival atmosphere, and a massive Kids’ Corner has bounce houses and candy-filled piñatas every hour throughout the day. Volunteers are always appreciated to help the event run smoothly. For information, contact Gary Buss at 541-912-2515.

Downtown Park and Play

There’s a buzz of excitement in Madras this summer, with the start of Downtown Park and Play. On the first Thursday of each month through September, there will be a festive air along Fifth Street, with sidewalk sales and local vendors, food trucks, and live music starting at 5 pm.

A recent survey by the City of Madras showed the number one priority for local residents was creating a more vibrant downtown area with family-friendly events. With that in mind, the Madras Community Project has given the city a grant for this project. Several local businesses are sponsoring the monthly event as well.

“We want to help people discover what’s available in Madras,” said Holli Papasodora, event organizer. The event will be a multicultural blend of food and fun, showcasing the diversity that makes Madras unique.

There is no charge for the vendor spaces but vendors are asked to donate an item for raffle drawings. The Vendor Village will have enough room for 30–40 vendors. Vendor applications can be found on the Park and Play website at downtownparkandplay.com. •

Airshow of the Cascades

The Air Show in Madras (Aug. 24-25) is always a well-attended affair, but this year it’s truly an event not to miss. There will be live music, tons of food and a larger more plush VIP tent. The expanded RV area now allows for tent and trailer campers to arrive earlier and stay longer.

Other new additions include a zipline, a vintage motorcycle show and a new act by stunt pilot, Red Baron. Multiple new aerial acts, fireworks, and quite a few jets should add to the excitement. Cascadeairshow.com.

“We hope to increase economic growth by drawing in people both locally and out-of-town.”