Cranberry Festival

The Annual Cranberry Festival...is one of southwestern Oregon's best-known events. It pays tribute to the community's No. 1 agricultural crop.

The festival is held the second weekend in September. The theme is used on items throughout the festival. The festival kicks off Friday, with the blessing of the cranberry harvest at a local cranberry bog at 9:30 AM, followed by the traditional crowning of the queen at 7 p.m. in the Bandon Sprague Theater. There is an annual Food Fair. This is where locals submit their favorite cranberry dishes for judging. The winner of the contest is crowned Queen or King of the Kitchen at the coronation of the Cranberry Queen at 7 p.m. in the Bandon Sprague Theater. The VFW Auxiliary holds a bake sale and bazaar on Friday and Saturday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, and an "All You Can Eat Breakfast on Sunday from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm.

The always-popular Festival Parade begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, and goes through the heart of Old Town after winding its way down Highway 101. People interested in taking part in the parade may phone (541) 347-9616, or write to P.O. Box 348, Bandon 97411.

The Cranberry Fun Festival, with food, games and craft booths, will be held in Old Town Saturday and Sunday, with live musical entertainment being offered both days. The Lions’ barbecue is served Saturday in City Park between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. The Cranberry Bowl football game will be held on Saturday at the football stadium at 5:00 PM. There are a number of other activities planned for the big three-day weekend. A complete brochure of Cranberry Festival events will be available at the visitor information center in Old Town, and can be obtained by calling (541) 347-9616.

To learn more about Bandon's Annual Cranberry Festival, visit www.bandon.com.