Here’s another big batch of things to do and places to go this summer for young and old alike, courtesy of the Hermiston Parks and Recreation Department:
Violin Class – There are still a few openings available for July and August classes. They’re for ages 10 and up and take place on Mondays and Wednesdays at the Hermiston Community Center. Costs are $40 for residents and $50 for non-residents. The signup deadline is one week prior to each monthly session.
Teen Tuesdays – All five Tuesday evenings in July will be for teens only, ages 13-17, at the Hermiston Family Aquatic Center. The hours are 9-11 p.m. No registration is required, and the cost is $5 at the door.
Stars & Stripes Fourth of July Celebration and Pool Party – This annual family-friendly event at Butte Park starts at 1 p.m. and ends with fireworks at 10 p.m. It’s free to attend. The Hermiston Family Aquatic Center hosts a pool party from 7 to 10:30 p.m. with a barbeque dinner, games, live music, swimming – and the best view of the fireworks in town. Purchase tickets in advance at the aquatic center until July 3 or until they sell out. Parking passes are available upon request on a first-come basis. Call 541-289-7665 (POOL) for more information.
Gymnastics Camp, Levels 3 and 4 – This camp runs July 9-12 at the Hermiston Community Center and is for children 6-13 years who have completed Level 2. It focuses on improving motor skills and advanced body control. Participants will also learn a gymnastics routine that will be performed on the last day of camp. Costs are $40 for residents and $50 for non-residents. All supplies are provided. The signup deadline is Friday, July 6.
Story Illustration 101 – In this camp that goes July 9-12, kids 7-14 years will learn the basic drawing elements of line, form, light and shadow, perspective, compositional design, and working with color. Next, students will write their own creative stories, for which they will draw pictures. The camp takes place at the Hermiston Community Center and offers a morning and afternoon session. Costs are $48 for residents and $60 for non-residents and include all drawing materials needed. Please bring a snack and water. The signup deadline is Friday, July 6.
Kayaking Wallowa Lake – On Saturday, July 14, the parks department will take a group for a full day of kayaking on Wallowa Lake. No experience is necessary, but you must be at least 18. Bring your own kayak or rent one for $10. Costs are $55 for residents and $70 for non-residents. The group meets at the Hermiston Community Center at 8 a.m. Space is limited, and the signup deadline is July 6.
Kids Activity Yoga – This activity provides fun yoga and games for kids 3-7 years old and takes place on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, July 10-Aug 9 at the Hermiston Community Center. Costs per class are $5 for residents and $7 for non-residents, and $45 for residents and $57 for non-residents for a 10-class session. No yoga mat is needed.
Youth Photography Camp – 60 Minute Photo will present this camp for 6- to 14-year-olds July 16-19. Participants will learn the basics of digital photography (composition, lighting, focus points, and basic cropping) from the pros. They must supply their own digital cameras. Costs are $55 for residents and $68 for non-residents and include two 8×10 photos, enlargements and matting. The signup deadline is Thursday, July 12.
City of Hermiston Summer Choir – This community choir is open to all students and community members 14 and older. No audition is required. Costs are $15 for residents and $19 for non-residents. Members will meet to practice July 16-Aug. 1 at the Hermiston Community Center, and then perform on Aug. 5. The signup deadline is Friday, July 13.
Eastern Oregon Arts Festival and Garden Show – This event takes place on Saturday, July 14 in downtown Hermiston. It hosts many artists from around the region, showing and selling all types of artwork. Check out the artists’ displays, music, student art exhibit, food, and much more. Local nurseries and master gardeners will have exhibits and workshops. The event goes from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is free to attend.
Club Invention: Flight Sight – The second Club Invention camp of the summer runs July 23-26 at the Hermiston Community Center. The camps are for students in grades 1-6. Costs are $65 for residents and $80 for non-residents. The signup deadline is Wednesday, July 18.
Discovering the Artist in You, Beginning/Intermediate Drawing – In this camp for 7- to 14-year-olds that runs July 23-26, students will learn the basic elements of drawing and then use them to draw items or photos they bring to class. All art supplies are provided. Costs are $48 for residents and $60 for non-residents. The camp takes place at the Hermiston Community Center. The signup deadline is Friday, July 20.
Junior Golf Camp – The ninth annual Junior Golf Camp, hosted by Big River Golf Course in Umatilla, will take place July 23-27. Campers ages 6-14 will learn the fundamentals of the golf swing, tips for conquering the mental game, and golf etiquette and rules, as well as receive on-course instruction. The camp registration fee of $55 also covers participation in the Big River Youth Championship Tournament on Friday, July 27. The signup deadline is July 20.
Big River Jr. Championship Golf Tournament – Players must register for and complete the Junior Golf Camp to participate in the tournament, sponsored by Fiesta Foods. Prizes will be awarded.
Movies in the Park – Free movies for all ages will begin showing in McKenzie Park in just a few weeks. Movies begin at dusk. Don’t forget to bring blankets, chairs and snacks. Here’s what’s showing and when: July 20, “Wonder”; July 27, “Honey I Shrunk the Kids”; Aug. 3, “LEGO Ninjago”; Aug. 10, “Beethoven”; and Aug. 17, “A Wrinkle in Time.” For more information and to register, visit http://www.hermiston.or.us/parks-recreation/home or call 541-667-5018.
