For Immediate Release Online Press Room: Content and Images
February 21, 2011
Contact: Alex Morris
541-386-2000
ANNUAL BLOSSOM FEST CELEBRATES HOOD RIVER COUNTY TRADITION
HOOD RIVER, OR— Nothing says spring quite like fruit trees in bloom, and Hood River County celebrates the arrival of spring in style with their annual Blossom Fest. Hood River Valley, which spans the north slope of Mount Hood to the south shore of the Columbia River Gorge, is the largest pear-growing region in Oregon, producing 50% of the nation’s winter pear crop. It’s also home to an abundance of cherry and apples orchards. This translates into acres and acres of beautiful fruit blossom along the Valley roads.
Now over 50 years old, the Blossom Festival is a perfect opportunity for the winter-weary to visit Hood River County for a dose of Oregon’s beautiful springtime. The Festival’s main stars—the beautiful pink and white fruit tree blossoms along the Hood River Fruit Loop—are best viewed from the comfort of your car. This gorgeous 47-mile drive runs along the county’s Scenic Tour Route is the centerpiece of the longtime festival celebration.
During Blossom Fest, most of the farms and attractions on the route offer special blossom-time activities throughout the weekend. Events typically include a Blossom Fest Craft Show, Apple Valley Country Store’s Blossom Fest Dessert Party and cherry wood smoked BBQ, a grange blossom dinner, Columbia Gorge Fiber Festival, and the Parkdale Fire Department’s 18th Annual Casino Night. Visitors can also get a real “taste” of the Gorge at several wine and beer-tasting events.
Other areas in the county also celebrate Blossom Fest weekend, with specials offered at both the Hood River downtown and Heights businesses. Many area hotels, vacation rentals, and B&Bs offer special rates for visitors wishing to stay the weekend to enjoy the festivities and the beautiful Columbia River Gorge.
Visitors may pick up a Blossom Fest Event Calendar and area maps at two convenient Map Pick-Up Stations located just off Highway I-84 at Exits 62 and 64, where volunteers will be manning outdoor stations at Tum-a-Lum Lumber and the Red Carpet Restaurant. For easy directions to specific venues and website connects, visitors will want to download MyChamberApp to their smart phones at www.hoodriver.org. During the weekend, regular updates will be available on the Hood River Oregon Facebook page.
The Hood River County Chamber supports economic and tourism development for the region and provides promotional programs to its 425 members. As a county-wide organization, it supports businesses, organizations, and governmental agencies in Cascade Locks, Hood River, Parkdale, Odell, Pine Grove, and Mount Hood.