“Get ready to escape the ordinary and indulge in a week of breathtaking beauty and non-stop entertainment in the Columbia River Gorge! As the winter sun shines brightly on the lush greenery and snow-capped peaks, the region transforms into a winter wonderland, beckoning adventure-seekers and nature lovers alike to come and experience its natural splendor.
From January 22nd to 29th, the Gorge is abuzz with an exciting array of activities, events, and attractions that promise to delight visitors of all ages. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a foodie, or a culture vulture, there’s something for everyone in this stunning corner of the Pacific Northwest.
Dancing with The Gorge Stars
Get ready to be dazzled by an evening of glitz, glamour, and great dancing as the Mid-Columbia Community Concert Association (MCCCA) presents the highly anticipated 11th Annual Dancing with The Gorge Stars fundraiser. This beloved annual event has quickly become a community favorite, selling out every year, and for good reason – it’s a night to remember!
What to Expect: A Mid-Columbia Community Concert Association (MCCCA) fundraiser featuring local celebrities competing in a dance competition. Each contestant is paired with a professional dancer from the Utah Ballroom Dance Company, and together, they have just one week to rehearse and perfect their performance.
The Unique Twist
But that’s not all – this year’s Dancing with The Gorge Stars has a unique twist! Throughout the night, video highlights of the contestants’ rehearsals will be shown, giving the audience a behind-the-scenes look at their progress as they prepare to hit the stage. This adds an extra layer of excitement to the evening, and you won’t want to miss it!
The Contestants
This year’s contestants include a Director, Dental Hygienist, Insurance Specialist, Radio DJ, Cosmetologist, and Service Manager. But who are they, and what motivates them to participate in the competition? Let’s take a closer look:
- Director
- Dental Hygienist
- Insurance Specialist
- Radio DJ
- Cosmetologist
- Service Manager
- Director: “I love to dance and I’m excited to learn a new style and perform in front of a live audience.”
- Dental Hygienist: “I’m a bit of a goofball and I love to make people laugh, so I’m excited to bring some humor to the competition.”
- Insurance Specialist: “I’m a bit of a perfectionist, so I’m excited to learn a new dance style and perfect my technique.”
- Radio DJ: “I love to perform and I’m excited to bring some energy and enthusiasm to the competition.”
- Cosmetologist: “I love to dance and I’m excited to learn a new style and perform in front of a live audience.”
- Service Manager: “I’m a bit of a thrill-seeker, so I’m excited to take on a new challenge and perform in front of a live audience.”
But what drives them to participate in the competition? We spoke to each of the contestants to find out:
Want to learn more about each contestant? Follow us on Facebook or visit www.mccca.info for more information!
Scorpions in the Gorge
Recently, I had the opportunity to hike to the summit of Dog Mountain and stumbled upon a handful of small, brown scorpions. As an avid outdoorsman and backpacker, I’ve never seen scorpions in the Pacific Northwest before, and I was surprised to say the least!
The Discovery
I was on a solo hike to the summit of Dog Mountain when I came across a handful of small, brown scorpions. I was initially startled and didn’t know what to expect, but I quickly took some video and photos to document the find. I later reached out to Dr. Susan Masta, a biologist at Portland State University, to learn more about the scorpions I had encountered.
Dr. Masta told me that the scorpions I had found were likely Northwest Forest Scorpions, a species commonly found in the foothills of the Cascades in Oregon, Washington, and regions of Northern California. She explained that scorpions are nocturnal creatures that seek shelter under rocks and logs during the day, and that they are generally not interested in humans.
The Science
Dr. Masta explained that the Northwest Forest Scorpion has a relatively small poison gland, relative to other scorpions. She also pointed out that scorpions have large pedipalps, which are forward limbs or claws used to hold and crush prey. She said that scorpions are nocturnal creatures and use ultraviolet lights or black lights to spot them.
Dr. Masta also explained that scorpion stings are rated on a one-to-five scale, with 1 being the most painful and 5 being the least painful. She said that the Northwest Forest Scorpion is rated as a 5, indicating that it is not deadly and would only cause minor discomfort.
Practical Advice
If you encounter a scorpion on the trail, Dr. Masta advises against trying to touch or handle it. Instead, she recommends keeping a safe distance and letting the scorpion go about its business. She also recommends taking precautions to avoid scorpions, such as wearing long sleeves and pants, and avoiding areas with rocks and logs.
Dr. Masta also set the record straight on some common scorpion myths. She said that scorpions do not jump, and that they are generally not interested in humans. She also said that scorpions are not a threat to humans in the Gorge, and that they are an important part of the ecosystem.
The Performance
The second half of the event will feature a spectacular 45-minute performance by the Utah Ballroom Dance Company, showcasing intricate choreography and high-level technical dancing. This beloved annual fundraiser has quickly become a community favorite, selling out every year, and for good reason – it’s a night to remember!
The Mirror Ball Trophy
The coveted mirror ball trophy will be awarded to the winning couple, and it’s a prize worth competing for! The trophy is a symbol of excellence and achievement, and it’s a reminder of the hard work and dedication that goes into preparing for the competition.
Tickets and Information
Tickets for the event are available for purchase in advance at Klindt’s Booksellers, Lines of Designs, or online at www.mccca.info. Tickets at the door will be available for $30, so don’t wait – get your tickets today!
Conclusion
Conclusion: Discover a World of Entertainment in the Columbia Gorge
As we wrap up this week’s entertainment guide, it’s clear that the Columbia Gorge has something for everyone. From live music performances at the iconic Maryhill Museum to outdoor adventures like hiking and kayaking, our region is bursting with excitement and possibility. Key highlights from the past week include the sold-out concert of local favorite, The Brothers Reed, at the Carson Hot Springs Resort and the stunning display of winter light at the Starry Skies event at the Dalles, Oregon. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a music lover, or simply looking for a fun night out, the Columbia Gorge has it all.
The significance of our region’s entertainment scene cannot be overstated. By supporting local artists, businesses, and events, we’re not only enriching our community but also preserving the unique character and charm that makes the Columbia Gorge so special. As we look to the future, it’s clear that the entertainment landscape will continue to evolve, with new venues, performers, and experiences on the horizon. As we welcome the new year, we’re excited to see what the future holds for our region’s thriving arts and entertainment scene.