4 FESTIVALS AUG. 31-SEPT. 7 EVENTS AND CELEBRATIONS AROUND EASTERN OREGON Celebrate La Grande on Sept. 8 Annual event is moving to a new location at Riverside Park By Lisa Britton Go! Magazine LA GRANDE — A tradition is returning to town in full this month when the com- munity gathers for Celebrate La Grande, an end-of-summer block party. Just make sure to note the new location. This year’s event, the 27th, will be at Riverside Park from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 8. Historically, Celebrate La Grande was held downtown at Fourth Street and Ad- ams Avenue. During 2020 and 2021, the celebration moved to the fair- grounds for a modified celebration with a drive-thru dinner. This year is more back to normal. “It’s a city-wide block party to cel- ebrate how awesome it is to live in La Grande,” said Jeff Crews, who is a mem- ber of the committee that organizes the event. “It should be a blast.” A free dinner will be served featuring hot dogs, chips, bottled water and ice cream. CELEBRATE LA GRANDE What: Block party to celebrate living in La Grande that features free dinner, games and more. When: Thursday, Sept. 8, 5-7 p.m. Where: Riverside Park, La Grande The Observer, File Celebrate La Grande switched to a drive-thru event in 2020 and 2021. Here, La Grande Police Chief Gary Bell grilled hot dogs for the 2020 edition. Activities for kids will be provided and, Crews pointed out, the park offers plenty of green areas and a playground to occupy the youth. Celebrate La Grande is supported by donations and discounts from businesses and organizations. Non-profits are also welcome to attend and provide information about the orga- nization at a “nonprofit showcase.” For information, contact Haley Hines at 541- 786-5285 or haleyhines@eoni.com.