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July 15, 2026 — Newsletter
Summer Events Bring Lincoln County Together!
This newsletter highlights three summer events that have long been significant to our community. There is always something to learn, and people to recognize in our community.
We are profoundly interconnected. The secret sauce is being open to seeing the many ways in which we touch each other’s lives.
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The events in Lincoln City, Newport, and Toledo may be very different in character, but they share a common purpose: bringing people together for a good time and good causes.
Human interaction remains one of the foundations of a healthy community. I’ve had conversations at nonprofit booths, in the livestock barn, with retail vendors and with many, many constituents.
I encourage everyone to explore the larger mosaic. Much of summer remains to be experienced!
| | Beach, Bacon & Brews at Chinook Winds Casino Resort was an enjoyable way to learn about and support our local nonprofit organizations who support the unmet needs of our community. | | Ticket Holder Glass & Bacon Bite Tickets | |
Not surprisingly, our local organizations face ongoing financial, staffing, and operational pressures. Beach, Bacon and Brews provides an opportunity for our nonprofits to explain their missions, recruit supporters, and build relationships.
Supporting them means more than making a one-time donation. It also means volunteering, serving on boards, forming partnerships, sharing their work and ensuring that public decisions recognize the essential role they play in our community.
Grants, contracts and donations can change from year to year, making it difficult to retain employees or plan programs. Many nonprofits have experienced or anticipating government funding reductions.
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Small organizations must still meet legal, financial, insurance, grant-reporting and personnel requirements, even when they have few or no dedicated administrative employees.
I encourage residents to keep these organizations on their radar throughout the year. I spoke with passionate founders and volunteers who truly want to make a positive impact while juggling limited resources.
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Their work continues long after the music ends, and the event booths are packed away.
This year's participating agencies were:
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A big shout out to Chinook Winds Casino Resort, Hills Premium Meats and the Lincoln City Chamber of Commerce for providing the financial, logistical and product support needed to create the amazing food offerings that enticed ticket holders to come back for more.
Every ticket received at nonprofit booths means more take home funding for that organization!
Next year, I encourage you to bring a lawn chair, absorb the live music and support the community all in one setting. Thank you to Chinook Winds Casino, the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, the Lincoln City Chamber of Commerce and everyone who attended this year's event.
Well done, North County!
| | Lincoln County Fair & Rodeo | | 2026 Fair Rodeo Queen, Gabriella Ashmon and Her Partner Sadie | | |
The Lincoln County Fair & Rodeo brought the community back to the County Commons (Fairgrounds) in a reduced footprint as the county begins the Commons redevelopment project; a long-awaited transition involving demolition, design, and preconstruction.
The Commons will continue supporting the Fair, 4-H, emergency operations, community events, and much more as a multipurpose facility for the future. After three full days staffing the commissioner booth and talking to so many of you, I was tired, tanned and certainly more informed than when I arrived!
The heart of the fair’s operation is a collaboration of OSU Extension and the Lincoln County Fair Board volunteers who provide tireless logistic and operational support during the event. Both teams (Extension & Fair Board) work throughout the year to plan and execute the crescendo, that is The Lincoln County Fair and Rodeo.
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OSU Extension’s network of teachers, experts, mentors and volunteers share knowledge throughout the year. This work and effort culminate in three days of 4-H, Open Class and livestock projects that are fun to explore and celebrate. It’s a special time for students, parents and adult practitioners to share what they’ve learned with all of us.
The Rodeo filled the bleachers Saturday and Sunday to watch bronco riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing, bull riding and more. The event mixes tradition, passion and athleticism. It’s super fun and I encourage everyone to experience this wonderful slice of Americana in the future.
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I was honored to provide introductory comments during the rodeo opening ceremonies and to select two 4-H and Open Class projects for Commissioner ribbons. These projects require real work skills worth learning and preserving. Our county fair demonstrates that these traditions are still alive and well and available to you.
Thank you to the Fair Board, OSU Extension Service, 4-H leaders, rodeo organizers, staff, exhibitors, vendors, sponsors, volunteers, families, and everyone who helped make the 2026 Lincoln County Fair & Rodeo possible.
| Toledo Summer Festival & Activities in Toledo | |
The Toledo Summer Festival & Logging Show packed Toledo Memorial Field with three days activities that include a grand parade, logging competitions, vendors, live music, carnival activities, and fireworks.
The festival brought generations together and filled Toledo with ample energy.
| | Tracy Mix - Mayor of Toledo, OR | | |
“The event's signature attraction is the Logging Show, where amateur competitors test their skills in events inspired by the logging camps that helped build the region, such as the axe throw, obstacle pole, double buck saw, block toss and the always-popular chainsaw steeplechase.” – Oregon Coast Today.
Rainier Amusements (family owned for 60+ years) brought their vintage carnival rides - a huge draw for many. Treasured for their kinetic airbrushed artwork, and vibrant lighting these rides were perfectly at home in memorial field. The opportunity to photograph these rides at dusk was like visiting the golden age of the American midway.
| Starship Exodus - Vintage Midway Carnival Ride | |
The mechanical design of the "trailer-mounted" rides has a fascinating history that dates to the mid-20th century. The Summer Festival featured the Vortex which has 6 arms each carrying 4 people. The Starship Exodus uses centrifugal force to float the passengers off the floor, giving them the feeling of weightlessness.
There are many more opportunities to experience Toledo this summer through the Boathouse (Post of Toledo) and Waterfront Market (Toledo Chamber of Commerce).
The Waterfront Market offers produce, crafts, and food at Waterfront Park every Thursday, 10am - 3pm. You can also explore the river on boats, paddles, and life jackets for free from the Boathouse.
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All ages and skills can try sailing, kayaking, other paddle crafts in a safe and supervised environment every Thursday, 3pm-6pm and every Sunday, 12pm-4pm.
The Community Boathouse program provides classroom and workshop space for youth and community members to learn and get hands-on experience with boatbuilding, maintenance, sailing and seamanship.
Art, Oysters & Brews takes place August 1st & 2nd. There will be kids activities, live music, local breweries, wineries, fresh oysters, and local artists from 12-5pm on Saturday & Sunday. Interested vendors can expect a flat fee of $10 for a 10′ x 10′ space per day.
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Why Do Community Events Matter?
Community events support local economies. They create visibility for nonprofit organizations. They provide opportunities for young people. They preserve local culture and history.
Importantly, they create face-to-face conversations that strengthen relationships.
I am grateful for every conversation, handshake, question, story, and moment shared with the people of Lincoln County over the last few weeks. Much appreciation to everyone for their kindness and willingness to create a positive impact!
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Thank You for Staying Engaged!
Local government works best when residents are attentive, ask questions, and expect decisions to be made in the open. If something sparked a thought, feel free to hit reply, share it or contact me directly.
If you found this newsletter helpful, please forward it to a friend. I hope to see you soon!
Let’s Do More Good!
Your neighbor,
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Commissioner Casey Miller
Lincoln County — Position 1
Mobile: 541-270-6796
Address: 225 W Olive St., Room 110, Newport, OR 97365
Website: www.CaseyMillerCommissioner.com
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"The mission of Lincoln County is to provide essential public services–both legally
required and locally desired–in an efficient, effective and respectful manner."
–Lincoln County Mission Statement
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