Top 10 things to do in June

(MAY 21, 2019) Summer in Oregon is special. The rain decreases, and the temperature increases. People like to go outside and do things. In fact, they like to do a lot of things, and some of them are a little unusual. Here are some interesting things to do in June:

1. If you like sports, you might want to attend an old-fashioned ballgame. Hillsboro and Portland each have a baseball team. They are the Hillsboro Hops and the Portland Pickles
2. Do you enjoy drama? Then you might want to visit Ashland, which is home to one of the largest theaters in the country called the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. It has several different live theaters offering classical and modern work.
3. For the family, there is nothing more traditional than Portland's annual Rose Festival. There's a parade, a carnival, and many other events. And it's 111 years old! .
4. If the weather gets hot, there's no better place than the Oregon coast. While you're there, check out the sand castle contest in Cannon Beach.
5. Portland Pride is an annual celebration of our LGBTQ community. LGBTQ means Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Queer. The big party is in June with a colorful parade and other attractions.
6. Maybe you want a bird's-eye view of all that surrounds you. You can see beautiful hot air balloons at Tigard's Balloon Festival June 21-23.
7. Also high up in the sky is the summer kite festival in Lincoln City. Bring your own kite to fly or watch others.
8. Did you know that some artists use a chainsaw? It sounds dangerous, but the results are impressive. You can see for yourself at the chainsaw carving contest in Reedsport.
9. And, of course, there's the famous World Naked Bike Ride in Portland June 29. The goal is to raise the visibility of bicycles and public awareness of our dependency on oil.
10. Perhaps best of all: free camping and parking in Oregon State Parks on June 1.