Summer is officially back on SW 5th Street. Downtown Madras's First Thursday series returned on May 1 and will run every first Thursday of the month through September — bringing food, music, vendor booths, and community spirit to the heart of Madras from 5 to 8 p.m.

The monthly outdoor event, organized by the Madras Downtown Association, has become a mainstay of the Madras community calendar in recent years. It is free to attend and family-friendly, drawing residents from across Jefferson County who come to shop local vendors, grab food, and catch live entertainment in a relaxed downtown setting.

Upcoming First Thursday Dates

  • June 5
  • July 3
  • August 7
  • September 4

Each event runs from 5 to 8 p.m. in downtown Madras. For the most current lineup of vendors and performers, follow the Madras Downtown Association at madrasdowntown.org or check their social media pages closer to the event.

Also This Week in Metolius: Lucha Live

For something a little different, the Desert Inn Sports Bar and Grill in Metolius is hosting EDW Lucha Live on Monday, May 19 — an all-ages lucha libre wrestling event. This is the kind of grassroots entertainment that rarely makes the regional events pages, but it is exactly the sort of thing that makes small-town Central Oregon worth living in.

Don't Miss Tuesday's Election Deadline

With the festive vibe of a busy week, it is easy to let Tuesday slip by — but May 19 is also the deadline to return your primary election ballot. Jefferson County voters have two competitive Commissioner races on their ballots, and the results will shape county leadership for years to come.

Ballots must be returned by 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19. You can mail your ballot (it must be postmarked by May 19) or drop it at an official Jefferson County drop box before the deadline. If you are unsure of your nearest drop box location, call the Jefferson County Clerk's office at 541-475-4451.

Oregon's vote-by-mail system means there is no standing in line — but there is also no second chance if you miss the deadline. If you haven't filled out your ballot yet, set aside 10 minutes this weekend.

For a full breakdown of the Commissioner candidates and what is at stake in each race, see our election coverage at madrasbulletin.com.