Seasonal

Dog Days of Summer:  July 3 - August 11

The “dog days of summer” occur during the hottest and muggiest part of summer.

Dog Days of Summer?  Click to enlarge

The dictionary defines “dog days” as: 1:  the period between early July and early September when the hot sultry weather of summer usually occurs in the northern hemisphere 2:  a period of stagnation or inactivity

But where does the term come from? Why do we call the hot, sultry days of summer “dog days?” Here's the answer...

In ancient times, when the night sky was free from artificial lights people in different parts of the world drew images in the sky by “connecting the dots” of stars. These star pictures are called constellations, and the constellations as we know them came from our European ancestors.

Ancient star gazer's saw images in the stars of bears (Ursa Major and Ursa Minor), twins (Gemini), a bull (Taurus), and others objects, including dogs (Canis Major and Canis Minor). (more below...)

The brightest of the stars in Canis Major (the big dog) is Sirius, which also happens to be the brightest star in the summer night sky. In the summer, Sirius, the “dog star”, rises and sets with the sun.

During late July, Sirius is in conjunction with the sun, and the ancients believed that its heat added to the heat of the sun, creating a stretch of hot and sultry weather they named the “dog days” -- after the dog star Sirius.

Summer sunset stars & constellations. Click to view"

The conjunction of Sirius with the sun varies somewhat with latitude. And the “precession of the equinoxes” (a gradual drifting of the constellations over time) means that the constellations today are not in exactly the same place in the sky as they were in ancient times. Today, the "dog days" occur during the period between July 3 and August 11.

And now you know!

Let's Have a Parade When: Sat, Sep 24, 2022 10AM-12PM Where: Downtown Gresham Get Map!

Source: The Ouloook Online

Colorful floats, high school bands, teddy bears to march through downtown Gresham

After a two-year forced hiatus, teddy bears will make their way back into downtown Gresham this weekend.

The 40th annual Gresham Teddy Bear Parade, hosted by Soroptimist International of Gresham, will loop through downtown from 10AM to noon Saturday, Sep 24.

The many colorful floats, classic cars, high school bands and cheerleaders, horses, dogs, and, of course, teddy bears will all stage at longtime parade partner East Hill Church. The route winds along Miller, Main, Roberts and Hood avenues, and down Fifth Street to return to East Hill. All the way, streets will be lined with thousands of visitors. The parade will be emceed by Carol Nielsen and Greg Matthews, reclaiming their roles as comedic hosts at the corner of Main and Third.

This year there won't be any political candidates promoting the upcoming race, because organizers want the parade to double down on being a special day for kids.

S-t-r-e-t-c-h  your grocery dollar!

Enjoy the freshest produce, flowers, and plant starts direct from the garden.

Healthy and fresh
Farmer’s markets are a fantastic source for fresh, seasonal, locally produced foods and artisan products. Plus, you'll find great activities and fun for the whole family. Come experience the markets. Meet the vendors. Meet local cooks. Enjoy the freshest produce and products. Make your own statement in support of local food.

Portland's Eastside Farmer's Markets

• Gresham Saturday Market (mid Apr-Sep)
• Gresham Farmers Market (May-Oct)
• Hollywood Farmers' Market (year-round)
• Lents International Farmers' Market (Jun-Nov)
• Montavilla Farmers Market (year-round)
• Portland Farmers Market (year-round)
• Other Area Farmers Markets

(Complete details on these area markets below)

You'll find plenty of root vegetables, braising greens and lettuces, and of course plant starts for your own vegetable garden.

Bring your reusable shopping bags and plenty of small bills, though some of the markets will trade you a credit/debit card for wooden tokens that all vendors accept, which can be easier to handle than cash. We've indicated those markets that accept EBT or other food assistant coupons.