SBMD Journal
It's happening!
By
Matthew Hewlett
July 12, 2025
July Update: The Rush, the Magic, and the Madness Before the Festival
We’re in the final stretch — and you can feel the energy building across town. Bohemia Mining Days 2025 is just days away, and let’s just say: the hustle is real. We’re running full speed, tying up last-minute details, grabbing hardware, picking up banners, paying bills, and solving those curveball problems that always pop up in the final hour. But guess what? It’s working. It’s all coming together.
And honestly? It’s going to be incredible.
Let’s Talk Contests, Kids, and Craftsmanship
This year, we’ve got an amazing lineup of contests for all ages — big fun, small prizes, and a whole lot of community spirit. The Kid Zone is shaping up to be better than ever, packed with activities that’ll make any young pioneer smile.
But the real show-stealer this year? The facade walls. Kyle Kishen Construction has gone above and beyond, crafting stunning, old-timey structures that make you feel like you’ve stepped straight into a frontier boomtown. We’ve got:
- A saloon that looks like a mine entrance
- A charming little city hall
- A jailhouse photo op you won’t want to miss
- A big new stage for music and performances
- And... one very special structure we’re keeping under wraps until you see it in the park ?
The Festival Vibe: History Reignited
Our 2025 theme is “Striking Gold: A Legacy Reignited”, and we’re leaning hard into the heritage that made Cottage Grove shine in the first place. You’ll notice it everywhere — from vendor booths decorated in frontier style to demonstrations of old-time crafts and homesteading skills. We’ve asked vendors to go all in, and they’ve delivered.
And of course, we’ve got some fantastic music lined up. Don’t miss our Coffee & Jam event on Saturday morning: grab a hot cup from Bittle Brew Coffee and enjoy smooth tunes from the Silk Creek Singers before the big parade.
Speaking of which — yes, the Grand Miners Parade is absolutely happening, and it’s going to be packed with floats, costumes, and community pride.
No Carnival — Here’s Why
We’ve heard the question a lot: “Will there be a carnival this year?” Unfortunately, the answer is still no. Since COVID, many carnival companies have shut down or shifted away from smaller towns. On top of that, we simply don’t have a good spot to put it anymore — especially now with the splash pad taking over the old carnival site. We’ve explored other options (including behind the post office), but it just hasn’t worked out.
That said, we’re not giving up on the idea. We’ll keep working toward bringing the carnival back one day. It’s a puzzle we’re hoping to solve.
Big Ideas Ahead
One conversation we’re starting to have (after the dust settles) is possibly moving the festival to Bohemia Park in future years. That would open up new possibilities — but it would also bring major logistical changes, and we’ll need serious community input to make it happen. More on that later.
Thanks for reading this month’s update — and thank you to everyone who’s helping us bring this event to life. The town is buzzing, the park is transforming, and the spirit of Bohemia is burning bright.
We’ll see you soon at the festival.
And don’t forget to get your photo taken behind bars in the Bohemia City Jail ?
#BohemiaMiningDays #CottageGroveOR #SpiritOfBohemia #HeritageFestival #StrikingGold #LegacyReignited
