Partnering with Opal Center for Arts & Education, we’re thrilled to bring you three evenings of inspiring films to raise funds for the Spirit of Bohemia Mining Days.

The Opal Center vitalizes the regional community by offering culturally enriching and educational programming—from theater, fashion, and parades to fitness, tech, and crafting classes. Located in the beautifully restored Lawson Building in the heart of downtown Cottage Grove, Opal is more than a venue—it’s a community hub for creativity.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, their mission is to create a diverse community through artistic discovery, empowering individuals through workshops, performances, and cooperative art projects. Their philosophy: art should be playful, accessible, and for everyone.

Join us as we celebrate this creative spirit and raise support for our town’s most cherished heritage festival.

Buy Tickets Now!

(https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/opal-center-for-arts-education/spirit-of-bmd-movie-marathon)

Check out Opal Center at https://opalcentercg.org/

Hosted by Spirit of Bohemia Mining Days in partnership with Family Relief Nursery, the Kids Heritage Fair is a fun, family-centered event designed to spark curiosity and celebrate our local history.

Children and families will explore hands-on activities, heritage-themed games, crafts, storytelling, and community booths—all centered around the rich cultural roots of Cottage Grove and the surrounding region.

This event serves as a kickoff to the Bohemia Mining Days season and supports youth programs like Future Bohemia City Citizens and Bohemia City Leaders. Join us as we blend education, play, and tradition into one unforgettable afternoon!

Location: Family Relief Nursery, 720 N 14th St, Cottage Grove
Time: 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Sign up to be a Vendor!

(https://forms.gle/mS5sn2yqjWC3SFNy6)

Check out Family Relief Nursery at https://www.frncg.org/

It Takes a Village to Build Bohemia

Spirit of Bohemia Mining Days is made possible by an incredible network of leaders, builders, sponsors, and community partners who each play a vital role in bringing Bohemia City to life. From the big-picture planners to the hands-on helpers, this is a community-powered festival through and through.

Leadership & Event Coordination

At the core of the festival is our leadership team, made up of volunteers, organizers, and coordinators who dedicate their time, energy, and passion throughout the year:

Jeremy Ferguson, Matthew Hewlett, Linda Oxely, Cathy Simmons, Dave Light, Dylan Mann, Bradly Shepherd, Ken Lile, Nate Garrels, Austin Hufford, Sylvia Kitterman, Aaron Kitterman, Donna Hudson, Cindy Weeldreyer, Brad Helsel, Brandi Presley, Enya Combs, Tara Blount, Joelie Saunders, Drew Perini, Logan Perini, Ollie Nash, Gary Nelson, Zonnie Borg, Denice Barton, Dana Merryday, Roger Leach, Shawn Steele, Deanna Jentzsch, Wendy Shugar, Paul Hale, Dustin Davey, Sharon Anseth, Rylee Ryan, Emily McDaniel, Rob Weaver, and Brett French.

Their vision and dedication are the reason this event continues to grow and thrive each year.

Infrastructure & Construction Support

The beautiful façade walls and on-site infrastructure were made possible thanks to the work of Kyle Kishen Construction, with generous material donations from Fox Lumber, Cascade Home Center, Steel House, James Radway, and Paul & Amy Hewlett.

Presenting Sponsors

We are honored to be supported by our presenting sponsors:

• Woodard Family Foundation
• Starfire Lumber
• City of Cottage Grove

A special thank-you goes out to Casey Woodard of the Woodard Family Foundation for offering invaluable support throughout the planning process—helping us with historical details, business outreach, fundraising strategy, and much more.

Community Partners

We’re grateful for the many organizations and businesses who have helped make the festival—and our other events—possible throughout the year:

Opal Center for Arts and Education, Family Relief Nursery, Singing Creek Educational Center, Row River Fire Resource, Schweitzers Work and Western Wear, The Huckleberries, The Regulars, Friends of the Cottage Grove Library, South Valley Athletics, Bohemia Electric, Western Oregon Exposition, Cottage Grove Public Market, Cottage Grove Chamber of Commerce, Len Blackstone, Coast Fork Brewing, Pour 818, Slabtown Coffee, Garland Burback, Cottage Grove Garbage Service, Cottage Grove Community Foundation, Cottage Grove Historical Society, Cottage Grove Genealogical Society, Bohemia Gold Mining Museum, Oregon Aviation Historical Society, Partners in History, Odd Fellows and the Cottage Grove Museum.

Together, these individuals and organizations are the reason Spirit of Bohemia Mining Days is more than just a festival—it’s a celebration of our past, present, and future. Thank you for building something truly special with us.

Check out Spirit of Bohemia Mining Days at https://spiritofbmd.com

During The Spirit of Bohemia Mining Days Festival, join us for a live multimedia presentation of The Story of Opal: The Journal of an Understanding Heart, the whimsical childhood diary of controversial Cottage Grove legend Opal Whiteley.

Performers from the community will read selections of the diary to bring to life Opal’s unique voice and special relationship to the natural world. Along with live music, moving images, and dramatic lighting, this show will immerse you in the imaginative world of Opal. Guaranteed to provide glad feels!

Check out Opal Center for ARTS & EDUCATION at https://opalcentercg.org