Central Oregon Weekend: Pi-Ume-Sha, Rock Show and Gambler 500

Pi-Ume-Sha weekend is underway in Warm Springs, bringing visitors from across the Northwest for three days of powwow, rodeo, parade and boxing events. Everyone is welcome to attend. Grand Entry at the powwow grounds behind the Community Center is at 7 p.m. tonight and 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Saturday’s parade begins at 11 a.m., with lineup and judging at 10 a.m., followed by the rodeo at 1 p.m. Indigenous Rez Boxing takes place all day Saturday at the old VFW Hall, and the youth rodeo is Sunday afternoon. KWSO will broadcast live from the powwow throughout the weekend.

Visitors are also in Jefferson County for the Madras Rock and Gem Show, running through Sunday at the Jefferson County Event Complex. The annual event features regional dealers, educational displays and opportunities to learn more about Central Oregon rockhounding.

According to Central Oregon Daily, the Gambler 500 has returned to Madras, drawing hundreds of participants in creative, low-cost vehicles for a weekend of public lands cleanup. What began as a navigation challenge has grown into a major environmental effort focused on removing trash from public lands. Participant Mike Boynton said the event started when outdoor enthusiasts “got tired of seeing garbage” and teamed up with the nonprofit Sons of Smokey to haul away debris. Last year, volunteers collected more than 240,000 pounds of trash. The cleanup continues through Sunday.

According to The Bend Bulletin, a first-of-its-kind renewable energy project near Madras is facing an uncertain future. The $5.7 million North Unit Solar Irrigation Pilot Project could be canceled if federal grant funding expires. The project would install floating solar panels and hydrokinetic turbines over the district’s main canal to generate renewable energy while reducing water loss from evaporation. District officials say the project depends on a last-minute federal funding extension.

With Independence Day approaching, the Oregon State Fire Marshal is reminding residents to use only legal fireworks and check local restrictions before lighting them. Assistant Chief Deputy Mark Johnston said wildfire concerns have prompted additional restrictions in some communities. In Warm Springs, Indian Head Casino will present a 10 p.m. drone show on July 4 at the Community Center ball fields. Organizers ask spectators to stop using personal fireworks just before the show so it can be conducted safely.

Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read has certified the results of the May 2026 statewide election. More than 1.28 million Oregonians voted, setting a record for a midterm primary election. Official turnout reached 41.87 percent, the second-highest midterm primary turnout since Oregon adopted vote-by-mail in 1998. Certification completes the state’s post-election review process.

Governor Tina Kotek has received recommendations from the state’s Prosperity Council aimed at strengthening Oregon’s economy. The report calls for lower business taxes, fewer regulations and additional industrial development opportunities. Kotek said she plans to begin incorporating some of the proposals into future budgets and legislative priorities. Oregon lost approximately 19,000 jobs over the past year, and the state’s unemployment rate remains above the national average.

Seattle hosts its fourth FIFA Club World Cup match tonight with a Pride Match celebration recognizing the LGBTQ+ community. Seattle Pride Executive Director Patti Hearn said fans are expected to bring colorful Pride displays and hopes the event shows Seattle is “an inclusive and welcoming city.” Public radio reports FIFA will allow Pride flags inside the stadium if they meet size requirements. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m.

Central Oregon Weather: Expect breezy conditions through the weekend with a slight chance of showers today and highs in the mid-70s. Saturday and Sunday will be partly sunny with highs around 70 degrees and continued gusty winds at times.