UPDATE:  5/22/2013-  This event will be rescheduled and will not take place in June as originally reported in this post.  We will reschedule and share any updates with you on our website and Facebook page.  Thank you.

The landscape on the southern Oregon coast seems to be one of those places that is made for golf and it is no secret that Oregon is home to some of the best golf courses in the country, including Bandon Crossings!

That is why The Mill Casino has partnered with Bandon Crossings to present the Oregon Coast Couples Golf Classic June 7-9, 2013!

Schedule of Events
Optional: Friday Practice round at Bandon Crossings. Call golf shop to reserve your starting time.

Friday June 7th, 2013
6:00 pm Welcome reception at The Mill Casino

Saturday June 8th, 2013
7:00 pm Dinner Buffet at The Mill Casino. Day one tournament results announced.

Sunday June 9th, 2013
4:00 p.m. Lunch and Awards presentation at The Mill Casino.

Tournament entry deadline is Monday, June 3, 2013

Tournament Details:
Entry Fee $285 per couple, includes green fees, range balls, daily competition fee and all scheduled events.

For more information contact:
The Mill Casino 800-953-4800 ext. 1490 or Bandon Crossings 541-347-3232

Printable Registration Form Completed Tournament registration form may be mailed to:

The Mill Casino•Hotel & RV Park
Attn: Barb Dunham
3201 Tremont Avenue,
North Bend, OR 97459

Bandon Crossings Golf Course is home to “18 Unique Experiences.”  It is a 2012 recipient of TripAdvisor’s CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE and named one of the 10 best new courses of 2007 by GOLF Magazine!

One of our favorite local traditions is the annual Holiday Lights festival at Shore Acres State Park.  Each year, the community comes together to transform our beloved Shore Acres into a brilliant holiday display.  Volunteers and local businesses spend weeks decorating the park with 300,000 lights and light sculptures. It is a spectacle not to be missed!

Just 13 miles southwest from our home in Coos Bay/North Bend, the park is famous for its lush gardens and breathtaking views of the Oregon coast.  The Holiday Lights festival features seasonal refreshments and entertainment, and runs nightly from 4 pm to 9:30 pm every night from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve.

The Mill offers a Hotel and RV Package perfect for the occasion.  The Shore Acres Package includes an overnight stay at our facilities, $40 dining credit at any of our dining venues and complimentary pass or shuttle service to and from the Shore Acres State Park.  Book this package at our reservations desk at 800-953-4800, ext. 3.

And don’t forget we are hosting another beloved tradition, the Festival of Trees, from Thanksgiving through December 6.  The Mill presents decorated Christmas trees and wreathes donated by the community to raise funds for local charities.  It’s a lot of fun and we hope to see you there.

We’re so proud to be part of this community and invite you to join us for our annual holiday traditions.

Photo Credit: Friends of Shore Acres

Just because summer is months away doesn’t mean you can’t get your BBQ fix! The North Bend Fire Department is hosting a BBQ Dinner Fundraiser on Friday, November 16, 2012 to benefit the North Bend Volunteer Fire Department & the 2013 BBQ Blues & Brews on the Bay Festival.

Hole in the Wall BBQ will be serving up slow-cooked hand-pulled pork with coleslaw, beans, and sweet rolls topped off with their secret recipe sweet BBQ sauce at the North Bend Fire Dept (1880 McPherson St, North Bend) from 5pm – 8pm Friday, November 16.

Tickets are $13 for adults and $10 for kids are and can be purchased at the North Bend Visitor Center and Coos Bay Visitor Center during public hours.

Click here to download the event flyer for more info and please help get the word out!

North Bend Fire Department, formed in 1904, is a combination paid/volunteer fire department. Fire Chief Scott Graham has eleven paid personnel and 32 volunteer firefighters who are are currently serving.  North Bend Fire & Rescue handles over 1,600 calls for service a year related to fire suppression, EMS medical, wildland, dive-rescue, water rescue, marine firefighting, and ARFF airport rescue firefighting.

In addition to being first responders, the department gives back to our local community with school programs, tours, and fire prevention education. They host an annual pancake breakfast that serves over 800 citizens on Palm Sunday,  provides gifts and food to local families in need through the Kids at Christmas program, and gives 50 students backpacks and all the school-required items they need for the school year with through their Back Pack for Kids program.

photo credit: mhaithaca via photopin cc

The holidays are around the corner, and you know what that means?  The Mill Casino and The Bay Area Rotary invite you to our annual holiday-themed fundraiser, The Festival of Trees.

Beautifully decorated trees and wreaths will be on display at The Mill Casino•Hotel November 27- December 6, 2012.

This event is a beloved seasonal tradition that gives businesses, organizations and individuals the opportunity to help families in need by raising funds for local charities while getting into the holiday spirit.

Raising over $10,000 last year, the Festival of Trees lets participants demonstrate their holiday-decorating talents while raising money for local charities. This year’s goal is to raise $14,000 for such charities as Shots for Tots and Teens and The Women’s Safety and Resource Center and Coddington Place.

Participants simply choose to sponsor a tree, a wreath or pre-decorated tree by Nov. 1, or while available trees last. Then, at 4 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 26 sponsors bring their chosen decorations to The Mill Casino’s Salmon Room for the annual Festival of Trees Decorating Party, complete with complimentary refreshments and holiday tunes.

Following the decorating party, a panel of judges will award the top choice in the following categories: Most Traditional, Most Elegant, Best Theme, Best Wreath, Judge’s Choice and, of course, Best of Show. The decorated trees and wreaths will be placed on display throughout the hotel lobby through Dec. 6.

On Sunday, Dec. 2, Rotary will sponsor a family viewing day to encourage families to come in and look at the trees from 1-4 p.m. Santa will be on hand and refreshments will be served.

Each tree and wreath will be auctioned off to the highest bidder during a public auction that begins promptly at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6 in The Mill’s Salmon Room. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. to allow potential bidders to take one more look at the trees.

The fully decorated trees will be delivered (up to 30 miles away) to the winning bidder’s home or office by a member of the Bay Area Rotary. Auction winners may request to have their tree donated to a needy family.

The Mill Casino • Hotel contributes to the purchase of the trees and wreaths so that sponsorship and auction proceeds from the Festival of Trees can go directly to local charities. In addition, local vendors are used when purchasing trees and wreaths for this Bay Area fundraiser.

Businesses, organizations and individuals interested in helping those in need are encouraged to participate by sponsoring and/or decorating a tree and/or wreath. To learn more about how to get involved with this event, contact Festival Coordinator, Heidi Proett at 541-269-7929 or 541-297-8287.

photo credit: Mr. T in DC via photopin cc

photo credit: vbecker via photopin cc

We are headed into a big weekend here on the South Coast!

Between the Bay Area Fun Festival, the Prefontaine Memorial Run and Cruz the Coos, visitors will have plenty of family friendly activites to choose from.

Cruz the Coos and Shore Acres Show n’ Shine
The Sunset Classic Chevy Club hosts their annual Cruz the Coos and Shore Acres Show n’ Shine September 14-16,2012. More than 500 participants come together to show off their restored vehicles (1972 or older).

On Saturday, September 15 guests will enjoy a Classic Car Show from 9am – 3pm in the Mill Casino Hotel Parking Lot. The cars will later line up at 2nd Street and Golden Avenue and viewers can enjoy the annual “Cruz” in downtown Coos Bay from 6-8pm.

*Fuzzy Dice Giveaway Sept. 14-16, 2012
In conjunction with Cruz the Coos weekend, guests will get a pair of fuzzy dice just for showing their player’s card. Guests may show their player card at the Mill Club during booth hours Friday, Saturday or Sunday. New club sign ups are also eligible to receive a pair of fuzzy dice. Limited to one per guest while supplies last (no rain checks).

*Must be a Mill Club Member to redeem this offer.  Signing up for our Mill Club is free and easy to do! Go to www.themillcasino.com/casino/millionairesclub to sign up today.

The Bay Area Fun Festival is September 15-16, 2012 and features a parade, vendors, music, arts, crafts food and more. The Shore Acres Show n’ Shine is held inside Shore Acres State Park. K-DOCK Classic Hits Radio will broadcast everyone’s favorite oldies and fun interviews at 92.9 FM. The Coos Bay Chapter of the Harley Owners Group will host a Poker Run from 9am to 12 noon here at The Mill Casino.

Visit sunsetclassicchevys.com for more info.

The trees are trimmed, the lamps are lit, and the bidding will soon begin at the annual Festival of Trees. The Bay Area Rotary and The Mill Casino co-sponsored 13 fresh cut and three artificial tabletop trees, along with seven decorated wreaths, each with its own theme and community sponsor.

All of the decorated trees are on display in the lobby of The Mill Hotel. A family viewing reception will be held from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 27 in the hotel’s second floor reception area. A cookie reception and a visit from Santa are all part of the festivities. Photos with Santa will be available through the Women’s Safety & Resource Center.

The Festival of Trees auction festivities will begin at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1 in the Salmon Room at The Mill Casino • Hotel. A live auctioneer joins the party at 7:00 p.m. to start the bidding.

Jolly Rotarian elves will then deliver the trees within a 30-mile radius on Dec. 2. Successful bidders can choose to donate the tree to a needy family. The Mill Casino • Hotel contributes to the purchase of the trees and wreaths so that sponsorship and auction proceeds from the Festival of Trees can go directly to local charities. In addition, local vendors are used when purchasing trees and wreaths for this Bay Area fundraiser.

While all of this year’s trees are sure to put even the biggest Scrooge into the holiday spirit, the judges have spoken. This year’s Festival of Trees decoration contest winners are as follows:

Most Original: International Port of Coos Bay

Best Use of Color: Life Care Center

Best Theme: Engles Furniture

Best Wreath: Ocean Ridge Assisted Living

Best of Show: Hough, McAdam & Wartnik, CPA

Judge’s Choice: Kitty Kitchen, Bay Area Hospital and The Mill Casino • Hotel & RV Park Service Ambassadors

The decorated trees will remain on display in the lobby of The Mill Casino• Hotel through Dec. 1.

Millionaire$ Club Members Will Receive a free pair of fuzzy dice this weekend (while supplies last).

2011 Bay Area Fun Festival is coming to Downtown Coos Bay this weekend! The festival features the famous Cruz the Coos, Prefontaine Memorial Run, parade, music, fun, vendors, art, food, beer, wine and so much more!  Musical entertainment provided by Bay Area Teen Idol Finals and ROCKounty featuring Molly Hatchet& The Marshall Tucker Band!

More than 400 classic cars can be seen at the 26th Annual Cruz the Coos event. Highlights are a Friday night beach party at Sunset Beach, Saturday registration and poker run at the Mill Casino Hotel, Saturday night Cruz the Coos through downtown Coos Bay, and a Sunday show and shine at Shore Acres State Park.

For more information, call Darrell King of Sunset Classic Chevys at 541-888-3863. www.sunsetclassicchevys.com

As an added bonus, we will be handing out FREE Fuzzy Dice to Millionaire$ Club members the weekend September 16-18, 2011
from 10 am – 6 pm (while supplies last) . Visit our site for details and to learn how to sign up for the Millionaire$ Club for free!

Visit oregonsadventurecoast.com for lodging specials and availability.

Coos Bay, Ore. – The brig Lady Washington and her companion ship Hawaiian Chieftain have moved up their arrival at Coos Bay by one week, which extends their scheduled visit from six days to 13 days starting March 25. And the two ships have added sailing excursions and other activities for K-12 students and the general public. The stop marks the first time Lady Washington has visited Coos Bay since 2008.

The two ships were originally scheduled to arrive April 1, but they changed plans after the March 18 tsunami severely damaged the harbor at Crescent City, Calif., forcing the boats to cancel their scheduled stop.

In Coos Bay, the ships will tie up on the waterfront near 200 S. Bayshore Drive and open to the public on these dates and times: 3/26-27, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; 3/29-4/1, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.; 4/2-3, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; 4/5-6, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. A $3 donation per person is appreciated.

Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain will host guests on three-hour Battle Sails, which feature booming cannon fire and close-quarters, naval-style maneuvers. Battle Sails are scheduled for March 26, 27, April 2, 3. All sails depart at 2 p.m. Tickets are $60 adults, $50 students/seniors/active military, $40 children 12 and under. Purchase tickets at www.historicalseaport.org or call 800-200-5239.

At 10 a.m. March 27 and April 3, Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain will take guests on three-hour value-priced Adventure Sails, which feature demonstrations of tall ship handling and a chance for guests to help sail a real tall ship. Tickets are $55 adults, $45 students/seniors/active military, $35 children 12 and under. Tickets are available by calling 800-200-5239 or visiting www.historicalseaport.org.

The Historical Seaport is also seeking Coos Bay-area businesses and service organizations which can sponsor K-12 students for living history experiences aboard its tall ships. The cost is just $5.25 per student. For information, contact Roxie Underwood, 800-200-5239, education@historicalseaport.org.

Lady Washington is a 1989 wooden replica of one of the first U.S.-flagged vessels to visit the west coast of North America. The modern ship appeared as HMS Interceptor in the movie Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. Hawaiian Chieftain is a steel-hulled representation of a typical early 19th century South Seas trader. She accompanies Lady Washington on her educational voyages.

The Grays Harbor Historical Seaport Authority is a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) public development authority based in Aberdeen, Wash. that owns and operates the tall ships Hawaiian Chieftain and Lady Washington, the Official Ship of the State of Washington. GHHSA provides educational, vocational, recreational and ambassadorial activities and experiences that promote and preserve the maritime history of Grays Harbor, the Pacific Northwest, and our nation while serving the needs of the community.

Spring Whale Watching Week : March 19 -26, 2011 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Image Credit: www.whalespoken.org

The Whales are coming, The Whales are coming! Twice a year, Whale Watching Spoken Here volunteers are placed at various points along the entire Oregon Coast to help visitors learn more about the estimated 18,000 whales passing by on their migration journey.

Beginning Saturday, March 19 volunteers will be at Shore Acres State Park and other locations along the Oregon Coast through March 26 from 10am-1pm. For information, call 541-888-3732 or visit www.ShoreAcres.net or www.WhaleSpoken.org.

Here are some great whale watching tips from The Whale Watching Spoken Here program:

• This is not the only time you can see the whales. About 18,000 whales will pass by our coast during March, April, May and June on their way to Alaska’s Bering Sea.
• Gray whales may possibly be seen year-round on the Oregon, Washington and northern California coastlines.
• Winter migration has the highest numbers (30 per hour) but the whales are usually farther off shore (1-5 miles) because of stormy weather..
• During the spring migration (northbound), the whales are more spread out (6 per hour) but they are closer to shore (1/2 – 3 miles), sometimes stopping to eat.
• Summer feeding whales are very close to shore and eat tiny mysid shrimp that live in the kelp beds. They may feed for hours in the same location.
• Bring your binoculars and dress for the weather. Focus your binoculars and have them ready, but watch with your eyes. When you locate a blow, then bring up your binoculars for a closer look.
• Learn the diving and feeding habits of the whales (see the Whale Watching Center brochure) so you will know how often and where they may surface.
• Morning light (with the sun at your back) is often helpful for spotting blows. Afternoon light reflects off the water and makes viewing difficult.
• Calmer days are better whale watching days, by land, sea or air!
• Any spot with an ocean view may yield whale sightings, but higher locations are better than sandy beaches.