 It’s hard to believe we’re already turning the calendar to September. The Blackberry Arts Festival has wrapped up for another year, Labor Day is here, and before we know it, students will be heading back to school. Around Coos Bay, this time of year always seems to bring a little bit of everything—one last taste of summer along with the feeling that fall is just around the corner.
Most of us probably think of Labor Day as a three-day weekend, a backyard barbecue, or maybe one last chance to get out and enjoy the summer. But there is some interesting history behind the holiday, particularly for those of us who call Oregon home. In 1887, Oregon became the first state in the nation to officially recognize Labor Day, seven years before it became a federal holiday.
I think that history is especially fitting here in Coos Bay. This is a community that was built by people who knew the meaning of a hard day’s work. For generations, people have worked in our forests and mills, on the docks and fishing boats, in shipyards and local businesses, and in all of the industries that grew up around the bay. Today, that list looks a little different, but the importance of working people to our community hasn’t changed.
They are the people teaching our kids, caring for our families, fixing our roads, running our businesses, responding when we call for help, keeping our utilities working, serving our customers, and doing hundreds of other jobs that we probably don’t think much about until we need them. Labor Day is a good opportunity to simply say thank you to all of them.
 And speaking of our kids, school is starting again. That means buses will be back on the road and students will once again be walking and biking through our neighborhoods and crossing busy streets. Mornings can be hectic for everyone, so please slow down, keep an eye out, and give yourself a few extra minutes—especially around our schools and crosswalks. Getting somewhere a minute or two sooner is never worth putting a child at risk.
Summer isn’t quite finished with us yet, either. The Bay Area Fun Festival—our area’s last big celebration of the summer—is coming up later this month. There will be plenty more to say about that as we get closer, but for now, mark your calendars and plan to come out and enjoy another great community tradition.
As we head into Labor Day weekend, I hope everyone gets a chance to spend some time with family and friends, enjoy this beautiful place we get to call home, and maybe take a moment to appreciate all of the people—past and present—whose hard work helped make Coos Bay what it is today.
And to our students, teachers, school employees, and parents getting ready for another school year: have a great year, and welcome back!
-Joe Benetti, Mayor of Coos Bay
 The Coos Bay Public Library will be closed Saturday, September 5 and Monday, September 7 for Labor Day. We will reopen at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, September 8.
Summer is ending but the good times at the Coos Bay Public Library keep coming! If you haven’t stopped by to get our September Calendar or checked it out on the website, we have lots of great programming coming up this month. Our Spice of the Month samples will be available Tuesday, September 8. Stop by and get a sample of an artisanal spice blend from teas, tinctures, and tonics while supplies last!
Families should be sure to check out our Coos Family Resource Fair on Thursday, September 10 from 4-6 p.m. Connect with organizations that offer services for young people and families, activities for young people and educational support. Learn what resources our community has to offer you.
 VOLUNTEER COMMITTEE OPENINGS
The City of Coos Bay is seeking volunteers to fill five positions on the Bicycle & Pedestrian Fact-Finding Committee. Applications are available from the City Manager’s Office at City Hall, by calling 541-269-8912, or on the City’s website at coosbayor.gov/government/boards-commissions/committee-application. Applications will be accepted in the City Mangers Office through 5:00 p.m. September 10, 2026.
Bicycle & Pedestrian Fact-Finding Committee – The Pedestrian and Bicycle Fact- Finding Committee is charged with researching and presenting information to the Parks Commission on pedestrian and bicycle issues affecting the city of Coos Bay. This includes but is not limited to specific projects in Coos Bay, funding opportunities, and state and federal regulations. Its sole purpose is to provide information to the Commission and not to make recommendations. The Bicycle and Pedestrian Fact-Finding Committee has eight members. There are currently five openings on the Board (4 terms expiration date is 6/30/2030 and 1 term expiration date is 6/30/2027). The Committee will be made up of two Parks Commissioners with the six remaining members being members of the community. Members shall reside or have a business within city limits for a minimum of one year.
The City of Coos Bay is seeking a volunteer to a position on the Parks Commission. Applications are available from the City Manager’s Office at City Hall, by calling 541-269-8912, or on the City’s website at https://www.coosbayor.gov/government/boards-commissions/committee-application. Applications will be accepted in the City Mangers Office through 5:00 p.m. September 28, 2026. Applicants will be contacted to schedule interviews with the City Council.
Parks Commission – The Parks Commission is comprised of one City Councilor, one Planning Commissioner, and remaining positions are filled by interested persons. Membership, if possible, should include a landscape design professional, landscaping business professional, design professional, parks management professional and a bicycle or pedestrian enthusiast with subject matter expertise. Applications must be a resident of the City of Coos Bay or own property in the city. The Parks Commission meets twice a month. There is one term open expiring on December 31, 2028.
 Today, Friday, September 4th, is the Downtown Coos Bay Wine Walk! Proceeds from this Wine Walk will benefit Charleston Fishing Families and Dance Umbrella. Your $10 will get you a wrist band to participate, a wine glass for your walk, and a map of participating merchants. The walk takes place from 5pm - 7pm and starts at Coos Bay Visitor Information Center downtown Coos Bay. It happens Rain or Shine!
 Coos County Now Fully Digitized in Urbanform
UrbanForm, is now live for Bandon, Coos Bay, and North Bend, and unincorporated Coos County; with Coquille, Lakeside, Myrtle Point, and Powers coming soon; making Coos County the second in the nation to be fully digitized in the platform. UrbanForm is making it easier and faster to plan, permit, and build housing in Coos County.
Thanks to a partnership between UrbanForm, CCD Business Development, Southern Oregon Coast Regional Housing (SOCRH), Middle Missing Housing Fund (MMHF), property owners, developers, lenders, and planners have a user-friendly tool that provides clear, parcel-specific zoning information in minutes, not weeks, reducing the time and cost it takes to move from feasibility to construction.
This platform is designed to:
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Accelerate housing production by reducing permitting delays
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Support developers, architects, and planners with instant answers to "What can be built here?"
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Relieve pressure on city staff by streamlining code research and site evaluations
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Keep pace with new growth tied to major investments in the Port of Coos Bay
Check out UrbanForm today: https://coos.urbanform.us/
 Engineering Technician
The City of Coos Bay is soliciting applications for the position of Engineering Technician. To apply for the position, interested parties should submit a city application, resume, and letter of interest to the HR Office or by email to jspencer@coosbayor.gov. All application materials submitted via email must be an attachment in word or pdf format. City applications are available from the City Manager’s Office, City Hall, 500 Central Avenue, Coos Bay, Oregon 97420, by email at jspencer@coosbayor.gov or on the City’s website at https://www.coosbayor.gov/government/job-openings
Type: Full Time, Non-Exempt
Salary/Pay Rate: $4711 - $5877/Month DOQ
Posted Date: August 19, 2026
Deadline to Apply: Monday, September 14, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES
Performs engineering work of a moderately complex nature in the investigation, location, design and construction of improvements and maintenance projects, e.g., permit and land use review, customer service, inspection, updating maps, and related tasks.
 
 As we say goodbye to summer and look forward to fall, let’s learn about trees and leaves in our local environment. The Coos History Museum will host our Explorer’s Club on Saturday, September 12th from 11 am - 2 pm. Explorer’s Club is free of charge and sponsored by the Coquille Animal Hospital. This month’s Explorer’s Club will focus on six trees in our local environment, with hands-on activity stations exploring how these trees were used throughout history, why some trees lose their leaves, and a leaf rubbing project. Our FREE drop-in Second Saturday Explorer’s Club is a recurring program open to all families and kids of all ages with no registration required.
45th Annual Prefontaine Memorial Run
 The 45th Annual Prefontaine Memorial Run will be held in Coos Bay on Saturday, September 19. The competition kicks off with a high school cross country SK team competition beginning at 9:45 AM. The Prefontaine Memorial Run 10K and 2-mile fun run begins at 10:05 AM starting at the corner of 4th and Anderson in downtown Coos Bay.
Participants can register online at www.prefontainerun.net until midnight on Tuesday, September 15. Onsite registration and packet pick-up will be held at St. Monica Catholic Church Parish Hall, 357 S. 6th in Coos Bay on Friday from 3-6 PM and Saturday morning from 8-9:30 AM. Entry fee for participants in the open 10K and 2-mile fun run, ages 19 & older is $45 through September 5th and $55 thereafter. For runners 18 and under running in the 10K or 2-mile fun run, the race fee is $25 through September 5th and $35 thereafter. Every entrant who completes the race will receive a participation medal. For runners who wish to participate in the Prefontaine Memorial Run, but have a conflict or are unable to travel to Coos Bay on race day, participating virtually is an option. Entry fee for the virtual run is $50, which will include a race shirt (no exchanges), race bib and a commemorative participation medal. Virtual registration will close on September 4th. We are unable to mail virtual packets outside the USA.
For the second year, the Prefontaine Memorial Run will pay prize money. Equal prize money will be awarded to the top three male and female finishers in the 10K race only, based on official gun time.
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1st Place: $500
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2nd Place: $300
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3rd Place: $200
Area residents should be aware that the entire race route will be closed to vehicular traffic from 9:30 AM to approximately 11:15 am. This includes Anderson Street from Broadway to 7th, Central Avenue from the Dairy Queen to Ocean Boulevard and Ocean Boulevard to Shore Pines Mobile Home Park. Also, 10th Street from Central Avenue to Elrod and 9th Street from Elrod to the Pirate Stadium will be closed. Area residents are encouraged to participate by coming out to the race course to encourage the runners.
The Prefontaine Run is held under the direction of the Prefontaine Foundation with community-based support provided by sponsorships or donations from Pacific Properties, Banner Bank, Advanced Health, Farr's Hardware, Bigfoot Beverages, South Coast Family Dentistry, Nasburg Huggins Insurance Agency, and Nike.
 
Come join us for some fun in the park celebrating cancer survivors and raising money help cancer patients with basic needs!
Bay Area Hospital-Cancer Center hosts a 5K Run Walk to support the Patient Fund. Saturday, October 3, 2026, 9am-Noon. All proceeds go directly to cancer patient assistance (housing, food, transportation).
Registration is from 9-10am. All participants must sign a liability waiver. Race starts promptly at 10:00am. First 75 registrations for the event will receive a commemorative medal with event details; general medals for all other registrations!
 Tickets are now on sale for the Coos History Museum’s Third Annual Oktoberfest fundraiser, taking place Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the museum.
The 21-and-older celebration invites guests to raise a stein in support of local history while enjoying an afternoon of German food, regional brews, live music by the Roseburg German Band, games, contests, a silent auction, a cakewalk, and more.
Three ticket levels are available. General Entry is $50 and includes admission, a German meal with bratwurst or a vegetarian option and sides, live entertainment, and access to games, contests, the cakewalk, and silent auction. The $75 Heritage Supporter level includes all General Entry benefits, plus a limited-edition Oktoberfest sticker, a supporter badge, and recognition on the event supporter board. The $125 Legacy Patron level adds one complimentary drink ticket, a Legacy Patron badge, and 15% off one Museum Store purchase during the event. Some contests and prize opportunities require an additional fee.
“Oktoberfest is the museum’s largest annual fundraiser and a wonderful way to bring people together,” said Heather Christenbury, Executive Director of the Coos History Museum. “Every ticket helps us preserve and share the history of Oregon’s South Coast while giving our community a memorable afternoon of food, music, and fun.”
Proceeds directly support the Coos History Museum’s exhibits, educational programs, collections care, and community outreach.
Tickets may be purchased online at cooshistory.org, by calling 541-756-6320, or in person at the Coos History Museum, 1210 N. Front St. in Coos Bay. Advance purchase is encouraged.
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