Community Happenings

Get ready to celebrate! We're thrilled to announce a series of fun and exciting activities in honor of our Centennial celebrations. From engaging workshops to lively community gatherings, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Check out the ever-changing list of upcoming events below, as we'll add new events as they come; mark your calendars for a memorable celebration!

WRITING CONTEST

Join us for an exciting Centennial Column writing contest hosted by the Writers Guild!

Whether you want to share your personal memoir or express yourself through poetry, we invite you to contribute new work that reflects history, place, memory ad what it means to stand at this turning point.

Submit your work by May 31st. Click below for more information and let your creativity

shine!

Seeking Entries

Poetry: Up to 3 poems per entrant, 50 lines maximum per poem
Memoir/Personal Essay: Up to 2,000 words

Judges

Cheryl Strayed, renowned memoirist
Ellen Waterston, Oregon Poet Laureate
Marianne Monson, Guild Executive Director

Deadline May 31st

Visit The Writers Guild for More information

Learn More

POSTER CONTEST

The Friends of Astoria Column & Astoria Visual Arts invite artists of all ages to help celebrate 100 years of the Astoria Column by designing a commemorative poster for the 2026 Centennial Celebration.

The winning design will be professionally printed and distributed to visitors during the celebration, becoming a keepsake honoring one of Oregon’s most iconic landmarks.

Artists are encouraged to interpret the history, beauty, and significance of the Astoria Column in a creative and visually compelling way.