July 16, 2026 2:50 a.m. 

Covering coastal Douglas County:

Elkton Community Education Center invites visitors to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary at Fort Umpqua Days on Labor Day weekend, Saturday and Sunday, September 5th and 6th.

A ECEC release said, set along the scenic Umpqua River, Fort Umpqua Days celebrates the history, people and traditions that continue to shape the Umpqua Valley. Visitors of all ages can enjoy live music, local food and wine, artisan vendors, family activities, and hands-on experiences throughout the organization’s campus

At the heart of the celebration is Fort Umpqua, where volunteer interpreters bring the Hudson’s Bay Company fur trade era – from 1836 to 1851- to life through blacksmithing, woodworking, traditional crafts, and living history demonstrations. Guests can also explore ECEC’s butterfly habitat, market gardens, native plant park, and café while enjoying one of Oregon’s favorite Labor Day traditions.

ECEC Executive Director Deb Gritton said, “As our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, Fort Umpqua Days is a wonderful way to celebrate both our country’s history and the unique heritage of the Umpqua Valley”. Gritton said, “Whether visitors come for the living history, the music, the butterfly habitat or simply to enjoy a great weekend with family and friends, we hope they leave with a deeper appreciation for this community and the stories that helped shape it”.

Admission is free. Festival hours are 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day, with the Echoes of the Umpqua Pageant at 5:00 p.m.

For more information on Fort Umpqua Days, go to www.elktonbutterflies.com