Blog

This year’s Bohemia Mining Days theme is “Rivers, Rails and Reels,” a phrase that brings together three important parts of Cottage Grove’s story: the waterways that shaped early life, the railroads that moved people and resources, and the films that helped put our community on the screen.

The first inspiration for the theme is the 100th anniversary of Buster Keaton filming The General in Cottage Grove. Released in 1926, The General remains one of the most famous silent films ever made. It also includes one of the most memorable stunts of the silent film era: a real steam engine crashing from a burning railroad bridge into the river below. That single moment brings together all three parts of this year’s theme. It crossed the Row River, used the railways and a working steam engine, and was preserved through the art of film. Without the “reels,” many people today may never have known that this remarkable piece of movie history happened right here.

Although The General is now 100 years old and tells a story set during the 1860s, it is still worth watching. Keaton’s work shows how powerful visual storytelling can be. It is a reminder that our town has played a meaningful role in American film history.

The “Rivers” part of the theme begins with the Coast Fork of the Willamette River and the Row River, two waterways that meet just north of town. Long before modern roads, reservoirs and town streets, these rivers helped shape where people lived, traveled and gathered. The Row River area was once connected to Kalapuyan life, including Chief Halotish near what is now the Dorena Dam area. These river valleys later became home to pioneer settlements, farms and small communities that helped build the foundation of Cottage Grove.

Two of those communities were Hebron and Star. Hebron, now beneath Cottage Grove Reservoir, was once a small farming community and social hub. The construction of Cottage Grove Dam between 1940 and 1943 created Cottage Grove Lake and required remaining residents to move to higher ground. Star, located up the Row River, was an important logging camp stop along the Oregon Southeastern Railway. The Dorena Dam project, built between 1941 and 1949, led to the relocation of that community as well. Today, parts of this history rest beneath the reservoirs, where traces of old foundations and roadways can still be seen when the water is drawn down.

The “Rails” part of the theme recognizes the importance of railroads in moving timber, gold, people and supplies. Cottage Grove’s history is closely tied to mining and logging, and those industries depended on transportation. Before railroads, Willamette Valley travel routes followed Native trails that paralleled the river, avoided marshy ground and crossed tributaries upstream. These early routes helped shape later roads and rail lines.

When the Oregon & California Railroad began building south from Portland in 1868, the line followed practical routes that reduced construction and operating costs. The railroad reached Cottage Grove in 1871, Roseburg in 1872, and was completed through to San Francisco in December 1883. For Cottage Grove, the railroad opened doors. It connected local industries to larger markets and helped turn a small settlement into a working town with regional importance.

The “Reels” part of the theme celebrates Cottage Grove’s long connection to film. Our town may be small, but it has appeared in many productions over the years. The General is the most famous example, with scenes filmed in and around Cottage Grove, including the Mosby Creek area and the Row River location of the famous train wreck. In 1978, Animal House used Main Street for its climactic homecoming parade scene. Stand By Me, released in 1986, used nearby railroad settings east of Cottage Grove, including scenes along what is now the Row River Trail. Emperor of the North, released in 1973, also used local rail yards and regional railroad settings for its freight-train story.

That film connection continues today. In 2026, Eat Your Heart Out, a production by Taylor Morden, came to town with a story about a small community preparing for a music festival while facing a zombie outbreak. Cottage Grove’s historic buildings, natural scenery and rail history continue to make it a place that filmmakers notice.

There is also room in this story for local independent film. In 2020, I produced a short film titled Merchants of the Great Plague, using local talent and the historic Currin Covered Bridge. The film starred Dylan Fix-Carter as Dan Royale, a man forced to face the consequences of his own mistakes during a strange outbreak caused by a bad batch of drugs. Projects like this show that Cottage Grove’s film story is not only something from the past. Films are still being produced locally by me, Dylan Fix-Carter, and other local creators such as Daniel Hill. With Oregon Arts and Film also working toward making Cottage Grove the future home of a movie museum, the “Reels” part of this year’s theme points not only to our film history, but also to the creative future still being built here.

“Rivers, Rails and Reels” is more than a clever theme. It is a way to look at Cottage Grove through three lenses. Our rivers carried history. Our rails carried industry. Our reels carried our image to audiences far beyond town. Together, they tell a story of movement, creativity, work and memory. That is the story Bohemia Mining Days is proud to celebrate this year.

-Matthew Hewlett

Hey friends, Matthew here with Spirit of Bohemia Mining Days.

Over the past year, you have seen a huge rise in the stories, images, and videos we have been sharing about our rich history here in Cottage Grove. Many of those pieces rely on AI tools, and I want to talk about why.

The New Frontier of Creativity

Artificial Intelligence has opened the door to fast, eye-catching content. Our social media metrics show a clear trend: posts that use AI-enhanced visuals and production methods consistently reach more people and spark greater engagement.

That matters to us because we want local history to reach everyone.

But here is the important part. Behind every video, every script, every piece of research, there is a human. There is heart.

Your stories are researched by real people:

• 
  

  Myself

• 
  

  Marshall Dave Light

• 
  

  Vice President Jeremy Ferguson

• 
  

  And volunteers who care deeply about this community

AI does not replace our work. It helps us share it more widely.

Why We Tell These Stories

Our goal is not to feed you a digital substitute for real history. We want to ignite curiosity.
We want someone to watch a short video about Bohemia City and then visit the museum wanting to learn more.
We want families to discover a legend on social media and then explore resources at the Genealogical Society.

These stories are a bridge, connecting people from a scroll on their phone to a deeper discovery of who we are.

What We Cannot Lose

I am an artist. I love creating. Whether it is a painting, a forged piece of metal, a table I built, or even a homemade meal, the act of making fulfills something in me. That spark matters. And I do not want to see a future where handmade art is pushed aside simply because AI is faster.

Human creativity is what built this community. Human creativity is what gave us identity.

Which leads me to this next part.

A Call to Performers, Creators, and Storytellers

To keep this history alive, we need people like you:

• 
  

  Actors and reenactors

• 
  

  Filmmakers and photographers

• 
  

  Musicians, voiceover artists, and writers

• 
  

  Designers, crafters, and builders

• 
  

  Students looking for creative experience

• 
  

  Elders who hold valuable memories

AI helps us share the stories, but only people can live them.

If you have talent, passion, or simply a desire to help, we would love to work with you. Join us in bringing history to life for the next generation.

Let us use AI as a tool, while human creativity remains the soul.

Together, we can make content that not only looks good, but means something.

As President of Spirit of Bohemia Mining Days -and the creator of the website you’re exploring - I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who made our 2025 festival such an unforgettable success.

To our incredible community: thank you for showing up with joy, creativity, and spirit. To our Major Sponsors - the Woodard Family Foundation, the City of Cottage Grove, and StarFire Lumber - your generous support makes all of this possible. This event is a true celebration of community, heritage, and heart, and we’re honored to be part of it with all of you.

This year, we welcomed:

• 89 vendors and food booths
• 52 parade participants
• 16 live performances
• 45 dedicated volunteers

It was a weekend to remember, and it’s thanks to each and every one of you. You can relive the highlights on our 2025 Festival Recap page.

But the spirit doesn’t stop when the tents come down. Spirit of BMD is active year-round through youth leadership programs, heritage initiatives, and special community events. We are proud to continue the legacy of Bohemia Mining Days as a recognized Oregon Heritage Tradition, and we’re already planning big things for 2026.

Mark your calendars: the next Bohemia Mining Days Festival will take place the third weekend of July 2026 - and we’ll need your support to make it our best year yet.

Thank you, again, for keeping the spirit alive.

With gratitude,
Jeremy Ferguson
President, Spirit of Bohemia Mining Days

We’re in the final stretch — and you can feel the energy building across town. Bohemia Mining Days 2025 is just days away, and let’s just say: the hustle is real. We’re running full speed, tying up last-minute details, grabbing hardware, picking up banners, paying bills, and solving those curveball problems that always pop up in the final hour. But guess what? It’s working. It’s all coming together.

And honestly? It’s going to be incredible.

Let’s Talk Contests, Kids, and Craftsmanship

This year, we’ve got an amazing lineup of contests for all ages — big fun, small prizes, and a whole lot of community spirit. The Kid Zone is shaping up to be better than ever, packed with activities that’ll make any young pioneer smile.

But the real show-stealer this year? The facade walls. Kyle Kishen Construction has gone above and beyond, crafting stunning, old-timey structures that make you feel like you’ve stepped straight into a frontier boomtown. We’ve got:

• A saloon that looks like a mine entrance
• A charming little city hall
• A jailhouse photo op you won’t want to miss
• A big new stage for music and performances
• And... one very special structure we’re keeping under wraps until you see it in the park ?

The Festival Vibe: History Reignited

Our 2025 theme is “Striking Gold: A Legacy Reignited”, and we’re leaning hard into the heritage that made Cottage Grove shine in the first place. You’ll notice it everywhere — from vendor booths decorated in frontier style to demonstrations of old-time crafts and homesteading skills. We’ve asked vendors to go all in, and they’ve delivered.

And of course, we’ve got some fantastic music lined up. Don’t miss our Coffee & Jam event on Saturday morning: grab a hot cup from Bittle Brew Coffee and enjoy smooth tunes from the Silk Creek Singers before the big parade.

Speaking of which — yes, the Grand Miners Parade is absolutely happening, and it’s going to be packed with floats, costumes, and community pride.

No Carnival — Here’s Why

We’ve heard the question a lot: “Will there be a carnival this year?” Unfortunately, the answer is still no. Since COVID, many carnival companies have shut down or shifted away from smaller towns. On top of that, we simply don’t have a good spot to put it anymore — especially now with the splash pad taking over the old carnival site. We’ve explored other options (including behind the post office), but it just hasn’t worked out.

That said, we’re not giving up on the idea. We’ll keep working toward bringing the carnival back one day. It’s a puzzle we’re hoping to solve.

Big Ideas Ahead

One conversation we’re starting to have (after the dust settles) is possibly moving the festival to Bohemia Park in future years. That would open up new possibilities — but it would also bring major logistical changes, and we’ll need serious community input to make it happen. More on that later.

Thanks for reading this month’s update — and thank you to everyone who’s helping us bring this event to life. The town is buzzing, the park is transforming, and the spirit of Bohemia is burning bright.

We’ll see you soon at the festival.
And don’t forget to get your photo taken behind bars in the Bohemia City Jail ?

#BohemiaMiningDays #CottageGroveOR #SpiritOfBohemia #HeritageFestival #StrikingGold #LegacyReignited

It’s been a busy, intense, and exciting two months, and I wanted to give you a behind-the-scenes look at what we’ve been building—and rebuilding—from the ground up.

Rebuilding the Foundation

Last year, we pulled off the festival in just six weeks. This year, we’ve had more time—but in many ways, it’s still felt like starting from scratch. We've been refining nearly every process: from how vendors are placed to how we communicate with sponsors, track commitments, and follow through on our promises.

Our vendor team has been meeting regularly to figure out booth placement and layout, working to create a flow that makes sense for visitors and gives each vendor a chance to shine. We're setting firmer procedures in place this time around—no more flying by the seat of our pants.

Fundraising & Outreach

One of the biggest pushes has been donor outreach. We’ve been reaching out to as many sponsors, businesses, and community members as possible to raise the funding needed not only to host this year’s event but to sustain Spirit of Bohemia long-term.

It’s not just about asking for support—it’s about building trust. That means making sure vendors feel valued, sponsors receive the perks they were promised, and that we remain transparent about our goals and needs.

Creating a Cultural Movement

But we’re not just planning a festival. We’re working on something much bigger: a long-term cultural movement rooted in heritage, storytelling, and survival.

In the past two months, we’ve laid the groundwork for several major initiatives:

• The Bohemia Academy: where local youth and lifelong learners alike can explore the stories, culture, and natural history of our region.
• A growing media presence: including a podcast, original social media content, and videos that highlight the legends and real-life heroes who helped shape the Bohemia Mining District.
• A rebrand of our identity—leaning into the rugged, resourceful spirit of frontier survival. Because this isn’t just a festival. It’s a celebration of what it means to live close to the land, tell your story, and build something worth passing on.

Legends, Not Just Logistics

We’ve also been diving deep into research for our new video series, This Is Where Legends Are Made. These stories aren’t just folklore—they’re the heart of our local identity. From miners and loggers to community builders, we’re working hard to bring their legacies to life through creative storytelling.

A Personal Note

I want to speak from the heart for a moment: if we drop the ball on anything this year, please don’t hesitate to let me know. We’re growing, we’re learning, and we’re doing our absolute best to get this right—but a lot of this is new territory. Apart from organizing last year’s festival, I’m learning as I go. So if something doesn’t go the way it should, give us the chance to make it right.

How You Can Help

This is a community festival, and we need the community behind it.

• Donate if you’re able. Every dollar helps us tell these stories and keep this event alive.
• Volunteer your time—we’ll find a role that fits your interests.
• Spread the word. Let your neighbors, friends, and coworkers know that Spirit of Bohemia Mining Days is back and better than ever.

Let’s keep building something real. Let’s keep the spirit alive.

With deep gratitude,
Matthew Hewlett
Executive Director
Spirit of Bohemia Mining Days

Well folks, it's been a whirlwind few weeks behind the scenes at Spirit of Bohemia Mining Days — and things are starting to take shape!

We’ve officially crossed the 50 vendor mark, which is incredibly exciting. It’s great to see so many local makers, artists, and food folks ready to bring their goods and talents to the festival this summer. That said, the parade is looking a little thin so far — just a few entries in as of now. If you’ve ever thought about joining the Grand Miners Parade (or the Kiddie version!), now’s the time to sign up and bring some flair to Main Street.

We also had our first leadership team meeting recently, and it was a fantastic kickoff. Many of our team leads were in attendance, sharing updates and collaborating on how to make this year’s festival one to remember. Some fun developments came out of that conversation:

The Miners Dinner is officially on! Volunteers are secured, and the menu is looking delicious — think steak, baked beans, cornbread, and a sweet treat for dessert.

Parking plans are being reworked due to some tree changes in the park — Dylan, our parking coordinator, is creating new standard procedures to help things run smoothly.

The Kids' Heritage Fair is set for May 23rd, held in partnership with Family Relief Nursery. It'll be located in the grassy lot behind Safeway, with vendors, activities, and (as always) a need for volunteers.

The Bohemia City play is shaping up to be a hit. Written by Brett French and Rob Weaver, it’s titled "A Haunting We Will Go: The Stolen Nugget", and features ghostly hijinks, historical characters, and a comedic mystery vibe. Think Buster Keaton meets Scooby-Doo!

Our art show is getting a refresh, with help from the Cottage Grove Art Collective. There’s talk of a pop-up gallery, live art demos, and possibly some historical artwork from past festivals.

The Witches of Cottage Grove have plans to dance in the gazebo post-parade, and yes — it’s going to be awesome.

One especially cool update? We’re getting new facade walls for Bohemia City! The originals are no longer available, but a new set is being built right now, with the help of local folks and donated materials. It’s all coming together.

Oh, and don’t be surprised if you see flyers popping up around town (or even at local rest stops). We’re spreading the word — and we’d love your help sharing the excitement.

If you’re able to support us financially, we’re still working hard to reach our fundraising goal — currently sitting just under 50%. Every donation makes a difference. You can pitch in at spiritofbmd.com/donate.

Thanks for being part of the community that keeps this festival alive. More updates are coming soon — until then, keep your boots muddy and your spirits high!