NORTH BEND — First-time events often earn an “A” for effort, but North Bend’s debut 2025 Community Art Walk proved no amateur attempt, earning state honors for its efforts to revive the city’s downtown. The award, the 2025 Oregon Excellence on Main’s Outstanding Promotional Event, is one of several given as part of the Oregon Main Street program, which works for community revitalization and includes more than 100 communities in its network.
Now, the city of just over 10,000 is ready to host round two from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, April 10, with a list of events melding art with local culture, history, and industry, and showcasing artists of all ages.
“North Bend hadn’t had a downtown association or program for many years,” said Stephanie Wilson, executive director of North Bend Main Street. The town signed up with the state Main Street program about four years ago, tapping Wilson as lead in developing the North Bend downtown as a “vibrant and inviting hub that seamlessly blends its historic charm with modern growth.”