Category Archives: Community Event

Celebrate a McKenzie River Tradition

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Each spring, the McKenzie River comes alive with one of its most cherished traditions—the McKenzie River Wooden Boat Festival. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, April 25th, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Eagle Rock Lodge, bringing together boat builders, guides, anglers, and river enthusiasts for a day dedicated to the history and culture of the McKenzie.

The day begins upriver with a boat parade launching from Finn Rock Boat Landing at 9:00 a.m. A collection of old and new wooden drift boats will make their way downstream to Eagle Rock Lodge, offering a unique opportunity to witness these iconic vessels in motion. Attendees can choose to participate in the float or simply gather at the lodge to watch the boats arrive along the riverbank.

Once ashore, the festival continues with a variety of activities that highlight the traditions and stewardship of the McKenzie River. Visitors can explore a display of handcrafted wooden boats, watch live fly-tying demonstrations, and learn more about the river’s history and ongoing conservation efforts. The event also provides a chance to connect with members of the local guiding community and others who share a deep connection to the river.

The festival is free to attend, with optional lunch tickets available for purchase. Proceeds from food sales and merchandise benefit the McKenzie River Guides Association (MRGA), supporting initiatives such as our nationally-recognized life jacket loaner program, fish planting in partnership with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and maintenance of local boat landings. MRGA merchandise will also be available, along with complimentary stickers and patches while supplies last.

The McKenzie River Wooden Boat Festival reflects a tradition that spans more than a century, rooted in craftsmanship, community, and care for the river. For those who appreciate time on the water—whether rowing, fishing, or simply relaxing—it offers a meaningful way to celebrate the season and support the people who help preserve this place.

Bring friends and family, and spend the day along the river enjoying one of the McKenzie’s most enduring traditions.

McKenzie River Guides Host Successful Radio Auction

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I’m excited to announce the successful return of the McKenzie River Guides Association’s radio auction, an event aimed at engaging a wider audience and showcasing the vital work our organization does in the community. As the largest organization represented on the Oregon State Marine Board and the oldest continually active guide organization in the country, we take pride in our legacy of promoting responsible recreation, safety, and conservation.

The auction, graciously hosted by Robb and Kori on 93.3, saw lively bidding via phone and Facebook, culminating in the auction of six drift boat fishing trips and one whitewater rafting trip. Today’s full-day fishing trip with four boats targeted rainbow trout and offered anglers the chance to catch summer steelhead, making for an exciting and memorable experience.

The day on the water was both productive and educational. Our guides, including Aaron Helfrich, Kyle Duke, Will Conable, and Jim Sens, shared their expertise while guiding guests through notable fishing water. After a successful morning, the guides held a fish cleaning demonstration, teaching guests how to prepare their catch for a fry. Billy Pruitt fried up the morning’s catch, with Leah and Jonnie Helfrich preparing and providing the rest of the meal. Guests had a chance to relax, enjoy their lunch, and learn a bit about camp cooking before heading back out to finish the day.

Overall, the radio auction was a tremendous success, helping us continue our work in promoting safe, sustainable, and enjoyable outdoor adventures on the McKenzie River while celebrating our guiding community’s tradition and dedication.

Leroy Pruitt

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REPOST FROM SHELLY PRUITT
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July 1, 2018

We all lost a great man yesterday. Leroy Pruitt, Christian, Father, husband and my best friend. He was peaceful, kind and loving to those he cared for. For over 29 years we were married. We always talked, listened and respected each other. Worked hard and had fun. He paved the way for a lot of people to create a life they loved in the outdoors, myself included, a fisherman, horseman and “Real life Cowboy” he lived life to the fullest and on his own terms but never had regrets nor treated people with out respect, not always agreeing with their point of view, but giving them the respect to disagree. Many people ask me why I would marry a man 30 years older than me, he brought me to Jesus and I learned that life is eternal so years didn’t matter. Love is love. That is what we knew love. He prepared me for today, we talked and listened to each other , still a hard day, but in time things will work out. I will just “cowgirl up” and move forward as I promised him. Roy didn’t want any kind of service, if the family decides to for once over ride his desires we’ll let you know.