Oregon Trail Days returns to Tenino on July 24-26 

The Tenino Oregon Trail Days Festival is back this summer with Pioneer Village and dozens of hands-on activities, including a live shooting experience where visitors can safely fire a traditional black powder rifle, like 175 years ago.  

The festival takes place at Tenino City Park and downtown Tenifo from Friday, July 24, to Sunday, July 26. Tenino City Park is located at 309 Park Ave. E.

The live shooting experience will use an authentic black powder blank charge that delivers real flash, thunder and a cloud of smoke, under the guidance of experienced instructors. No live bullets or solid projectiles are used.

"One of the things people have told us most is that they missed the Black Powder Experience where kids could experience what it was like to fire a rifle," said Cheryl Pearce, President of the Tenino Area Chamber of Commerce and Festival Co-Chair, in an announcement about the event.

Pioneer Village will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, July 24, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 25, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 26.

New attractions include FIN the Migrating Salmon Interactive Exhibit, Tenino Eagles Car Show with live music and a beer garden, and Castle Realty & TYT Theatre Mini-Faire.  

The festival will also feature the Tenino Lions Club Grand Parade, Washington Agate and Mineral Society (WAMS) Rock and Gem Show, and Tenino Depot Museum: Living History Experience, "Once Upon a Mattress" production.

The Tenino Farmers Market Blue Ribbon pie baking contest, a basketball tournament, quilt show and salmon bake will be featured as well.

Admission is free to the WAMS 32nd annual show, where 28 vendors will be selling various rocks, minerals, jewelry, beads, gems, crystals, fossils, and lapidary equipment for rock cutting and polishing.  

The Tenino Depot Museum Experience will feature a scavenger hunt, exhibitions,  demonstrations, trivia games and information booths.

Details of the other events are available at the event site and social media page.