Growing list of big, traditional C.O. events set to return this year after 2-year COVID hiatus

(Update: adding information and video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- When the COVID-19 pandemic shut down many of the High Desert's traditional yearly events for the foreseeable future in 2020, few if any people imagined it would take two full years for a return to normalcy.

"Everybody thought it would be a minor inconvenience for a month or so," Beau Eastes, marketing director at the Old Mill District in Bend, said Wednesday. "I think when we had to shut down Bend Brewfest for a second time, it shocked us."

Brewfest will look different this year, too. Due to construction at the amphitheater, vendors will set up throughout the Old Mill District, the event is only two days in May and fewer tickets will be sold this year compared to previous years.

 “It’s going to be almost a totally different event," Eastes told NewsChannel 21 Wednesday. Eastes said the event may stay in the Old Mill District for future events.

Bend Brewfest is one of several major events returning to Bend this summer. The SELCO Pole Pedal Paddle is back in May, the Bend Marathon and Half returns April 10, Bend Park and Recreation's Pet Parade returns July 4 and the Home and Garden Show by the Central Oregon Builders Association is back the weekend of May 6.

COBA had to cancel its first show ever in 2020.

“When we had to cancel it, it was devastating for a lot of our local small businesses.," COBA Senior Vice President Mandy Weidman said. "They use this opportunity to advertise one time a year, and it’s really their chance to get that exposure within the community.”

Add in a record number of summer concerts at the Hayden Homes Amphitheater and a host of other events large and small, and summer promises to be a return to something much closer to normal, if COVID-19 trends continue.