Labor Day weekend is here, and Jefferson County has plenty going on. Here's a roundup of community notes, upcoming events, and local highlights to keep you in the loop.
VFW Beef Raffle — Only 300 Tickets Available
The local VFW post is holding a beef raffle with three lucky winners each set to take home a quarter-beef donated from the 4-H and FFA Jefferson County Fair auction, courtesy of Central Oregon Ranch Supply. Tickets are $10 each, and only 300 will be sold. The drawing is scheduled for November, making this a chance to support local veterans while stocking your freezer with locally raised beef.
If you're interested in purchasing a ticket, contact your local VFW post or watch for members selling tickets at community events around Madras.
August Restaurant Inspections: Five Perfect Scores
Jefferson County Public Health released its August restaurant inspection results, and local diners can feel good about eating out. Five more restaurants earned perfect scores in surprise inspections conducted over the past month. Jefferson County's food service inspection program covers a wide variety of local eateries, with this month's results spanning everything from Korean to Mexican cuisine — a testament to the growing diversity of the dining scene in Madras and surrounding communities.
Restaurant inspection results are public record and available through Jefferson County Public Health. Inspections are unannounced and conducted periodically to help prevent foodborne illness.
Jefferson County Fair Aftermath
The 2026 Jefferson County Fair wrapped up earlier this summer, and the community spirit it sparked is still paying dividends. Beyond the VFW beef raffle, local 4-H and FFA participants are encouraged to stay involved through their clubs and school programs as the academic year kicks off. Fair coordinators are already gathering feedback for improvements to next year's event.
Heading Into the Holiday Weekend
With fire restrictions dropping to Stage 1 as of Saturday morning (see our separate story), outdoor recreationists across Jefferson County have more options this weekend — though campfires remain restricted to designated campgrounds on federal lands. Residents planning trips to Lake Simtustus, Lake Billy Chinook, or the Deschutes River canyon should review current BLM river corridor rules before lighting anything.
The Madras Bulletin wishes all Jefferson County families a safe and enjoyable Labor Day weekend. If your organization has an event or announcement to share, email us at news@madrasbulletin.com.