Jefferson County gets its turn in the spotlight this week as the Portland Trail Blazers roll into Madras on Wednesday, September 16, bringing their 12th annual Rip City Rally community tour to Madras City Hall from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
Hosted by the Trail Blazers and Moda Health, the Rip City Fair features team personalities, basketball clinics, a shooting contest, games, prizes, and health resources. Fans can also get a look at a piece of Blazers history — the 1977 NBA Championship trophy is expected to be on display, along with Blaze the Trail Cat, the team's beloved mascot.
A Regional Tour with Local Roots
The Rip City Rally is a multi-city Central Oregon tour that began Monday in Bend and stopped in Prineville on Tuesday before arriving in Madras and Warm Springs on Wednesday. The tour wraps up in Sandy on Friday, September 18.
In addition to the afternoon public fair, Trail Blazers representatives spent the morning visiting local schools — giving students a chance to meet team staff, play interactive games, and hear from players and coaches about teamwork, perseverance, and staying active.
Kids Club of Jefferson County to Receive Donation
Each stop on the Rip City Rally includes a local charitable donation, and Madras's recipient this year is the Kids Club of Jefferson County, a program that provides after-school programming and activities for youth in the community. The donation amount will be announced at the event.
"It's a great opportunity for our kids to connect with something bigger while also celebrating what's happening right here in Jefferson County," said one Kids Club volunteer ahead of Wednesday's event.
What to Expect Wednesday
- Where: Madras City Hall, 125 SW E Street, Madras
- When: Wednesday, September 16, 4:00–6:00 p.m.
- Cost: Free and open to all ages
- Activities: Basketball clinics, shooting contest, games, prizes, health resource tables
- Special guests: Blaze the Trail Cat, Trail Blazers team personalities, 1977 Championship trophy
The event is part of Moda Health's broader community wellness initiative, which pairs Trail Blazers outreach with local health education resources. Representatives from local health organizations are expected to be on hand with information on programs available to Jefferson County residents.
Organizers encourage families to arrive early as the fair tends to draw significant crowds in smaller communities. Parking is available at Madras City Hall and surrounding downtown streets.
For more information on the Rip City Rally tour, visit trailblazers.com or follow the Portland Trail Blazers on social media for live updates throughout the week.