Jefferson County residents have a reason to head downtown this afternoon: the Portland Trail Blazers and Moda Health are bringing the 12th annual Rip City Rally to Madras City Hall today, Wednesday, September 16, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
The event is free and open to the public, featuring Trail Blazers personalities, interactive games, prizes, and community health resources from Moda Health. The rally also includes a local donation presentation to the Kids Club of Jefferson County, recognizing youth programming in the Madras area.
What Is the Rip City Rally?
The Rip City Rally is an annual community tour that brings the Trail Blazers organization to smaller cities and towns across Oregon and beyond. This year’s 12th edition covers nearly 350 miles of Central Oregon stops over several days:
- September 14 — Bend
- September 15 — Prineville
- September 16 — Madras and Warm Springs
- September 18 — Sandy
Each stop features morning school visits followed by a late-afternoon public community fair — meaning local students at Madras-area schools may have already had a chance to meet Trail Blazers staff earlier in the day.
A Boost for Jefferson County Youth
The donation to the Kids Club of Jefferson County is a highlight of the Madras stop. Kids Club provides before- and after-school programming for students in the Madras area, offering a safe and enriching environment during hours when many parents are still at work.
Community organizations like the Kids Club depend on local partnerships and outside support to keep programming costs accessible for families — making an investment from a major Oregon institution like the Trail Blazers a meaningful boost.
Come Out This Afternoon
Madras City Hall is located at 125 SW E Street in downtown Madras. The fair runs from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. today. No registration is required — just show up and enjoy a free community afternoon with your neighbors, some Trail Blazers spirit, and a few giveaways.
After Madras, the rally continues to the Warm Springs community also on September 16 before wrapping up in Sandy on September 18.
It is a rare chance for Central Oregon families to connect with Oregon’s NBA franchise without the drive to Portland — and to see a direct investment in Jefferson County’s youth programs at the same time.