Benton County is pleased to announce the hiring of Derik Hering as the director of Juvenile Services. He started work in the position on May 1.
Hering came to Benton County government in February 2016 as a juvenile court counselor. In August 2020, he was promoted to juvenile services supervisor. Over the last decade he has supported the Juvenile Department’s mission to protect communities and youth through the balanced approach of accountability, community protection and competency development.
After the departure of the previous department director in July 2025, Hering took on additional supervisory and leadership responsibilities. He operated as a deputy director while Interim County Administrator Rick Crager served as acting director for Juvenile Services.
In that period, Hering supervised all positions in the department and was responsible for all day-to-day operations. He also represented the County on several internal and external policy committees.
“Derik stepped up on short notice and demonstrated incredible leadership skills,” said Crager. “He coordinated with me routinely on department-wide decisions and advised me on critical program and service decisions. He was essential in maintaining the high-quality services that the Juvenile team provides and keeping compliant with statutory requirements.”
Prior to joining Benton County, Hering spent 15 years working in both local and state positions to expand community partnerships and strengthen rehabilitative support for at-risk youth and families. This included time at the Oregon Department of Human Services, Linn-Benton Juvenile Detention Center and Trillium Family Services.
Hering’s breadth of experience throughout his career and his deep knowledge of Benton County positioned him as the ideal candidate for the director role.
“Any time we can find the experience and skills we need in an internal candidate, it’s the best possible scenario,” said Crager. “Derik already knows the Juvenile Services team and the schools and community partners they work with. He has built strong relationships with all of them. He knows the ins and outs of the programs we provide to support youth and their families, making the leadership transition almost seamless.”
Hering is a graduate of Oregon State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology.
Hunter Hayes, Queen Nation headline four days of concerts at fairgrounds July 29–Aug. 1
CORVALLIS, Ore. — The Benton County Fair & Rodeo is back this summer with a main stage lineup that organizers say has something for every generation. The annual event returns to the Benton County Fairgrounds in Corvallis, July 29 through Aug. 1.
The fair, a beloved community tradition featuring 4-H livestock shows, rodeos, carnival rides, competitive exhibits and food, will wrap up each evening with free concerts on the Pioneer Connect-sponsored main stage, all included with $10/day fair admission.
“The Benton County Fair is one of those events that brings our whole community together, and this year’s lineup reflects that,” said Jennifer Martin, Benton County Fair manager. “Whether you’re a lifelong country fan, a rock music lover, or you’re just bringing the kids out for a great time, there’s something on that stage for you.”
Wednesday, July 29 is Family Day
The fair kicks off with Family Day, when all kids 16 and under receive free fair admission. Main stage entertainment begins at 6 p.m. and includes family-friendly acts Bright Hearts Circus, Matt Baker Comedy Stunt Show and Jeff Martin Magic & Hypnosis.
Thursday, July 30 is the Battle of the Bands
Local and regional artists compete in the fan-favorite Battle of the Bands competition throughout the afternoon and evening. The winner will earn a coveted spot on Friday night’s main stage. Plus, it’s senior day, so those 60+ get free admission for a front row seat.
Friday, July 31 will “Rock You” with Queen Nation
The Battle of the Bands winner opens the night at 7 p.m. before the main event. Queen Nation takes the stage at 8:30 p.m.
Founded in 2004 in Los Angeles, Queen Nation has built a reputation as one of the premier Queen tribute acts in the country. The four-piece band recreates the iconic sound and energy of Queen’s classic 1970s and ’80s concerts, from “Bohemian Rhapsody” to “We Will Rock You.” The band has been honored in the California Music Hall of Fame and won Best Live Band at the 2020 VCMA Awards.
Saturday, Aug. 1 brings Jacquie Roar and Hunter Hayes for Country Night
Saturday night features a double bill of country talent. Oregon Jamboree veteran Jacquie Roar opens at 7 p.m. She is fresh off her fourth-place finish on Season 24 of NBC’s “The Voice” where she earned a rare four-chair turn performing Gretchen Wilson’s “Here for the Party.” Roar has shared stages with Reba McEntire, Alan Jackson, Martina McBride, Kelsea Ballerini, Dan+Shay and others.
Headlining our Country Night is chart-topping artist Hunter Hayes at 8:30 p.m.
GRAMMY®-nominated, multi-instrumentalist and PLATINUM-selling artist, Hunter Hayes is an embodiment of a musician that embraces evolution and redefines boundaries. Bursting onto the scene with his PLATINUM-certified debut album, Hayes has charted a unique course through the genre-bending course he was destined to explore.
The Louisiana native has amassed over 3 billion global on-demand streams since his debut, with seven singles achieving gold and 10x PLATINUM certifications. His electrifying on-stage performances have not only stolen the hearts of fans but have also earned him spots on tours with superstars like Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood, and resulted in his own sold-out headlining shows across the US, Canada, Europe, and Asia.
Hayes’ most recent release, EVERGREEN, is a 10-track genre-blending project that completes a trilogy beginning with Wild Blue and Red Sky, tracing a journey from optimism through conflict to resolution. The project received worldwide recognition, alongside television performances of “Too Late” on the Live with Kelly & Mark and the title track “Evergreen” on the The Kelly Clarkson Show.
“We’re especially excited to have Hunter Hayes close out the fair on Saturday night,” Martin said. “He’s an incredible performer. Pairing him with Jacquie Roar, who has a strong Oregon connection, makes for a really special evening.”
Beyond the Main Stage
The fair also features the Willamette Valley Fiddle Contest, a beard, mustache and goatee competition, rodeos, carnival, 4-H exhibits and the Lee Allen Memorial Youth Market Auction. Dozens of other activities and competitions will fill the four days.
All main stage concerts are free with paid fair admission. Seating in the outdoor venue is first-come, first-served. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chair.
Tickets are on sale now for just $10.
For tickets, schedules and more information, visit the Benton County Fair website or call 541-766-6521. Sponsorship inquiries should be directed to Mindy Johnson at the same number.
The Benton County Fair & Rodeo is held at the Benton County Fairgrounds, 110 SW 53rd St., Corvallis, OR 97333.
Benton County is pleased to announce the hiring of Maya O’Neal as the County’s first in-house coordinator for Benton Area Transit. Her first day of work was April 1.
O’Neal brings extensive knowledge and skills in transportation at the local government level. Most recently she served as the public parking coordinator for the City of Corvallis, where she worked to optimize and revitalize the parking system.
Previously she worked in the Transportation Department of the City of Fresno, California, which has a population of over 540,000 and covers over 110,000 square miles. Her primary duties included logistics, scheduling and routing.
O’Neal also has experience reviewing and applying federal statutes, legal regulations and compliance guidelines — essential skills for the Benton Area Transit coordinator role.
O’Neal enjoyed her three years focused on parking with the City of Corvallis, but when she saw a chance to get back into transit she jumped at the opportunity. She is a problem solver who enjoys exploring traditional and new approaches to find the best solutions.
“Maya is exactly the person we were looking for to support Benton Area Transit,” says Public Works Director Gary Stockhoff. “Her skills check every box in the job description, and her infectious enthusiasm and can-do attitude are even more than we hoped for.”
Benton County is pleased to announce the hiring of Bob Richardson as Community Development director, beginning April 17.
Richardson is a skilled planner and leader whose experience includes executing and improving land use planning policies and strategies for different local jurisdictions. He was a key contributor to the development of OSU plans including the Corvallis Campus Vision and the Sustainable Transportation Strategy. He also successfully led multiple amendments to the Corvallis Land Development Code paving the way for future OSU development.
Richardson has more than two decades of experience in land use planning in Benton and Linn Counties. He spent the last seven and half years as the land use planning manager at Oregon State University. There he provided leadership, strategy and expertise for land use planning activities and issues at OSU locations across the state.
Prior to that, he worked for four years as planning manager for the City of Albany and nine years for the City of Corvallis as an associate planner.
“After an intensive screening process that included two comprehensive interview processes, individual interviews with each of the Commissioners and a post interview debrief with me, I have no doubt that Bob is the perfect person to be our next community development director,” said Interim County Administrator Rick Crager.
His references described him as a dedicated, hard-working, calm and collaborative leader. One called him “One of those individuals that you just want to work for… extremely thoughtful in his approach to local planning and makes everyone feel heard and part of the solution.”
“That’s exactly the kind of leader we need in Benton County to oversee important projects like the upcoming review and update of the Comprehensive Plan,” said Crager.
Richardson holds a bachelor’s degree in Government and Environmental Studies from St. Lawrence University and a master’s in Community and Regional Planning from the University of Oregon. He is a certified planner through the American Institute of Certified Planners.
On March 31, President Trump signed an executive order intended to ban all mail-in voting except for individuals enrolled on state-specific mail-in and absentee participation lists. Eligible absentee voters include travelers, people who are seriously ill and deployed military personnel and families.
The order directs the U.S. Postal Service to deliver mail ballots only to eligible absentee or mail-in voters.
A previous executive order on elections, signed in March 2025, was blocked by federal judges who said the president lacked the constitutional authority to set voting policy. The U.S. Constitution gives the power to determine the “Times, Places and Manner” of elections to individual states.
Soon after the executive order was signed, Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read released a statement pledging to defend Oregon elections in court: “The Constitution is clear: states run elections. Oregon’s gold standard vote-by-mail elections are secure, fair, and accurate. We don’t need decrees from Washington D.C. My message to the President: We’ll see you in court.”
Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield will also fight the executive order, according to a statement posted on social media: “Vote by mail increases access to the ballot which is the cornerstone to our democracy, and we’ll use every legal tool available to us to fight this and protect Oregonians’ right to vote.”
In 1998, Oregon voters overwhelmingly passed a ballot measure directing that elections be conducted by mail, and in 2000, Oregon became the nation’s first all vote-by-mail state.
Benton County leaders are closely monitoring the developing situation and remain in contact with state officials.
On April 1, the Oregon Secretary of State Elections Division confirmed that elections will move forward as planned, in accordance with current Oregon law, and the issue will be resolved through the court system.
Voters’ job is to get their ballots in for the May 19 primary election, either by returning them by mail or dropping them in one of the ballot boxes located throughout the County. Ballots will be mailed to Benton County voters on April 29.
Oregonians are encouraged to double-check their voter registration and mailing address at OregonVotes.gov before April 28 to ensure they receive their ballot.
Oregon counties already use barcodes to track every vote, verify signatures to confirm identities and conduct random audits to ensure accuracy. See Benton County’s process from start to finish.
Secretary of State Read will answer elections questions from the community at a town hall on Wed, May 6, 6 p.m. in Corvallis. He will be joined by Sen. Sara Gelser Blouin and Rep. Sarah Finger McDonald at the Benton Center, 757 NW Polk Ave. Benton County will continue to take direction from the Secretary of State and provide updates as more information becomes available.
The Benton County Board of Commissioners has approved the appointment of Jane Vetto as its new county counsel after a months-long recruitment. Vetto will begin work in the position on Monday, April 13.
Benton County employed local-government executive recruitment firm Strategic Government Resources to conduct the candidate search.
Vetto will replace Vance Croney, who is retiring after more than 25 years as Benton County Counsel.
Croney participated in the recruitment process and praised the Commissioners’ choice of Vetto as his successor: “She’s bright, experienced, professional and very personable. I’m excited about the direction the County is going with its legal services into the future.”
Vetto brings to Benton County extensive experience working in local government in Oregon and Washington. She was a deputy prosecutor and senior deputy prosecutor in the Civil Division for Clark County, Washington, where she advised several departments and defended the county in lawsuits filed in state, federal and appellate courts.
She has also served as county counsel for both Marion and Clackamas Counties, providing public policy, legal advice and representation to elected and appointed officials and serving as primary counsel for the elected commissioners.
In Marion County, she participated in labor and contract negotiations, advised on land use issues and advised on open public meeting laws, work sessions and executive sessions.
Most recently, Vetto worked as a deputy county attorney for Linn County, where she provided legal advice to multiple departments on topics including land use and land use appeals, health services, roads and public safety.
Vetto is a graduate of the University of Oregon School of Law. She holds a B.A. in history from the University of Oregon.
The Benton County Board of Commissioners proclaimed March 2026 as Women’s History Month during its March 3 meeting. The proclamation followed a gathering that included female leaders from across County government.
Women’s History Month began as a local celebration in Santa Rosa, California, in 1978. In 1987, Congress designated March to honor women’s contributions to history, culture and society. March aligns with International Women’s Day on March 8, observed worldwide since the early 1900s to recognize women’s rights and achievements.
Lacey Mollel, director of Linn-Benton Community Health Centers, read the proclamation into the record.
Mollel said the proclamation recognizes the role women have played in shaping communities and advancing progress in education, science, the arts, government and business. The 2026 national theme, “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future,” highlights women’s leadership in addressing environmental, economic, educational and societal challenges.
“Women’s History Month is a time to honor the remarkable achievements of women past and present who have overcome obstacles, broken barriers and paved the way for future generations,” Mollel said during the reading. “It provides an opportunity to recognize the many contributions women have made to the social, economic, cultural and political fabric of our community and our nation.”
Lacey Mollel, executive director of Community Health Center of Benton and Linn Counties, reads the Women’s History Month proclamation before the Board of Commissioners on March 3.
And for Commissioner Nancy Wyse, Women’s History Month touches deeply on her own role in the County as well as the roles of other women in public service.
“Women working in Benton County government play important roles, including in leadership,” Wyse said. “Women leaders often take a holistic view, considering family systems, community factors and the long-term well-being of their teams and community partners. We have made progress, and Women’s History Month provides time to reflect.”
Maura Kwiatkowski, administrative services manager for the Board of Commissioners who coordinated the gathering and proclamation reading, said recognition creates space for important conversations.
“Many women hold family responsibilities while serving in demanding roles,” Kwiatkowski said. “In some environments, women still encounter bias or the need to continually prove credibility. Gender equality is an ongoing conversation. Visibility during Women’s History Month invites those conversations to happen.”
In adopting the Proclamation, the Board encouraged community members to celebrate and support the women of Benton County and to foster opportunities for education, empowerment and collaboration.
Header image: Commissioner Nancy Wyse (third from left) stands with some of the women leaders honored this week (from left): County Engineer Laurel Byer, Administrative Services Manager Maura Kwiatkowski, Executive Director Lacey Mollel of the Community Health Center of Benton and Linn Counties, Health Services Business Operations Director Debbie Sessions, Health Department Director April Holland.
The Benton County Board of Commissioners voted on March 3 to deny the proposed expansion of the Coffin Butte Landfill, reversing their previous decision. The decision on reconsideration has been transmitted to the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals.
The Board adopted the findings in a Feb. 24 staff report as the findings of fact, removing the need for staff to prepare findings of fact for the Board to adopt in the March 17 Board meeting as originally planned.
Reversal of the previous decision
The previous Board of Commissioners’ public record for land use case LU-24-027 was closed in October 2025, preventing any new evidence from being entered. The Board voted on Nov. 4 to approve Republic Services’ Conditional Use Permit application to expand the landfill.
That decision was appealed on Dec. 5 to the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals.
In a Board of Commissioners meeting on Dec. 16, Commissioner Nancy Wyse moved to withdraw the decision for reconsideration, per ORS 197.830(13)(b). Commissioner Pat Malone seconded the motion, which carried 3-0.
Because quasi-judicial land use cases must be discussed in public meetings with notification published in advance, the reason for Commissioner Wyse’s motion was not known until a public hearing on Jan. 20.
In that hearing, following a brief presentation by Planning staff, the Board reopened the LU-24-027 public record to accept a DEQ pre-enforcement notice published Nov. 6.
The record remained open for 7 days to accept written evidence, argument and public testimony related to the DEQ pre-enforcement notice. For the next seven days, anyone could submit responses to material submitted in the first seven-day period. Finally, the applicant had seven days to submit a final rebuttal before the record was closed.
On Feb. 24, County Planning staff released a report reviewing all evidence submitted during the 21 days the record was reopened. The report included a different recommendation than the previous staff report:
Staff finds that the November DEQ PEN calls into question some of the application’s odor model assumptions, as further explained below, and further that the application does not provide sufficient analysis of adjacent odor-sensitive land uses such as the neighboring horse therapy business and residences to demonstrate that the landfill expansion will not seriously interfere with those uses on adjacent properties. Therefore, the Applicant has not met its burden of proof to show that the proposed use will not seriously interfere with adjacent land uses. Staff recommends denial of LU-24-027.
The public hearing resumed on March 3. Commissioner Gabe Shepherd moved:
to adopt an order reversing the Board’s November 2025 decision, and that the Conditional Use Permit be denied based on evidence in the record and findings in the February 24, 2026 staff report, and conclusions developed by the BOC during these deliberations, and that these findings and conclusions be adopted as the final decision of the Board.
Commissioner Wyse seconded the motion, and the commissioners voted unanimously to adopt the order.
For Benton County Safety Officer Ray Woothtakewahbitty, service has always been about mission, people and accountability.
Woothtakewahbitty, whose name is Comanche meaning “arrive and strike,” comes from a family and culture with deep military roots. He is Comanche on his father’s side, and like many Indigenous peoples, the Comanche people have a long history of military service.
“Almost everyone on that side of my family served,” he said. “They were great role models. I knew from a young age that I wanted to serve.”
That commitment shaped a 25-year military career that included three combat deployments and a wide range of roles from shop mechanic and scout to maintenance leadership and first sergeant.
Woothtakewahbitty on deployment in Afghanistan in 2010. He completed three deployments during his 25-year military career, experiences he says helped build the calm, disciplined approach he now brings to his work with Benton County. (Courtesy photo)
A first sergeant is a senior enlisted leader who takes care of Soldiers and keeps the unit ready by enforcing standards, mentoring leaders and ensuring the mission gets done.
Along the way, Woothtakewahbitty led people and managed equipment and budgets, often in high-pressure environments where mistakes carried serious consequences.
“Almost every job I had in the military was stressful,” he shared. “I had jobs that were brutal working from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day under pressure to meet quotas on recruiting duty, and days in the motor pool or on supply convoys in Afghanistan that only ended when the mission was complete. Being responsible for the lives and safety of my Soldiers in a combat zone was always stressful.”
Those experiences built a strong work ethic and a calm, steady approach that he brings to his work today with Benton County.
“I don’t get stressed out easily,” he said. “Being shot at and taking care of Soldiers while their lives are on the line gives you perspective. It helps me perform well in difficult situations.”
As Benton County’s safety officer, Woothtakewahbitty works largely behind the scenes, ensuring employees and the public are protected and that safety programs are effective and fiscally responsible. He said the military made safety second nature.
“In the Army, we did a risk assessment for every task or hazard and developed a plan to mitigate it. That mindset never leaves you.”
His military background also sharpened his ability to troubleshoot problems, stay calm under pressure and work with people from all walks of life. Over his career, he worked alongside West Point graduates, young Soldiers just out of high school, and people from many cultures and backgrounds.
“The military taught me how to relate to different people and embrace diversity,” he said. “I’m grateful for that exposure, and I appreciate that Benton County values diversity, too.”
Since joining Benton County, Woothtakewahbitty has partnered with department leaders to apply his military experience to real-world safety challenges, particularly for employees working along roadways.
“I’ve worked closely with Ray as he’s transitioned into this role, especially around improving safety for our road crews,” said BJ Haley, Benton County roads operations manager. “His military background shows in how he approaches risk, accountability and teamwork. He’s focused on making sure our crews go home safe at the end of the day, and that mindset strengthens our entire operation.”
Woothtakewahbitty said the sense of purpose he found in uniform continues in his civilian role.
“I care about service and mission,” he said. “I care about the people I work with and making sure they go home safe. That’s where I get my purpose. From serving others and being part of a team that’s doing something meaningful.”
For Woothtakewahbitty, the mission has changed, but the values remain the same. His commitment to service, teamwork and accountability closely reflects Benton County’s core value, “At Your Service, Every Day”, and guides how he supports coworkers and keeps people safe across the organization.
The 25th annual Festivus disc golf tournament returned to Adair County Park on Saturday, drawing players from across the region to celebrate both a winter tradition and 25 years of disc golf at the disc golf course in Benton County’s Adair County Park.
Tournament organizer “Disc Golf Greg” Johnson sounds an air horn to kick off the 2026 Festivus Disc Golf Tournament at Adair County Park.
The tournament’s name comes from the fictional holiday “Festivus,” popularized by the television show Seinfeld. Organizer Greg Johnson, known locally as “Disc Golf Greg,” said the lighthearted reference fits the tone of the event, which blends friendly competition with humor and community spirit during the winter season. The name also reflects the creativity and playful personality common in the disc golf community, where themed tournaments, inside jokes and casual camaraderie are part of the culture.
Johnson and a team of volunteers placed sponsor signs and directional markers on every hole to guide players through the wooded and open fairways. In the weeks leading up to the event, younger members of the local disc golf club refreshed pathways and tee areas using gravel and bark chips provided by Benton County.
While this year brought a different winner than the past decade, largely dominated by professional player Scott Withers, it was not a first-time champion. Colin Sexton captured the title with a two-round score of 22-under par across 44 holes, shooting rounds of 9-under and 13-under. Sexton, who turns 40 this year, previously won Festivus in 2010 and became the third repeat champion in the event’s history.
Professional disc golfer Nate Sexton, a six-time Festivus winner recognized for his national and international influence on the sport, finished one stroke behind his brother — who is one year younger — after a dramatic closing stretch. According to Johnson, Nate Sexton was down three strokes with three holes to play. On the final hole, which is the only par-4 on the course, his drive landed out of bounds near the tennis court fence, forcing an awkward recovery shot. From roughly 250 feet, Sexton skipped in a long throw to save par and put pressure on Colin Sexton, who converted his birdie putt to secure the one-stroke victory.
Players like Scott Withers and the Sexton brothers reflect the depth of talent in the local disc golf community, which continues to produce strong competitors across multiple divisions. This year also marked the first time the lowest overall score came from a player in the Pro Masters 40-plus division.
Jude Sweeney, 13, poses with his prize money after winning the Men’s Pro Open division at the 2026 Festivus Disc Golf Tournament (left) and drives a tee shot during tournament play at Adair County Park (right).
In the Men’s Pro Open division, 13-year-old Jude Sweeny delivered a standout performance, shooting 10-under for the tournament to earn his first MPO win. Sweeney, who continues to compete at the amateur level in sanctioned events, plans to travel to Pittsburgh in July to compete in the PDGA Junior World Championships. His father, Andrew Sweeny, said the victory “stoked his already strong passion for the sport and growing the game.” Jude hopes to build on a fourth-place finish at Junior Worlds in 2023.
Event sponsors including 2 Towns Ciderhouse, Play It Again Sports, Innova Disc Golf and Honeybrine Catering helped make this year’s Festivus the largest payout in tournament history. Cash payouts to professional players exceeded $2,000, while amateur competitors shared nearly $1,500 in store credit redeemable at Play It Again Sports in Corvallis.
Kim Halsey, who has played disc golf for about 24 years, said the sport offers a reliable way to step away from work and reconnect with friends.
“It’s just a really fun way to break out of my work rhythm and have a great time with friends,” Halsey said. “Every time I come out with my friends, I have a great time. You’re outside, you come out and play in the winter — there’s a little activation energy to come out, but as soon as you’re out you’re like, ‘I’m so glad I got here.’”
Halsey said the community is what keeps her returning.
“You never know what people are doing or what their history is, but they’re all super kind,” she said.
Participants in the 2026 Festivus Disc Golf Tournament gather for a group photo before the start of play at Adair County Park.
Dan Rockwell, recently elected president of the Willamette Disc Golf Club and a member for about six years, said the anniversary highlights both the course’s design and the partnerships that sustain it. He previously served as greenskeeper at the Willamette Park disc golf course before moving into club leadership.
“It’s a completely fun, community-building tournament that is for everyone to come and have a good time,” Rockwell said.
He described the Adair County Park course as offering a wide variety of shots, including wooded lanes, elevation changes, open fields and short technical holes, along with a strong sense of history tied to the volunteers who built and maintain it.
Benton County Natural Areas, Parks and Events Director Jesse Ott said the County works closely with the club to balance recreation with stewardship of the park.
“I love that we are highlighting disc in Benton County,” Ott said. “NAPE supports tournaments and clinics by working with the club on basket layout. We review the plans for the course and the event through our Special Use Permit.”
Ott said Adair County Park remains open to the public during events, but the permit process helps reserve the course and protect sensitive areas. County staff coordinate with volunteers and tournament directors to address pathway issues and to select basket sites that minimize impacts to emerging native plants during certain times of the year.
As discs sailed through air and across familiar fairways, Festivus once again reflected the local disc golf community’s blend of competition, volunteerism, humor and shared time outdoors. It’s a formula that has kept players returning to Adair County Park for a quarter century, continues to develop the next generation of players, and for many, is simply good for the soul.
A player throws a shot at the disc catcher during the 2026 Festivus Disc Golf Tournament at Adair County Park in Corvallis.Professional disc golfer Nate Sexton throws a forehand during the 2026 Festivus Disc Golf Tournament at Adair County Park in Corvallis.