2012 Workshops & Other Activities
Festival activities, workshops and presentations are open to all ages. Most are free, with only two requiring a small fee. All are first come, first serve, with class size limited on some occasions/locations. Listed in alphabetical order:
Building Bird Houses:
Presented by the Burns Lions Club and Martinak Ventures, this workshop is
geared for 
youngsters, but all ages are invited to join in the fun. Instructors will be available to help
participants build a basic bird house. Materials and tools provided.
Location: Burns High School Woodshop
Saturday, 12:00 until materials run out.
Fee: None
Burrowing Owl Habitat Workshop [New Workshop]:
Local wildlife biologist Christine Bates will introduce you to the fascinating life of burrowing owls. A species of concern in western states within its range, burrowing owl populations have been declining significantly - probably because of human impacts and loss of nesting habitat. Burrowing owls in Harney County are a popular sight for visiting birders and several pair nest on Christine’s property outside of Burns. In addition to learning about the life of these ground nesting owls, workshop participants will build several artificial burrows during the workshop and then will travel to Christine’s ranch to assist with installation of the burrows.
Bring water and lunch.
Friday – 10:00 to 3:00. 5 Hours. Fee $40
E-Tour of Harney County History & Archaeology [BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND]:
Join BLM Archaeologist Scott Thomas
for PowerPoint presentations about 1) the evidence of Clovis Culture in southeastern Oregon, 2) Edible Spring Plants in
the Harney Basin, 3) a World War II B24 Crash in the Pueblo Mountains, and 4) the Gap Ranch Civilian Conservation
Corps Camp. These interesting and detailed discussions give listeners a visual opportunity to experience the history,
archaeology and cultural botany in the Harney Basin. The relaxed atmosphere of this presentation will allow for plenty of
question/answer time and casual stretch breaks. Come and go as you please!
Location: Burns High School Cafetorium.
Friday, 1:00 to 4:00; 3 hours.
Fee: None
Harney Basin Heritage and Kids Fun Fair:
Learn about the prehistory, history, culture and
wildlife of the area. There will be wildlife art projects, heritage activities, heritage exhibits and much
more. There will be Crafts and activities for all ages.
Location: Burns High School Cafetorium.
Saturday, 12:00 to 3:00; 3 Hours.
Fee: None
OTHER FUN ACTIVITIES AROUND THE COUNTY
Charm Trail
The Charm Trail allows you to explore stores and businesses of Harney County as you create your own one-of-a-kind charm bracelet. First purchase your bracelet and signature charm for $5 at the Chamber office or at the Chamber booth at the High School. Grab your Charm Trail map and choose which charms you’d like to purchase for $1 each at participating stores and businesses. New charms have been added since last year, so be sure to check the new brochure for new charms and locations. Have fun and enjoy building your souvenir bracelet from Harney County!
Self-Guided Downtown Burns History Walking Tour and Harney County Historical Society Museum
Enjoy a chance to stretch your legs between birding tours and learn more about Burns history. This walking tour covers 14 blocks in the downtown area of Burns and focuses on many of the 100+ year old buildings still in use. You will visit and get a brief historical sketch about each building on your path. Finish your tour with a visit to the Harney County Historical Society Museum, open Friday and Saturday from 10 to 4. The Historical Society Museum will be selling a fun themed charm to add to your charm bracelet. Self-guided brochures are available for free at the Festival Registration desk at Burns High School.
Pete French Round Barn:
The Pete French Round Barn is the centerpiece of a state heritage site 14 miles south of New Princeton, which is 37
miles southeast of Burns on Highway 78. Built by frontier cattle baron Pete French around 1880, the barn was used to
train large teams of horses that pulled freight wagons over a nearby wagon route. The structure, which is 100 feet in
diameter, has a circular 60-foot inner corral surrounded by a 20-foot track used for the horse training. Juniper posts and
an umbrella-shaped center truss-like structure rise from inside the corral to support the roof. The Round Barn Visitor
Center located just ½ mile from the barn has public restrooms, snacks, gifts, local history books and a small museum.
Ask at the Festival Registration desk for directions to this historic site.