Mac150

McMinnville is celebrating its Sesquicentennial Anniversary - that's 150 years!

Calling all Artists!

As part of our Mac150 celebration, we are partnering with the McMinnville Downtown Association Commitee for Public Art in a call to artists! We're seeking an artist (or artists) to create a compelling outdoor sculpture to be placed at the corner of Second and Cowls Streets in downtown McMinnville. This piece is intended to celebrate the 150th birthday of the City of McMinnville and will hold a time capsule that will be opened in 50 years. Please see the document linked at the bottom of this page for complete instructions on how to apply!

Activities

Mac150 Kick-off Week of June 15, 2026

"Our Story" Collaborative Quilt

Community members are invited to decorate individual fabric squares with themes representing their personal history, family heritage, or their hopes for the future of McMinnville! Fabric pieces turned in will be assembled into a quilt and put on display. Pick-up your squares at select locations (watch our social media for announcment) or during July's MacFresco McMinnville Arts Festival Summer Fun Booth (July 18 | Downtown)

Tuesday Night Concert Series: Second Winds “America250” and Mac150 theme! July 28 | City Park

Coloring Contest | Month of August

Pick up your coloring page when attending any of the City's Summer Fun activities. Return to the McMinnville Public Library, Senior Center, or Community Center to be entered into the contest!

Pick up your coloring page at most Summer Fun activities, at the Farmers Market Booth or download below (see link)
Designed by local tattoo artist Natilie Fletcher!
Winning entries in the child, teen, and adult categories will be chosen in September and awarded $50 MacBucks gift cards!

Traveling Chinese History Exhibit | August 10 - Oct 2 Various Locations

In partnership with the Asian Hertigage Association & the City's Diversity Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee - we'd like to invite you to enjoy a traveling historical exhibit featuring McMinnville's rich Chinese-American history!

Visit the traveling exhibit during these times and locations:

Historical Books n’ Nooks Tour | September 24, 2026

Join us at the McMinnville Public Library as we present their extensive collection of behind-the-scenes historical documents! Visit the Library anytime September 22 and October 3 for a McMinnville-specific books, history, and displays.

Social Media History Questions - Mac150 Swag Giveaways | July - October

Monthly social media post in which we ask the public to answer a historical question. One winner is chosen at random to receive Mac150 branded swag.

Join us for a Historical Parade & Birthday Party on October 17, 2026!

We're partnering with the McMinnville Downtown Association, Visit McMinnville, and the McMinnville Chamber of Commerce to bring you a historical themed parade and birthday celebration. Parade begins downtown McMinnville at 10 am. Birthday Celebration in City Park from 12 to 2 pm.

“Stories of McMinnville – 150 years in Motion”

Floats might include elements that tell stories of:

Traditions that have stood the test of time
Community celebrations and culture heritage (past and present)
Volunteerism and civic pride
Milestones that shaped the community
What we want people to remember about this era

Awards will be given for:

Best Historical Interpretation
Most Creative Use of Theme
Best Future Vision or Best Then & Now
Best Community Spirit

Want to participate in the parade?
Check back in this fall - registration to participate officially opens September 15.

Birthday Party | Saturday, October 17 | Lower City Park | 11:30 to 2 pm

Kick off the birthday celebration and join us in Lower City Park while the Mayor and Councilor's dedicate a time capsule and unveiling of the public art piece that will house it. (11:30)

The birthday celebration will include:

Live music by Tuesday String Band 12 - 2 pm.
Food Trucks with food for purchase
Free Dessert (birthday cake!) sponsored by Visit McMinnville
Walkable Historical Timeline
Parks & Recreation activities (for all ages!)
Pool Party! (FREE) 1-3 pm at the Aquatic Center - Including a greased watermelon tournament; try-it activities for water polo; floating mat and noodle races; and other games!