MountainStar Family Relief Nursery (MountainStar) is welcoming fall with two meaningful ways for the Central Oregon community to come together in support of local children and families: the return of the sixth annual Bend Witches Paddle and October’s Community Care Project.
On Saturday, October 31, witches will once again take to the Deschutes River for one of Bend’s favorite Halloween traditions. From 3–6pm at Riverbend Park, in partnership with the Old Mill’s Trick or Treat, community members are invited to grab their witch hats, costumes, and paddleboards and join the fun.
The celebration continues MountainStar’s yearlong 25th anniversary, highlighting the many ways Central Oregon has come together to strengthen families, protect children, and create a community where every child has the opportunity to thrive.
Witches Are Taking Over the Deschutes!
Grab your broom… or your paddleboard! The sixth annual Bend Witches Paddle returns to Riverbend Park on Saturday, October 31, from 3–6pm.
What began as a festive Halloween gathering has grown into a beloved community tradition, bringing hundreds of witches, families, spectators, and supporters together along the Deschutes River while raising awareness and support for MountainStar’s mission.
Participants are encouraged to dress in their best witchy attire, decorate their paddleboards, and join fellow witches on the water. Those who prefer to stay on dry land are invited to gather at Riverbend Park, enjoy the festivities, and cheer on the witches as they paddle by.
The event is free to attend, and attendees are encouraged to bring diapers and/or baby wipes to donate to MountainStar families. These everyday essentials are among the most-needed items for families participating in MountainStar programs and are a simple way to make an immediate impact.
“Witches Paddle is such a fun example of what makes Central Oregon special,” said Kara Tachikawa, executive director of MountainStar. “It brings people together in a joyful way while also creating an opportunity to share why early family intervention works to prevent child abuse and neglect. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who continues to make this event such a special tradition.”
Whether you paddle, watch from shore, or stop by with a donation, everyone is invited to be part of the magic.
Join MountainStar at Riverbend Park on Saturday, October 31, from 3–6pm for the sixth annual Bend Witches Paddle.
October Community Care Project: Comfort & Calm
Throughout October, MountainStar’s Community Care Project is focused on providing Comfort & Calm for children participating in MountainStar programs.
MountainStar is collecting new items that can help create comforting, nurturing moments for young children, including:
- Children’s books
- Cozy blankets
- Pajamas
- New stuffed animals
- Sensory items, including play dough, fidgets, soft lighting, and puzzles
For families navigating significant stress, small sources of comfort can make a meaningful difference. A cozy blanket, favorite book, stuffed animal, or sensory activity can offer children opportunities to slow down, connect with a caregiver, and feel safe and supported.
“At MountainStar, we know that small moments of comfort and connection can have a meaningful impact for young children,” said Tachikawa. “This month’s Community Care Project gives our community a simple way to help create those moments for the children and families we serve.”
Donations can be dropped off throughout October at MountainStar locations in La Pine, Bend, Redmond, Madras, and Prineville.
For more information about MountainStar’s Community Care Projects, visit mtstar.org/communitycareprojects.
Celebrating 25 Years of Prevention and Partnership
Throughout 2026, MountainStar is celebrating 25 years of strengthening families, protecting children, and building healthier communities across Central Oregon.
Monthly Community Care Projects are one way MountainStar is inviting the entire community to participate in this milestone year. Each project provides an approachable opportunity to make a tangible difference – from donating basic necessities and comfort items to volunteering, learning, and advocating for children and families.
Events like the Bend Witches Paddle offer another opportunity to bring the community together around MountainStar’s mission while creating connection, raising awareness, and celebrating the people who make this work possible.
As MountainStar looks toward the next 25 years, the organization remains committed to ensuring families have access to support before challenges become crises and that children have the safe, stable, and nurturing environments they need to thrive.
To participate in the Bend Witches Paddle, contribute to October’s Comfort & Calm Community Care Project, volunteer, or learn more about MountainStar, visit mtstar.org.
mtstar.org
