Bandon’s Cranberry Festival Designated An Oregon Heritage Tradition
The Bandon Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that the Bandon Cranberry Festival has been officially designated an Oregon Heritage Tradition by the Oregon Heritage Commission.
The designation recognizes traditions that have been celebrated for 50 years or more, contribute to the identity and livability of Oregon, and have a public profile that distinguishes them from other events. The Bandon Cranberry Festival is the 30th event in Oregon to receive this honor.
Established in 1947, the festival emerged from the region’s cranberry industry, which has long been a defining agricultural, economic, and cultural force on the southern Oregon coast. Today, the Bandon area produces approximately 90% of Oregon’s cranberry crop and remains the center of cranberry production in the state.
For nearly 80 years, the festival has celebrated the harvest while bringing together generations of residents, growers, businesses, schools, service organizations, and visitors. Many of the festival’s signature traditions—including the Cranberry Court and Coronation, the Cranberry Bowl football game, the Grand Parade, the Cranberry Kitchen, and the community dance—trace their roots back to the festival’s earliest years and continue today.
The Oregon Heritage Tradition designation recognizes not only the festival itself, but also the countless volunteers and community members who have sustained and evolved this cherished tradition over the decades.
As the festival prepares to celebrate its 80th anniversary this September, the Chamber is honored to receive this recognition on behalf of the entire community.
Additional information about the Oregon Heritage Tradition program is available through the Oregon Heritage Commission. The official designation banner will be presented during the 2026 Bandon Cranberry Festival.
We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who has contributed to the success of the festival over the past 79 years. This recognition belongs to the entire Bandon community.
