The deadline for What’s Happening items is 5 p.m. Friday. Call Cheryl at the Eagle, 541-575-0710.

• 6:30 p.m., St. Thomas Episcopal Parish House

Anyone interested is welcome to the Grant County Democrats meeting in the St. Thomas Parish House, 139 S. Washington St., Canyon City.

• 10 a.m. to noon, Cornerstone Christian Church, 139 N.E. Dayton St.

Parents, grandparents and guardians of children who have special needs are invited to share information, pick up resource materials and meet others in the community. There will be refreshments and door prizes. For information, call the 855-323-6744 or 503-494-0865.

Saturday, May 24

• 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., John Day stoplight

All are welcome to the demonstration, which is a global call to action regarding the long-term health risks of genetically modified foods, and demanding that GMO products be labeled so consumers can make informed decisions about the foods they purchase and eat.

• 11 a.m., Prairie City Cemetery

All are welcome to attend the ceremony commemorating Memorial Day, held by American Legion Post 106. The event will include a gun salute, taps and prayers. The cemetery will be decorated throughout with American flags, courtesy of Legion members. After the remembrance, a memorial wreath will be dropped in the John Day River from the Bridge Street bridge.

• 6 p.m., Outpost Restaurant, John Day

The Farmers Market board of directors will hold an introductory meeting for the 2014 season. All interested vendors should plan to attend. The booth fee is again $50 for the season, which runs every Saturday from June 21 to Oct. 18. The markets are held on Southwest Brent Street in John Day. The cost for occasional vendors is $5 each week. Full-season vendors unable to attend can ensure a spot by mailing a check for $50 to Jim Bay, 59122 Highway 26, Mt. Vernon, OR 97865. Additional market managers are needed to help set up and run the information booth. Call 541-932-2725 for more information.

• 6 and 7 p.m., John Day Nazarene Church

The students of the combined studios of Janine Goodwin and Rebecca Bogardus will give their year-end recital at 6 p.m. At 7 p.m, the Grant County String Ensemble will give their debut performance. The ensemble is a volunteer-run organization open to string players of all ages. Both performances are free, but the string ensemble welcomes donations, to help cover future music costs. Those arriving for the 7 p.m. program are asked to enter quietly, as the first show may still be in progress.

• 4:10 p.m., Long Creek Community Center

Country Christian recording artist Charlie Walker will perform, presented by New Life Bible Church. All are welcome to attend and bring a friend, and be encouraged by stories and music. Admission is free, but love offerings are welcome. Walker will have CDs available for purchase. Call 541-421-3888 for more information.

• Canyon City

Activities kick off with a chili cook-off contest Friday night in the Canyon City Community Hall. Saturday’s schedule includes a parade, plus lots of food and fun around the theme, “Gold, Mined and Sold by the Brave and Bold.” This year’s parade grand marshal is former Canyon City mayor Dorman Gregory. More details will be in next week’s issue.