City of Echo Invites Community to “Beyond 250” Dinner: The City of Echo and the Echo Public Library are inviting community members to come together for a special evening of conversation, reflection, and connection at the Beyond 250 Community Dinner on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. This free community event, made possible in part by a grant from Oregon Humanities, is part of the statewide Beyond 250 initiative, which encourages Oregonians to reflect on the nation’s 250th anniversary and think about the kind of country and community we want to build for the future. The dinner will feature a free meal provided by H&P Cafe along with a guided community conversation exploring ideas such as equality, liberty, and the future of our community. The event is designed to bring people together to share a meal, listen to one another, and reflect on the next 250 years. According to Echo Public Library Director Anna Lemmon, the event is an opportunity to create meaningful conversation in a small-town setting rooted in history and community. “I am very excited about the dinner and grateful for this grant as we celebrate these 250 years,” said Lemon. “This is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together, reflect on where we have been, and talk about where we want to go in the future.” The Beyond 250 initiative marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. Oregon Humanities has been supporting communities across the state in creating spaces for reflection, dialogue, and mutual understanding. In Echo, that vision will come to life through this dinner gathering and community discussion. The event will be held at the Echo Public Library / historic City Hall building. Community members are encouraged to reserve a spot soon, as space is limited. For questions or to reserve a seat, call the library at 541-376-6038 or use the event registration link/QR code provided on the event flyer. The City of Echo is proud to support opportunities like this that celebrate our history, strengthen community ties, and inspire thoughtful conversation about the future.