Good morning, McMinnville.

A taste test compared Pacific Northwest bigleaf maple syrup with Vermont's sugar maple syrup, and journalists Jamie Hale and Michael Russell found the local syrup works best for pancakes + cooking while offering a distinct flavor.

High school girls basketball state tournaments for 6A, 5A and 4A will begin tomorrow at venues including the Chiles Center, Linfield University and Forest Grove High School.

The quarterfinal matchups feature teams such as Tualatin + West Salem and Silverton, with record-setting achievements noted.

The Winterhawks named Ken Yaremchuk the top player in their 50-year history at a Saturday ceremony in McMinnville, and retired his number 15; current player Sam Spehar now wears 7.

Yaremchuk scored 508 points in 257 games and also had a notable NHL and international career.

State tournaments for Oregon high school boys basketball continue this week at Chiles Center, Linfield University, and Forest Grove High School.

The quarterfinal matchups begin today at 1:30 p.m.—with teams in the 6A, 5A, and 4A divisions seeking state titles.

St. Paddy's Kick Off Party

7:30 p.m. — McMenamins Hotel Oregon — $21 — Celebrate the spirit of St. Patrick's Day with live music from The Katie Jane Band.

McMinnville Wine + Food Classic

11 a.m. - 5 p.m. — Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum — $20+ — Experience a delightful blend of Oregon wines, local food, and live entertainment under the iconic Spruce Goose.

McMinnville Chess Club Gatherings

5:30-8 p.m. — Mac Market — Free entry — Engage in chess games and enjoy community play in a vibrant venue.

Stand Up Comedy Showcase Showdown

7 PM — McMenamins Hotel Oregon — $75 prize for best set — Enjoy an entertaining mix of comedy competition and audience games with local talent.

Spring Equinox Sound Bath

3-7 p.m. — The Ground at Stillwater — $50 per person — Experience a restorative afternoon with sound healing, meditation, and creative workshops.

Evergreen Spring Camps

9 AM – 3 PM — Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum — $349+ — Engage in aerospace-themed fun and learning with hands-on STEAM activities and museum tours.

McMinnville Chess Club Gathering

5:30-8 p.m. — Mac Market — Free entry — Engage in friendly chess matches and explore our extensive Chess Library in a community-centric venue.

Live DJ Performance by DJ Blue Note Charlie

6-10 p.m. — HiFi Wine Bar — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of captivating tunes with DJ Blue Note Charlie spinning live.