Week In Review: Aug. 21

By OPB Staff (OPB)
Portland, Oregon Aug. 21, 2015 12:57 p.m.

The Columbia River Gorge acts as a funnel for wind that barrels down along the river throughout the summer. Where the wind blows, thousands of people follow, looking to surf and ride the waves of the river.

President Obama on Friday declared a state of emergency for Washington and ordered federal aid to supplement ongoing response efforts, as a massive complex of blazes in north-central Washington state grew by more than 100 square miles in a day.

Tina Couey leaves food for her mother's cat, Baby, that was lost when the Canyon Creek Complex fire ripped through the community Friday.

Oregon Gov. Kate Brown visited the Canyon Creek Complex Fire near John Day on Wednesday.

Portland’s 19th annual Adult Soapbox Derby took place Aug. 15, 2015. Racers donned their craziest apparel and flew down Mount Tabor in front of thousands of onlookers. Organizers said anywhere between 7,000 and 10,000 spectators have shown up in past years.

Portland’s 19th annual Adult Soapbox Derby took place Aug. 15, 2015. Racers donned their craziest apparel and flew down Mount Tabor in front of thousands of people. Organizers said anywhere between 7,000 and 10,000 spectators have shown up in past years.

Portland decided to give free community center passes to youth 18 and younger for the summer. The program started with the Matt Dishman Community Center. Maryan Abdiyo says she's been coming to Dishman for years and loves that there is always lots to do.

Oaks Bottom Forge aren't the only repurposed items at the Portland-based business. This piece of machinery was re-purposed from a forklift.

Each Oaks Bottom Forge blade must remain red-hot to keep the material pliable.

Beer enthusiasts Eli Stabler and Ashley Perry adorn intricate body paint representing 10 Barrel Brewing for the Bend Brewfest.

Tasters raiser their glasses in salute to the Bend Brewfest. Cheers to the weekend.

TriMet held a celebration for Portland's latest bridge at the Southwest Waterfront on Aug. 22.

For much of the week, wildfires dominated the headlines in the Northwest. We also saw a soapbox derby, beer celebrations, community programs making a difference and of course, the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

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Through the best photography at OPB, here is your week in review.

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