"From the Himalayas to Hood River -- A celebration of Tibetan Culture" with the monks of Gaden Shartse will be held in Hood River on Aug. 26, beginning at noon.

The visiting monks are now living in exile in India. The opening ceremony for the event will be at noon near the waterfall in Overlook Park in downtown Hood River. This will be followed by a sand mandala demonstration at the public library, a display of artifacts at Hood River Jewelers, chai at Dog River Coffee, a butter sculpture class, and at 6 p.m. a community potluck (Tibetan momos/dumplings will be sold).