Arlington seeks to attract events

McGuire pitched his vision — which he named the Woolery, in honor of Arlington’s sheep and livestock heritage — at a town hall meeting in February. Since then, the nonprofit Friends of Gilliam County formed over the summer to start rallying support for the project.

Their first major fundraiser, the inaugural Arlington Oktoberfest, was successful, he said. But nothing is set in stone, Shannon said.

“The initial idea is it would be a venue in this town that could pull people from the region as far as The Dalles and Pendleton,” he said.

“It’s kind of being designed with an old, rustic look.”

If all goes smoothly, McGuire said he could envision breaking ground as early as next year.

“People are always looking for a new destination with character,” he said. “I want this to stick out for the gorge to see.”