Spontaneous music is not uncommon in the Central Oregon ghost town of Shaniko (pop. 31), a 40-minute drive northeast of Madras. Though the town has been in various states of decline since it busted in 1911, Shaniko is having a moment. Music seems to be at the heart of it, drawing tourism for music festivals and Second Saturday back porch concerts. But beyond that locals are working hard to lay a sustainable foundation for growth, striving for a balance between preserving the past and surviving the present. The Shaniko Wool Company, for example — a Wasco County farm group that markets and sells sustainable merino wool — supplied wool for Team Online n Go to OregonBusiness. com/ShanikoWool to read about the Oregon company that supplied wool for Team USA’s uniforms at the 2024 summer Olympics. “There’s been a resurgence in Shaniko, with the hotel and gas station reopening. Cowboy music, bluegrass and ragtime are a good part of the momentum. But car and quilting groups are also coming. Everyone feeds off of everyone else’s enthusiasm. It feels like it’s snowballing.” — SCOTT MARRS, MANAGER, SHANIKO HOTEL PHOTOS BY JASON E. KAPLAN Shaniko Days is held yearly the first weekend in August. Scott Marrs is the general manager of Shaniko Hotel and co-founder of South Wasco Fire & Rescue Association. Performers at Shaniko Days 45
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