A Mountain Hearth

Tales of Modern Homesteading and Outdoor Adventure

Going to the Country Faire

For many of us, the term, “country fair” likely evokes images of livestock shows, prize pumpkins, canned goods, pies and barn dances. While these are all wonderful things, here in Oregon, we have a whole different kind of country fair. Started in 1969, the Oregon Country Fair was created by a group of artists, musicians and visionaries, and is still going strong today right here in our neighborhood. I wish I could describe the fair and do it justice. In a nutshell, it’s a magical renaissance-type alternative fair in the shady green forest along the banks of the Long Tom River. For three days every July, thousands of people gather to listen to music, dance, appreciate art, create art, eat delicious food, attend educational presentations and be a part of the fair community. Our family absolutely loves it. It’s the sort of place where one can have just about any experience they can imagine. Some folks come for a really big party. I am in it for the art and abundant creativity. The rest of my family is in it for the Vaudeville shows. There’s something for everyone.

My young Vaudeville enthusiasts. They will sit all day and watch show after show, only to be enticed away by yummy food, Ruby’s homemade root beer, or Coconut Bliss bars.
At the Stage Left, we sat in the shade and beheld this repurposed shrink wrap ballgown at the Haute Trash Fashion show. We saw many recycled fashion creations made from an array of materials including umbrellas, tents, and mesh onion bags. This performance is one of many eco-conscious dimensions of the fair, including a fair-wide zero waste policy, bio-diesel fueled equipment, alternative energy, intensive land management planning and ongoing watershed restoration efforts.
      
The Community Village Fruit Booth is my favorite place to lend a hand. Here folks can buy organic, local fresh fruit to replenish their energy so they can keep on dancing. In the Community Village one can also find workshops, music, edible plant tours and information on sustainable living practices.
And then there are all the art booths…
Enchanted pottery
Metal fairy suncatchers
It’s magical
My son drinking in the sights of Raven Moon’s Spirit Shakers. He has been collecting these gem encrusted rattles for quite a few years now, and aspires to save up and buy the giant frog rattle one day.
Wild rose garlands
Seeing the costumes that people create is one of my favorite parts of the fair. This amazing creation was dreamed up by my dear friend and talented seamstress, Erin Gilday, of Patchwork Underground. 
Parades pass through the pathways of the fair frequently with dragons, hippie marching bands, and people on stilts in giant costumes. This forest Goddess is one of the many characters walking about through the trees.
The bicycle powered snow cone machine (an essential fair experience)
Just the refreshment we needed on such a hot day
(And they used all natural, non GMO, non high-fructose corn syrup flavorings to boot!)
We happened upon Ken Kesey’s Further bus on our way to the fair one morning. Being the bus-loving folks, and fans of the late Ken Kesey and his band of Merry Pranksters that we are, we were very excited to see it up close in all its inspiring painted glory.
As the sign near the entrance reads, “The Oregon Country Fair creates event and experiences that nourish the spirit, explore living artfully and authentically on earth, and transform culture in magical, joyous and healthy ways.” I’d say they’re doing an excellent job! Every year I come home from the fair feeling hot, tired, dusty, and deeply nourished. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.

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