This years Oregon Country Fair gears up for the 2012 celebration. Start planning now, especially if you want to perform, sell products or food. There are deadlines to be met if you want to participate.
This years fair will be held July 13-15. Although the fair doesn't start until July, there are deadlines that must be met months in advance in preparation for the event.
Performers wishing to perform at the fair must have their application in by Mar. 15.
Artists that wish to sell their handmade crafts during the fair must have their application in by Apr. 1. All items sold must be handmade.
Food vendors must have their application in by Apr. 2, by 5pm.
Tickets will go on sale May 1 and will be sold through TicketsWest.
The first fair was held in Eugene, Ore. on Nov. 1 and 2 in 1969.
Originally referred to as the "Renaissance Faire" that encouraged people wishing to attend to "come in costume".This year is the 43rd Annual Oregon Country Fair.
It started out as a barter and craft fair to raise funds for an alternative school, the Children's Community School.
The current location, 442 Lawrence Street Eugene, Ore. is 13 miles west of Veneta, Ore. in a wooded setting on approximately 250 acres. Find your way by using mapquest. This land is owned by the Oregon Country Fair.
The fair is known in the community for recycling, cooperation, environmental awareness, use of materials and artistic expression.
At the Oregon Country Fair you can dance to music, belly dance, enjoy authentic food, buy jewelry and other handmade crafts, march in parades, get your face painted or just people watch.
Preparations for the fair go on all year long. They employ seven paid employees, and there are tons of volunteers that help make this event a success every year. Permanent structures are maintained year round by a groundskeeper that is on site and is assisted by many volunteers. A site manager is responsible for set-up and coordination of maintenance year round.
In 2011 Culture Jam came about. Culture Jam is an eight day summer youth gathering located on the same site as the Oregon Country Fair, referred to as Alice in Wonderland.
This program is an arts centered program for youth ages 14-18. Activities like dancing, singing, drumming, circus arts, theatre, media study, writing and painting.
This year will be the 11th week long event. Tuition is $400, but scholarships are available.
Norma Sax, Administrative Assistant for the Oregon Country Fair, has been in this position for 16 years and is employed full-time. The most rewarding part of her job is the diversity of people and experiencing all of the unique talents the entertainers and artists have to share.
"It's a unique event that offers a wonderful experience," said Sax.
The Family Fair News newspaper is also available for additional information, in print and online.
"I know it sounds cliche, but there really is something for everyone," said Sax.There are many activities and performances to attend with 15 stages of entertainment.
At the Oregon Country Fair you can be who ever you want to be. Dress up in costume to express yourself or wear nothing at all.
At a glance:
Who: Anyone and everyone with an open mind
What: Oregon Country Fair
When: July 13-15, 2012
Where: Eugene, Ore.
Why: Entertainment and self-expression
Links:
www.oregoncountryfair.org
http://www.powerofhope.org
www.google.com/search?tbm=bks&tbo=1&q=the+oregon+companion&btnG=
www.mapquest.com
www.ticketswest.com
Looks like a fun and eventful fair (not that a fair would strive for boredom... hope not)!
ReplyDeleteI'd definitely get in contact with whoever you could involving the fair's administration, or if you know of any small business who contribute towards its overall success (or just vendor something maybe). Sweet topic!